Charting Your Cycle

Newspaper Column Ad Appearing 4-2-03

While women are usually quite aware of their menstrual cycles and can easily tell if there are cycle-to-cycle variations, they seldom keep a record of the time and duration of each period. Most women have regular 28 ± 2 day cycles (counting from the first day of period until the first day of the following one), lasting 3-5 days. Menstrual regularity is an indication of normal ovulation which typically takes place 14 ± 2 days before each menstrual period. Cycles that are irregular usually indicate ovulatory problems and are typically seen for the first few years after menarche (first menstrual period) and during the menopausal transition. Irregular, anovulatory cycles result in infertility but more importantly, may lead to a variety of gynecological problems such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, heavy bleeding with resulting anemia, and even endometrial cancer. In some women, regular menstrual cycles may change at some point, resulting in menstrual irregularity and frequently heavy, excessive bleeding. Such changes may indicate potential problems and when they occur, they should be discussed with a gynecologist. In order to clearly recognize menstrual patterns and changes, women should keep a chart or a calendar indicating days of each period and any abnormalities of menstrual bleeding. Another advantage of keeping a menstrual record is that it can identify the time of ovulation and therefore, the fertile days which occur in the middle of the cycle. There is a common misconception that menstrual bleeding indicates that a woman is ovulating. Women taking birth control pills do not ovulate but have menstrual periods induced by these hormones. Also, women who have uterus and non-functioning or surgically removed ovaries do not ovulate but will have menstrual periods when placed on hormone replacement therapy.

For a medical practice devoted to female reproductive health (endocrinology), infertility, and assisted reproductive technology, call OAK BROOK FERTILITY CENTER, a place where dreams are conceived and hopes delivered. New patients are welcome.

P.S. During mid-cycle, there may be a slight discharge of blood caused by exaggerated drop in estrogen levels prior to ovulation. Such bleeding or spotting may be associated with infertility.

© Copyright Oak Brook Fertility Center