Charting my cycle

[SJ1312]

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to all of this, and I've come hoping for some advice!

I'm trying to work out how to chart my cycle.

Now, normally i spot (darkish in colour) for a week before my heavy normal period. So is the spotting or heavy flow classed as the start of my cycle?

For instance:
29-31st of July, spotting
7th of August, i had a period
26th of August, my spotting started
3rd of September, i had another period

Its been like this for a good 6 months.

When i try and work out it out it gives it a big difference. Which does make it hard because my husband is in the Navy and we rarely get a chance to TTC...

When i spoke to my doctor about she said it might or might not be normal & asked what i was like before i went on the pill - but that was a good 10 years ago so I'm not sure.
She did suggest that the first day of a proper period is the beginning of my cycle.... does this sound right aswell?? I wasn't quite happy with her blaze answer, it didnt sound confident.

Any help would be great! THANKS! :)

[JimJamsMum]

Hi, spotting doesn't count. Your period (and therefore cycle) starts on the first day of normal flow (not spotting). Spotting can sometimes be an indicator of a hormonal problem and should probably be looked into further but I don't know much about it and someone else may be of more help.

Have fun with the charting, I have found it very interesting and enlightening.

[SJ1312]

Thanks so much for the quick response!
Its always better to double check, i always feel better with a few opinions!

I think I'm going to like this site!

Thanks again :yelclap:

[iMischa]

hello Sj!! welcome :)

i definately think u should investigate, if your dr is being blaze about it maybe you need to try a different one? stress that its important to find out whats going on because u want to TTC. dont take no for an answer!!

:flowerz:

[mochachinobaby]

:wave: SJ,

It sounds very frustrating and can't doctors be soooo :dizzy: sometimes?!!!

My gut feeling is that maybe you should consider changing pills. I know that you've been on the pill for awhile now, but perhaps the pill that you're on is too strong for you.....it' only a thought, but i would check it out. OR perhaps stop taking the pill for awhile to let your body kind of 'get rid of the impurities' (so to speak). I did this 5 months (and don't intend on going back on the pill for a long time) after having immense period pain. After stopping the pill the pain basically went completely away.

As you know pills mess around with our hormones quite a bit, so maybe have a think about that option....

all the best with it. :bee:

[SJ1312]

WOW!
So i try doing my charting today based on what we discussed last night and a few dodgey squiggles i've noted down of the past few months.
I'm a week overdue for AF, and 2 weeks overdue for my usual spotting....
Test showed i'm positive!

If only it was always that easy, it happened without much effort at all....
Have only seen DH for 3 weeks over the past 4 months, looks like it was perfect timing!

Off to the doctors I go...

THIS IS SOOOOO EXCITING :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Jezabel]

wow! thats great news!! congrats! goodluck with the next 8 or so months!! :D

[iMischa]

congrats! omg thats wonderful and obviously so meant to be considering u havent even seen dh much!! lucky lady!!

:smiliedance: