Interpreting Temperature Following Oral Contraceptives
Question
I stopped taking oral contraceptives two months ago and have had two normal 28 day periods since. This month I started tracking CM and taking temps because we want to try for baby #2. I can see no pattern whatsover on my chart. The lowest temperature was on day 14, but there has been no other patterns. The temps in the beginning are the same as in the end. On day 14, I did have egg white mucus, and on day 15, I had brown discharge. Do you think I am not ovulating? Also, I breath through my mouth at night. I get up to drink water and use the restroom probably at least twice at night. I thought this may be causing the problem, but I have no idea how to prevent that. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Leah
Answer
Last Updated: December 2, 2013
Leah,
From what you describe, it appears that you are not presently ovulating. With ovulation, there is a characteristic biphasic (2 level) temperature pattern. You indicate that you do not see a temperature shift which should be evident when lower pre-ovulatory temps give way to the higher post- ovulatory temps due to the rise in progesterone. There should be an obvious .4 degree change. It is recommended that you have at least 1 hour of good sleep before taking your temperature, that your room be dark during the night, and that the daily temperature be taken in a consistent manner at approximately the same time and always before 7:30 AM.
Both the egg-white mucus and brown discharge are positive indicators of a potentially fertile time, but in your case, this appears to be very limited. There should be more of a pattern of mucus transition from thick and cloudy to the egg-white type which you mentioned.
I do not think that mouth breathing or night rising is the source of your infertile pattern. Perhaps you still have residual hormones from the pill still in your body. However, it has been my experience that postpill cycling patterns of temperature and mucus typically normalize within 3 months. If your cycles do not become biphasic over the next few months, I would consult a physician.
Debi Hoppe, Instructor
Sympto-Thermal Method
From what you describe, it appears that you are not presently ovulating. With ovulation, there is a characteristic biphasic (2 level) temperature pattern. You indicate that you do not see a temperature shift which should be evident when lower pre-ovulatory temps give way to the higher post- ovulatory temps due to the rise in progesterone. There should be an obvious .4 degree change. It is recommended that you have at least 1 hour of good sleep before taking your temperature, that your room be dark during the night, and that the daily temperature be taken in a consistent manner at approximately the same time and always before 7:30 AM.
Both the egg-white mucus and brown discharge are positive indicators of a potentially fertile time, but in your case, this appears to be very limited. There should be more of a pattern of mucus transition from thick and cloudy to the egg-white type which you mentioned.
I do not think that mouth breathing or night rising is the source of your infertile pattern. Perhaps you still have residual hormones from the pill still in your body. However, it has been my experience that postpill cycling patterns of temperature and mucus typically normalize within 3 months. If your cycles do not become biphasic over the next few months, I would consult a physician.
Debi Hoppe, Instructor
Sympto-Thermal Method
Answered By:
Debi Hoppe
Debi Hoppe, Professional Member of CANFP, Debi, and her husband Mark Hoppe, are from the Orange Region. When not advocating for NFP, Debi enjoys spending time with her children & grandchildren, studying Catholic apologetics, and reading about the lives of the saints.
