Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Health - Tracking

Suffering from a brief bout of mild depression is common for women who have just given birth. Some women will fight through the depression and come out within a few weeks feeling better than ever before. Other women will suffer from baby blues symptoms that lead to a deeper more clinical-style depression. Suffering from a brief bout of mild depression is common for women who have just given birth. Some women will fight through the depression and come out within a few weeks feeling better than ever before. Other women will suffer from baby blues symptoms that lead to a deeper more clinical-style depression. There is nothing wrong with going to your obstetrician to talk about your personal baby blues. Obstetricians understanding the hormonal effects and pressures of having a new baby and often work with psychologists and psychiatrists to help her feel better quickly. Baby Blues: Mild Depression <a title="Postpartum depression baby blues" href="/postpartum/the-baby-blues-or-postpartum-depression">Baby blues </a>are characterized by mild mood changes and a general feeling of worthlessness. Sleep deprivation, thanks to those two hour time windows between feedings, can make depression symptoms feel even worse. Pressure, both real and self-imposed, about raising a new baby, returning to work, and making ends meet financially are all contributing factors to baby blues symptoms. Postpartum Depression <a title="Baby blues postpartum depression" href="/postpartum/the-baby-blues-or-postpartum-depression">Postpartum depression is different from baby blues.</a> When a woman suffers from postpartum depression, her feelings of depression may be deeper and more noticeable. Lack of appetite, inability to sleep, sleeping all the time, ignoring motherly duties, refusing to care for the baby and immense sadness are all symptoms of postpartum depression. The only thing difference between clinical depression and postpartum depression is the act of having a baby.
<a title="edinburgh-postpartum-depression-quiz" href="/edinburgh-postpartum-depression-quiz">Check the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Quiz</a> What Can Family Do? Family members can watch the woman who just gave birth closely, but treatment may be needed before she feels any better. Every year, hundreds of thousands of women seek out treatment for some form of depression after giving birth. Being depressed does not make you a bad mom, woman, wife or person. Family members can talk to the woman about her feelings to try and gauge how depressed and worthless she is feeling; it is important not to forcefully push or insist that she seek out mental care.

Baby Blues Symptoms and Postpartum Depression

An ovulation prediction kit can be used by women and men who are trying to conceive to time intercourse. If intercourse occurs when a woman is ovulating, there is an increased chance that she will conceive a child. The ovulation prediction kits most often come with enough tests for 5 to 7 days. In order to most effectively use the ovulation prediction kit, the woman will have to have a basic understanding of ovulation and when it normally occurs.
What is Ovulation?
Ovulation is the time during a woman's menstrual cycle when the egg is released. Taking a normal menstrual cycle into consideration, the woman will ovulate between the 10th and 19th day after the starting day of the last period. While the ovulation predictor may help to predict when ovulation will occur, the woman will need to have intercourse before ovulation in order to optimize her chances of conception.
Ovulation is like a marker. The woman can use the ovulation prediction kit to mark the day when ovulation will most likely occur, but two to three days before the day of ovulation is when intercourse should be planned. After the egg is released, it will only live in the body for up to 24 hours which is a small time frame for conception.
How Do Ovulation Prediction Kits Predict Ovulation?
Just like the at home pregnancy test is created to test for the pregnancy hormone hCG, the at home ovulation kit tests for LH. LH is the luteinizing hormone that rises in the body when the egg is about to be released. This continuous testing of the LH before the egg is released is needed to recognize a surge in the hormone. The ovulation prediction kit is created to test positive when a surge above normal range is detected. The hormone spikes BEFORE the egg is released, which is why the kit can make conception more likely. When the hormone spikes and the test result is positive, that day is the day to have intercourse.
Is There a Chance the Test Will Be Positive and I Won't Conceive?
Yes, there is a chance that an ovulation prediction test will test positive and ovulation will not be occurring. There have been instances of false positive results. On the other hand, just because a woman is ovulating does not mean conception will occur. According to research, 60% of all pregnancies are self aborted by the female body due to chromosomal or other problems during the earliest stages of growth. Most women never know they are pregnant. Their next menstrual cycle may be a day or two late, or seem to be a bit heavier than the preceding month.
The ovulation prediction kit can also test a false negative. Most of the time, the negative test result will be due to the test being performed incorrectly. Before starting the ovulation prediction kit, it is important for the woman to read all of the instructions for the kit. Following these instructions to the letter will improve the chances of the test performing accurately.

