Anovulatory Menstrual Cycles: How to Calculate Your Cycle

Anovulatory Menstrual Cycle - Cycle Calculation Issues

Hello Doctor: I am a 32-year-old woman currently trying to conceive, with an average menstrual cycle of about 35-40 days.
The first day of my last menstrual period was July 31, and as of today, my basal body temperature has not exceeded 36.7°C (I have had a continuous low temperature for 42 days, with the highest temperature reaching only 36.56°C and the lowest being 35.95°C).
During the predicted ovulation period, I also did not get a positive result on the ovulation test strips.
Starting from September 1, I experienced some bleeding that resembled menstrual blood, and for the following days, it was similar to a menstrual period, which lasted until about September 10 when there were no more secretions.
After researching online, it seems like it could be an anovulatory bleed.
Since I want to estimate my next ovulation period, how should I calculate my menstrual cycle after the anovulatory bleeding ends? Should I consider the first day of the anovulatory bleeding as the first day of my cycle? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Ding Ding, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/10

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is generally recommended to consider the first day of your menstrual period as the start of your cycle.
Since your menstrual cycle is irregular, it is advisable to take ovulation medication to increase your chances of conception.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/09/10

More Info

Understanding anovulatory menstrual cycles can be quite complex, especially when you're trying to conceive. Based on the information you've provided, it seems you're experiencing a longer menstrual cycle, which can sometimes be associated with anovulation—when the ovaries do not release an egg. This can lead to irregular bleeding patterns, which may resemble a menstrual period but are not true menstrual cycles.

To address your question about calculating your cycle after experiencing what you believe to be an anovulatory bleed, it is indeed common practice to consider the first day of any bleeding as the start of a new cycle. In your case, since you experienced bleeding starting on September 1st, you would count that as Day 1 of your new cycle.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to calculate your menstrual cycle after an anovulatory bleed:
1. Identify the First Day of Bleeding: As you mentioned, September 1st would be considered Day 1 of your cycle.

2. Track the Duration of Bleeding: Note how many days you bleed. You mentioned that the bleeding lasted until September 10th, which gives you a 10-day duration of bleeding.

3. Monitor Your Cycle Length: After the bleeding ends, keep track of when your next period starts. If your cycles are typically 35-40 days, you would expect your next period to start around October 6th to October 11th, depending on your individual cycle length.

4. Use Ovulation Prediction Methods: Since you are trying to conceive, consider using ovulation prediction kits (OPKs) again in your next cycle. These kits can help identify your LH surge, which indicates that ovulation is likely to occur within the next 24-36 hours.
5. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Tracking: Continue to monitor your basal body temperature. A rise in BBT typically indicates that ovulation has occurred. If your temperatures remain low, it may suggest that you did not ovulate.

6. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you continue to experience irregular cycles or anovulatory bleeding, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider or a fertility specialist. They can provide further evaluation and potential treatment options to help regulate your cycles and improve your chances of conception.

In summary, after an anovulatory bleed, you would start counting your cycle from the first day of bleeding. Keep in mind that irregular cycles can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle changes. Tracking your cycles and symptoms can provide valuable information for you and your healthcare provider as you navigate your fertility journey.

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