Stress and Lutheal Phases

[Dollface136]

This is my first thread after reading what must be thousands! I hope you all don't mind.

I am 16 dpo and still no af. My temperatures dropped to just above the cover line on 12dpo as expected along with strong af type cramps but have now spiked up to their highest level yet.

2 BFN on internet cheapies and now all signs that af is on her way have vanished.

CM was as it should be throughout my cycle.

My question is, could I have ovulated but then stressed so much that I delayed af anyway? I have a ridiculously stressful few weeks at work since OV so thinking that could be my reason, but does stress cause elevated bbt?

Thanks lovely ladies. x

[smellsofelderberries]

I highly doubt you could have been under so much stress that it would cause a long lutal phase. High temps is a really good thing, I would keep peeing on sticks until you (hopefully!) get your BFP. GOOD LUCK! :)

[willitbe]

Hi and welcome!

Is this your first cycle of measuring BBT? Do you have a clear bi-phasic chart or rocky temps?

You can not alter your luteal phase, but it can vary by 24 hours either way of your normal LP. So if you know your LP is 14 days and you have reached 16 dpo, then there is a good chance that you will get a positive test at some point.

Stress can alter when you ovulate, but not the length of your LP.

Stress can't basically alter your bbt, but if as a result of stress you have had restless nights, disturbed sleep etc, then yes it could mess up your chart somewhat, but if you have a very clear bi-phasic chart then, the most likely thing would be pregnancy....!!!!

Can you post picture or link to your chart? Might be easier for comment!

[Dollface136]

Thanks so much for replying!
This is my 3rd cycle since coming off the pill of charting. My first two were rocky all over the place with no obvious ovulation temp rise but this time I was so confident it looked like it should.

www.fertilityfriend.com/home/590334

What do you think?

The low temps Sunday/Monday came after a few drinks on Saturday night so not sure how accurate they are. The rest I have been sleeping 8-9 hours a day, no alcohol or caffeine etc. I was assuming as none of my temps have gone below the cover line and I had lots of wet CM that I did ovulate.

Thanks so much for any insight. My acupuncturist was certain that I would have my af before my appointment tomorrow having seen my chart last week :-(

xx

[smellsofelderberries]

Your chart looks really good! Please keep us updated as to what your temp does tomorrow.

[Dollface136]

Hey Smellsofelderberries

That's good to hear! It's still really high at 36.20.

Still no sign of af. Have some mild cramps really low and to the left though.

I don't want to get my hopes up but it really seems like I did ov at the right time this month.

[willitbe]

It does look an amazing chart. My one question would be, what are your normal bbt measures pre and post ov. I am not trying to be negative, but the temps are relatively low, but now clearly bi-phasic, if not tri-phasic. I would put alternative ov possibilities at cd 15 in relation to cm, or cd27 for the big jump in temps (but this could equally be the tri-phasic element)

Have you done another test today. Keeping fingers crossed for you.

[Dollface136]

Usually my pre ov temps are low and then post was normal for me until the last three really high temps. Never had them this high before and I didn't really have much cm going on recently so wouldn't have thought it could be ov but maybe you're right!

I'll keep updating my temps and see where we go. I didn't test again today I was going to leave it until Sat morning and see what my temp is like.
If still as high as it is today I'll spend out on a nice expensice clearblue test!

[willitbe]

From what you have said, I think you now have a triphasic chart and your bfp is appearing any time now. Good plan for the clear blue on Saturday, look forward to hearing It is positive!

[Dollface136]

Well looks like my cycles are still well and truely all over the place :-(
Temp still high and another negative test so FF now thinks I ovulated on 27th (and we did no DTD around that time).

To add to my stress out, my best friend who thought she would just "give it a go" has announced her pregnancy today after one month of trying.

I know it sounds terrible but it has made me so sad hearing this! Of course I am happy for her but it seems unfair when she admits to being more excited about the time off than the baby :-(

I'm sure everyone feels like this at some point but I am so angry the GP let me be on the pill for so many years without mentioning how long it can take to get back to a normal cycle! x

[willitbe]

Doll - sorry you are feeling so low right now. I know it does not help, but two things popped into my head, so I hope you will forgive me for saying them.

Firstly, you are not out this cycle, you dtd 4 days before cd27, so if this is the actual ov date, you are still in with a chance, it ain't over til.....

Secondly, I am not sure if FF really is convinced by the moving of the ov date, it has still given you dotted lines.... this is when FF is not sure. Can you put up your other charts? Or tell us if FF gave you an ovulation suggestion or not, or where the coverline was for the previous cycles?

Thirdly, it is hard when someone else gets pregnant and does not appreciate the miracle of it all. You just have to go with the flow, acknowledge your feelings to yourself (and here on mn if it helps!), and keep positive for yourself.

Finally - you ovulated..... Whether on the 27th or before, it is not so important in that you did ovulate, your body is doing what it should, maybe not in the timeframe you would like, but it is doing its job. I just want to encourage you with this.

[Dollface136]

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I'll log on to my ff and see if I can post last months chart. I had a 53 day cycle with no obvious peak in temps so think last month was no ov. I guess I will know if and when my af arrives.

I didn't realise the dotted line meant unsure so that is really helpful thank you. I had a predicted ov date of around cd30 but guess that is based on how long my last cycle was.

Anyway will see if I can post last months chart but wanted to thank you for the reply and encouragement. It does make me feel better to be able to be honest about what I am going through with someone

[Aimz127]

Just reading through this previous conversation, and totally feel for you dollface. I 'normally' had a regular cycle until this month...8 days late. Thought AF was coming two days ago but no such luck. Also BFN, and the friend that 'wasn't even trying' seems to have got pregnant straight away grrrrrr. Hoping AF returns of her holiday soon to start over again xxx

[Dollface136]

Hi Aimz!
Yes it is v frustrating but willitbe has made me feel much better, we are allowed to feel privately (and on MN) annoyed about our hyper fertile friends!

So I couldn't figure out how to share my last chart but have done a screen grab attached.

My temps are still high so I am going to assume FF is correct and maybe I ovilated on CD27, so come Sunday I should have AF. We shall see!

I am off for a scan today as I made my doctor give me a blood test (nothing wrong) and this scan just to put my mind at rest! It's a trans-vaginal scan which I am not looking forward to but at least it might provide some answers.

Here is last months chart. My second month off the pill so not surprised it is a total mess.

[Dollface136]

Here it is, x