CD1, SMEP or purple method buddies?

[Pheepa]

I’m unfortunately CD1 after what I thought could be implantation spotting has unfortunately turned into slightly early AF.
Cycles seem to alternate between 26 and 28 days, usually get peak on CB digital OPK on CD12 ish.
This is cycle 4 of TTC baby no 3. I’m 38, last baby was 10 years ago and despite trying to chill out and just see what happens I’m finding each month pretty stressful. I know we haven’t been TTC for long this time but with being significantly older than the last time and falling quickly with my other 2 I’m finding it hard not to worry and feel like we are on the clock.
Does anyone want to join a CD1 thread? I was thinking about not using OPKs this month and seeing if that helps with stress levels and either following SMEP or the purple method I’ve seen mentioned - though don’t really know much about either! Anyone have any instructions or planning to do similar this cycle? Thanks

Bump

@Pheepa hello! Start of my cycle, but I do have really irregular cycles so you’ll either be pregnant or onto next cycle before I get my peak probably!! Anyways I’ve been trying SMEP for the last few cycles. Been ttc a total of 14 months but cycles very from 30-95 so! On lots of different vitamins now so hoping I can atleast make my cycle a little shorter! Temping for the first time this month and I’ll be doing SMEP again! Good luck!

Thanks @Peonies94, I recognise your username from another thread. Must be challenging coping with varying cycles, I’m quite lucky in that respect. Do you have a diagnosis of why they vary so much? I’m CD2 today and thinking we are going to follow the purple method and BD on day 6,10,12,14,16. I know I’ll want to on 13 too as ovulation is usually around then for me but going to try and stick to every other to take pressure off DH and hopefully let the swimmers replenish a bit!

@Pheepa no, I’ve been told not PCOS! Haven’t had lots of tests, but have visited GP about periods since a teen! Ah good luck with purple method!