Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

First of all- thank you for even venturing into my post,...

I have been off of BC for about 1 year. Over the past 3 months I have gotten my period every 28 days! Yaya! Does this mean I am ovulating? Or can I get my period without the O?


Any thoughts?

Re: Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

not necessarily

Re: Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

I agree with conigs.

If you want to confirm that you are Oing, you may want to look into temping with a BBT (they sell them in the pharmacies and they're not expensive). Its a really helpful tool to understand your body and your cycles.

Re: Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

i agree - AF doesnt necessarily mean you O'ed.

Re: Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

I agree with the others. Although it's technically not AF it's called an anovulatory cycle. What makes you think you aren't ovulating?

This is from babyhopes.com

Anovulatory Cycle
By definition, an anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle in which ovulation fails to occur. This means that you do bleed but do not release an egg or ovulate. Hence the term anovulation. This is normally supposed to happen during menopause. If it does happen before then anovulation translates into difficulty in conception or infertility. Anovulatory cycles tend to occur occasionally throughout the childbearing years, but are most common during adolescence and in the years before menopause (”perimenopause”).

Causes and Prevention of Anovulatory Cycles
Anovulation can arise from a number of causes, ranging from diet and exercise to complex disruptions in the relationships between tiny glands in the brain that control our most basic functions. Some causes are relatively easy to identify, whereas others are much more difficult.

Hormonal imbalances are the most probable cause of anovulatory cycle. A prolonged, strenuous program of exercise, such as running, can interfere with the ovulatory cycle by suppressing the output of hormones called gonadotropins from the hypothalamus in the brain. Anxiety and other forms of emotional stress can also take their toll on normal ovulation.

The disorder may also result from eating disorders, hypothalamic dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, luteal phase defects, or tumors of the pituitary gland adrenal gland or ovaries. Other causes of anovulatory cycles are primary ovarian failure, resistant ovary syndrome and autoimmune oophoritis.

Another possible contributor to anovulation is the long-term use of certain medications. Steroidal oral contraceptives (the Pill) are sometimes responsible. These drugs work by intentionally disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, suppressing ovulation and thereby preventing pregnancy. For women using long-acting injectable steroid contraceptives (Depo-Provera), it appears likely that the longer the contraceptive is continued the more likely it is that amenorrhea will result.

Once you know the probable causes of anovulation, you must take care to avoid any of these, especially if you have a history of fertility problems. Avoid any strenuous exercise without consultation and do not attempt to try out fad diests as these may lead to anovulatory cycles. Learn to manage stress and develop a healthy lifestyle to keep this disorder at bay.

Re: Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

Thank you ladies! I have to make an appt for the gyno in March. I think I will start using the BBT this cycle. Can I start now mid way through?

Re: Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

Yes, you can start midway.

Re: Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

I think since you are so regular it's probably a good sign you are O'ing but it's not a a definite sign.


Good luck!!

Re: Ok I am asking,....if I get my AF does that mean I ovulated?

Thank you so much! I also have PCOS,...so who the heck knows! LOL!