An ovulation prediction kit or OPK can be used by women and men who are trying to conceive to time intercourse.

How Does a Ovulation Predictor Kit Work?

During pregnancy, the ligaments located on the left and right side of the abdomen may create some abdominal discomfort from time to time. It is not uncommon to feel sharp pains on the sides of the tummy as well as with the growth of the fetus.
<h2>Causes of round ligament pain</h2>
Ligaments are located on the sides of the abdomen. These run from the top of the tummy to the groin area. As the baby grows, the tummy gets larger and larger and the thick bands of connective tissue must stretch in order to accommodate the new size. As the ligaments stretch, some aches and pains are often felt by pregnant women. Increased blood flow to the area may also cause some pain which is also common.

<h2>Important facts about abdominal achiness</h2>
Sudden changes in body position are enough to trigger round ligament pain. Getting up quickly, lying down or even a sharp cough can cause new stretching of the ligaments that can be painful. These pains often last only a few brief moments, but it is not uncommon for the soreness to linger for a few hours. If the pains are associated with spotting, cramping, change in body temperature, or fever, it is important to seek out medical attention regarding the pain.
<h2>Treatment for round ligament pain</h2>
Abdominal achiness is something that comes along with pregnancy, but that does not mean mom has to sit around in pain for the duration. Sitting down with feet propped up is one of the best solutions. If resting does not relieve the pain or the achiness turns into a sharper pain, contact your attending physician for more advice.

During pregnancy, the ligaments located on the left and right side of the abdomen may feel achy from time to time.

Abdominal Discomfort During Pregnancy

<h2>What is my fertile window?</h2>
Your fertile window also known as the&nbsp;fertility&nbsp;window consists of the 5-6 fertile days of your menstrual cycle 4-5 days before and the day of ovulation when intercourse is most likely to result in pregnancy.&nbsp;This fertile window starts 5 days before the day of ovulation until the day&nbsp;of ovulation. Your most fertile of these days are the 2 days before plus the day of ovulation.
Calculate: <a href="/when-am-i-fertile-today-calculator">Am I fertile today?</a>
Having sex 24+ hours after the day of established ovulation is unlikely to improve your chances of getting pregnant.

