Why didn’t my temp drop in new cycle?
Question
I have been charting for 7 months now and each cycle has been very normal and predictable (obvious ovulation with EWCM and thermal shift) until now. During my May cycle, my period started on May 17, I ovulated on May 31, then I started my next period on June 16. After the May 31st ovulation, my bbt elevated just as it should, but has continued to be elevated through my most recent period (which started on June 16) and still today (15 dpo), it is still high and somewhat flat (only a change of 0.2 degrees max). I had EWCM on June 28, but no thermal shift.
So,
1) Why have my temps remained high since my last cycle? (even though I’m halfway through this cycle)
2) Why haven’t I seen a thermal shift yet for this cycle?
3) What does this mean?
Answer
Last Updated: July 11, 2013
Dear Rhonda,
I have several comments to your question:
1) Even though you have been charting for 7 months, you should not automatically assume that each cycle will mimic what you have experienced in the past. Each cycle can vary in observations depending on the particular stresses in your life at the time.
2) It is not accurate to report the day of ovulation unless an ultrasound is recording the event. We can only speak of possible or probable time of ovulation because there are several days during which ovulation may occur.
3) Sustained elevated temps could be a sign of an infection or even a broken thermometer. Also, 18-20 high temps @ the thermal shift level (or higher) is a good indicator of pregnancy.
4) Often women experience unstable temperature patterns during menses and for several days after menses ceases. In a typical cycle, temps fall to their baseline @ least 5 days prior to the temp shift. Since your temps haven’t fallen completely, this indicates a probable delay in ovulation.
It seems that you are experiencing an episode of EWM and may still experience another episode before your observe a temperature shift. Stress is most likely the cause. This cycle will probably be longer than your 7 previous ones. If not, it may be that you simply missed an ovulation this month, which is not all that uncommon. (I have no idea of your age or if you might be premenopausal). Be patient and the temperature shift will likely come soon. Please do not assume infertility based on previous cycle history.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Debi Hoppe, NFP Educator
I have several comments to your question:
1) Even though you have been charting for 7 months, you should not automatically assume that each cycle will mimic what you have experienced in the past. Each cycle can vary in observations depending on the particular stresses in your life at the time.
2) It is not accurate to report the day of ovulation unless an ultrasound is recording the event. We can only speak of possible or probable time of ovulation because there are several days during which ovulation may occur.
3) Sustained elevated temps could be a sign of an infection or even a broken thermometer. Also, 18-20 high temps @ the thermal shift level (or higher) is a good indicator of pregnancy.
4) Often women experience unstable temperature patterns during menses and for several days after menses ceases. In a typical cycle, temps fall to their baseline @ least 5 days prior to the temp shift. Since your temps haven’t fallen completely, this indicates a probable delay in ovulation.
It seems that you are experiencing an episode of EWM and may still experience another episode before your observe a temperature shift. Stress is most likely the cause. This cycle will probably be longer than your 7 previous ones. If not, it may be that you simply missed an ovulation this month, which is not all that uncommon. (I have no idea of your age or if you might be premenopausal). Be patient and the temperature shift will likely come soon. Please do not assume infertility based on previous cycle history.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Debi Hoppe, NFP Educator
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.
