Boots OPK: not sure

[forgetmenots]

Hi! I hope this is in the right place - I'm TTC DC1 after being on Cerazette and I've only had 2 periods in the past eight months (both after attempts by my otherwise dismissive GP to 'jumpstart' my cycle using Utovlan).

Have decided to give OPK a try just to reassure myself that I'm ovulating, as that's obviously my big worry. Now, I know that faint lines don't count as a positive... and I see a very, very faint one every time I test. BUT - today's line is only slightly lighter than the test window, there is a definite pink line!! (I will try and figure out how to post a pic!) Should I be cautiously optimistic, or is this as useless as the hairline tests that were clearly negative?

Thanks in advance, new to conception and long-time lurker!

OPK's detect your LH surge. The LH surge is a good predictor of ovulation within the next 12-36 hours. However, firstly it is easy to miss the surge with a test. Second, it won't tell you for sure if you have ovulated. You can get a surge but still not ovulate. The only way to tell yourself is to chart your temperatures. Google "fertility friend" a website which will take all the guesswork out of charting.

Thanks bonzo I will definitely check that out!

One more bump in case anyone's got any more helpful advice or thoughts, that site is great thanks bonzo x

I used those once. I got a line slightly lighter than the test window and then a really dark one a few hours later. I prefer the smiley face ones, where you get a yes or no answer and don't have to spend ages staring at a stick to work out which line is darkest!

If you have only had two periods in the last eight months, then this itself warrants further investigation. Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of absent periods and the GP has already tried and failed to "jumpstart" your system twice using drugs.

If GP is dismissive see another one within the practice or change practices.

OPKs are not without their problems anyway and are of no real benefit or even use to you in your particular circumstances.

Seek proper answers, have blood tests done to see what your hormone levels are like and don't be fobbed off by clueless GPs. You ought to be seeing a specialist in your circs.

If you are seeing faint lines every time you use an OPK then it could mean that the test is picking up excess LH hormone levels.

You need a diagnosis first and foremost.

Thanks Attila and eurochick - both helpful. I totally agree Attila, I know you're right. It's a bit of a dice throw I suppose, haven't been trying long and just have the niggling worry. Back to the doc...

Update: on Monday I had my first natural AF in months, delighted! Seems heavier but tars no surprise... Feel pleased but still going to go to the doc. Thanks for all your help xx