<h2>On which days of my menstrual cycle am I more likely to get pregnant?</h2>
The 2 days before ovulation plus the day of ovulation have the highest chance of getting you pregnant if you have intercourse only once during the fertile window.
These 3 days are the best fertile window:
<img class="media-element file-media-original" title="Best Fertility Window" src="https://www.babymed.com/sites/default/files/Best%20Fertility%20Window.jpg" alt="Best Fertility Window" data-media-element="1" data-fid="69576" data-delta="1">
These percentages apply to intercourse for only one day:
<ul>
<li>6 days before ovulation (-6 dpo) : 0 %</li>
<li>5 days before ovulation (-5 dpo) : 8 %</li>
<li>4 days before ovulation&nbsp;(-4 dpo) : 17 %&nbsp;</li>
<li>3 days before ovulation&nbsp;(-3 dpo) : 8 %</li>
<li>2 days before ovulation&nbsp;(-2 dpo) : 36 %</li>
<li>1 day before ovulation&nbsp;(-1 dpo) : 34 %</li>
<li>The day of ovulation&nbsp;(dpo) : 36 %</li>
<li>Any day (24+ hours) after ovulation: (1+ dpo) : 0%</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199512073332301">Adapted from Wilcox, AJ. et al. NEJM (1995)</a>
<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199906103402304">Wilcox NEJM 1999</a>
<h2>Probability of ovulation</h2>
Your probability of ovulation depends on long your cycle days are. The longer your menstrual cycle, the further down your cycle is your likely ovulation. We used to believe that in regular menstrual cycles, ovulation happens within a range of 2-3 days. However recent publications suggest that even in regular cycles ovulation can normally happen in a range of about a week or so. That is why it's essential when trying to get pregnant that you have sex over a range of days. We are helping you by having developed an <a href="/complete-fertile-window-and-ovulation-coverage-calculator">ovulation and fertile days calculator</a> which determines the range of likelihood of ovulation and fertile days. The table below follows a research study published in 2018 which calculated the chance of ovulation happening based on cycle day length. As you can see, even with a 28-day cycle, ovulation can happen in a wide range of days.&nbsp;
<img class="media-element file-media-original" title="Probability oif Ovulation based on cycle days length" src="https://www.babymed.com/sites/default/files/Screenshot%202019-10-08%2008.34.16.png" alt="Probability oif Ovulation based on cycle days length" data-media-element="1" data-fid="74116" data-delta="2">
Adapted from:&nbsp;Can apps and calendar methods predict ovulation with accuracy? Current Medical Research and Opinion, 34:9, 1587-1594
<h2>Why can I get pregnant from intercourse up to 5 days before ovulation?</h2>
Sperms can survive for up to 5-6 days inside a woman's uterus. Increasing amounts of estrogen in the cervical mucus and reproductive tract of a woman approaching ovulation generally allows the sperm to live for up to 6 days in the woman's uterus.
Because there is a wide range of days when ovulation can possibly occur based on menstrual cycle lengths, there is an even wider range of making sure you have sex no within 5 days prior to ovulation. Below is a table that shows you your chances to "cover" ovulation, to have sex, in anticipation of the possible ovulation day:
<h2>Sex ovulation and conception by cycle days</h2>
<img class="media-element file-media-original" title="When to have sex to cover possible ovulation" src="https://www.babymed.com/sites/default/files/When%20to%20have%20sex%20to%20cover%20possible%20ovulation.png" alt="When to have sex to cover possible ovulation" data-media-element="1" data-fid="74131" data-delta="3">
Instructions: In the left column move down to find your cycle days, then move to the right to find the cycle days to have sex to ensure you time sexual intercourse correctly. For example,&nbsp; if your menstrual cycles are 30 days long, then having sex on each cycle day between cycle days 10-20 covers each day an over 15% chance to not miss ovulation.&nbsp;
<h2>Does the timing of intercourse help?</h2>
Studies have shown that even in women with regular cycles, ovulation can possibly happen any time, so "timing" of intercourse has never been shown to improve your pregnancy chances. You are probably not improving your chances of getting pregnant if you wait for intercourse until the temperature goes up or the OPK has become positive. You may already have ovulated by that time, and sex after ovulation is unlikely to get you pregnant.
<h2>Every day or every other day intercourse?</h2>
Couples who tried to get pregnant were previously told to have sex once every other day during their fertile days. Recent studies have shown that the average couple who is trying to conceive should make love regularly 2-3 times a week, every week because you don't know exactly when ovulation happens.
In addition, you may improve your chances if you <a href="/when-am-i-fertile-today-calculator" target="_self">have sex once a day (as long as his sperm are OK) during the fertile 4-5 days prior to, and the day of, ovulation.</a> In those rare circumstances when the man does not have enough sperm (oligospermia), the old rule of once every other day still holds true.
<ul>
<li>Sex every day: 37% chance of pregnancy</li>
<li>Sex every other day: 33% &nbsp;chance of pregnancy</li>
<li>Sex once a week: 15% &nbsp;chance of pregnancy</li>
</ul>
From: "<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199512073332301">Timing of Sexual Intercourse in Relation to Ovulation -- Effects on the Probability of Conception, Survival of the Pregnancy, and Sex of the Baby</a>" was published in The New England Journal of Medicine (December 7, 1995 -- Vol. 333, No. 23). Allen J. Wilcox, Clarice R. Weinberg, Donna D. Bair.

You only have 5-6 fertile days in your cycle to get pregnant.

When Is Your Fertility Window?

Many women also refer to the menstrual period as "AF" which is an abbreviation for "Aunt Flo". Menstruation or the menstrual period refers to the monthly bleeding caused by the shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Even though this bleeding occurs in regular monthly cycles (28-29 days), the actual number of days in most women's cycles can be anywhere between 21 and 35 days. The menstrual cycle is different from a menstrual period. A menstrual cycle is the time period between the first day of a mentrual period or bleeding until the last day before the next menstrual bleeding. Having regular menstrual cycles is a sign that important parts of a woman's body, especially her ovulation is working normally. Regular menstrual cycles and regular menstrual bleedings usually indicate regular ovulation.
A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of the menstrual bleeding or period to the first day of the next period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, while menstrual bleedings usually last 3-5 days. Cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teens.
The rise and fall of levels of hormones and ovulation during the month control the menstrual cycle.
Because menstruation is a function of regular ovulation, it begins in puberty (menarche=first menstruation), and ends with menopause, when ovulation stops. The first day of bleeding is counted as the beginning of each menstrual cycle (cycle day 1 or CD 1) and the menstrual cycle ends on the day before the next menstrual period begins. Menstrual cycles normally range from about 21 to 35 days. Only about one in eight cycles are exactly 28 days.
The menstrual cycle is typically separated into three phases:
<ol>
<li>Follicular phase</li>
<li>Ovulatory phase</li>
<li>Luteal or corpus luteum phase The</li>
</ol>
Follicular phase is the phase which begins with the first day of menses (Cycle Day 1). During the early part of this phase, the pituitary gland increases release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH stimulates the growth of numerous follicles in the ovary as well as the release of estrogen from the ovary. The estrogen causes thickening of the endometrium. Generally only one of the follicles matures and gets to release the ovum (egg) contained within. LH is secreted in a sudden burst mid-cycle (around Cycle Day 13-14) and stimulates the release of the ovum from the mature follicle in the ovary.
The&nbsp;ovulatory phase lasts usually only one to two days. During this phase, the ovum is released from the mature follicle -- in a process called ovulation -- because of the increased presence of the hormone LH. Ovulation generally occurs in the 16 to 32 hours following follicle exposure to increased LH levels. The follicle ruptures and releases the ovum (egg) into the funnel-shaped end of the fallopian tube. The ovum then makes its way down the tube and into the uterus, hoping to get fertilized along the way.
The luteal phase usually lasts 12-16 days. It is the time following ovulation until the next menstrual period (bleeding). Following ovulation, the follicle that ruptured and released the egg closes and becomes a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces increasing levels of progesterone, preparing the endometrium for the implantation of a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down and the levels of progesterone and estrogen decline. This results in the breakdown of the endometrium and menstrual bleeding occurs. If pregnancy does occur, the placenta begins to produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It is the top and middle endometrial layers that are shed during the menstrual period. The bottom (innermost or deepest) layer remains, and prepares once again for implantation in the next cycle. Menstrual periods and cycles can be disturbed in a number of ways: Click here for more about <a>Menstrual Disturbances</a>.

Many women also refer to the menstrual period as "AF" which is an abbreviation for "Aunt Flo".

Menstruation

<h2>Progesterone, Corpus Luteum, and the Luteal Phase</h2>
Progesterone is a steroid hormone initially secreted by the corpus luteum, an area in the ovary that develops after ovulation. Prior to ovulation, progesterone levels are very low. They increase right after ovulation and reach levels above 10 ng/ml usually by 5-7 days after ovulation. The time right after ovulation until the next menstrual period is called the “corpus luteum phase” or the “luteal phase.” During the luteal phase, the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tube into the uterus where it implants usually 6-12 days after fertilization. The normal luteal phase lasts on average 14 days, and it can be anywhere from 12 to 17 days long. Progesterone has the following functions:
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">It prepares the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, for implantation and a possible pregnancy.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">It prevents the contraction of the uterus.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">It prevents the development of a new follicle.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">During pregnancy, it is being produced by the placenta and maintains the pregnancy until birth.</li>
</ul>
If pregnancy does not happen then production of progesterone by the corpus luteum decreases toward the end of the menstrual cycle, and menstruation begins.
If pregnancy does happen, then the placenta in addition to the corpus luteum will start producing progesterone. Progesterone levels increase at the time of implantation and by the 10th to the 11th week of the pregnancy the placenta takes over the main production of progesterone and the corpus luteum is no longer essential to maintain the pregnancy.&nbsp;

What is Progesterone?

Infertility is usually defined as not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying (6 months if you are over 35 years of age). Women who are able to get pregnant but then have repeat miscarriages are also said to be infertile. Reasons for not being able to get pregnant include problems with the man, the woman, or both. In about 15% of infertile couples both have been tested to be ok. This is known as <a href="/fertility-problems/what-is-unexplained-infertility" target="_self">unexplained infertility</a>. To understand the work-up that's needed to be done for infertility, you need to first understand the major reasons for not being able to get pregnant. The most important and basic components of the process of getting pregnant include the following:
<ol>
<li>Male factor: Sperm must be deposited close to the cervix near the time of ovulation, ascend into the fallopian tubes, and have the capacity to fertilize the oocyte.</li>
<li>Ovarian Factor: Ovulation of a mature oocyte must occur, ideally on a regular, predictable, cyclic basis. But it's not only that ovulation must take place, but the egg has to be of a "good quality".</li>
<li>Cervical Factor: The cervix must capture, filter, nurture, and release sperm into the uterus and fallopian tubes.</li>
<li>Tubal Factor: The fallopian tubes must capture ovulated ova and effectively transport sperm and embryos.</li>
<li>Uterine Factor: The uterus must be receptive to embryo implantation and capable of supporting subsequent normal growth and development.</li>
</ol>
The infertility testing is done to check each of these components, insofar as that is possible, and to identify any abnormalities that might impair or prevent conception.
<ol>
<li>Sperm Count: Does he have enough sperms and are they OK?</li>
<li>Ovulation: Is the egg released regularly from the ovary each month?</li>
<li>Egg Quality: Are the eggs good enough and when they fertilize are they recruited during each ovulatory cycle? A normal and low FSH on CD 3 usually means that the eggs have a good quality, while an elevated FSH on CD means their quality is not so good.</li>
<li>Fallopian Tube Patency: Can the sperm and the egg travel unimpeded through the fallopian tubes to the site of fertilization? Are there adhesions to prevent the tubes from moving normally?</li>
<li>Implantation: Once fertilized, can the embryo progress and implant into the lining of the uterus?</li>
<li>Uterine Lining: Is the endometrium adequately prepared to accept and support the embryo?</li>
<li>Pregnancy Maintenance: Once the embryo has implanted, can the pregnancy be maintained to term?&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Infertility testing for women addresses several issues involving ovulation, eggs, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes

Infertility Testing - Female

Here are the probabilities of your chances being pregnant with these symptoms from&nbsp; high to medium to low.
<h2>High Pregnancy Probability (Nearly 100% chance of pregnancy)</h2>
<ul>
<li>No menstrual period (amenorrhea), AND known day of ovulation, AND 17+ DPO</li>
<li>An elevated BBT curve for 16+ days without a menstrual period</li>
<li>A positive blood hCG pregnancy test <a href="/pregnancy-tools/when-to-do-the-pregnancy-test-calculator">(When?)</a></li>
<li>A positive urine pregnancy test (HPT)</li>
<li>A gestational sac on ultrasound</li>
<li>Fetus on ultrasound</li>
</ul>

<h2>Medium Pregnancy Probability (About 50% chance of pregnancy with one of these)</h2>
<ul>
<li>Missed menstrual period (amenorrhea), known day of ovulation, AND 15-16 DPO</li>
<li>Missed menstrual period AND more than two of the symptoms below</li>
<li>Triphasic curve, 12+ DPO, AND more than two of the symptoms below</li>
</ul>
<h2>Low Pregnancy Probability (Less than 25% chance of pregnancy)</h2>
<ul>
<li>Missed menstrual period for over one week (not knowing if ovulation happened) AND a repeatedly negative pregnancy test</li>
<li>Abundant cervical mucus &gt;10 DPO</li>
<li>A negative blood hCG test</li>
<li>Triphasic curve &lt;12 DPO</li>
<li>Bleeding or spotting about a week after ovulation</li>
<li>Lower abdominal cramps</li>
<li>Heavy breasts</li>
<li>Breasts increasing in size</li>
<li>Nausea</li>
<li>Nipple or breast tenderness</li>
<li>Fatigue</li>
<li>Vomiting</li>
<li>Food cravings</li>
<li>Metallic taste in mouth</li>
<li>Dry skin</li>
<li>Thirst</li>
<li>Frequent urination</li>
<li>Softening of cervix</li>
<li>Constipation</li>
<li>Lower-back pain</li>
</ul>

Here are the probabilities of your chances being pregnant with these symptoms from  high to medium to low.