Tracking Ovulation [Part 2] #48
How do you track ovulation?
Hello everyone,
How is your December going so far? This month is often full of excitement but also filled with social events. I am one of those fake extroverts who seem fine in social circumstances but get drained from them quickly.
In today’s newsletter, I want to continue from Part 1 and discuss other ways to track your ovulation. I also want to ask if you currently track your ovulation window:
In the last newsletter, we discussed:
Method 1: Temperature Changes
Method 2: Vaginal Discharge and Cervical Mucus
Method 3: Cervical Positioning
In today’s newsletter, we discuss:
Method 4: Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)
Method 5: Mood and Cognitive Changes during Ovulation
Method 6: Apps
Method 4: Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)
Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) are another popular method for detecting ovulation. These kits see the surge in Luteinizing hormone (LH) before ovulation. There are primarily two types of OPKs: urine-based and saliva-based. Urine-based kits test for LH in the urine, while saliva-based kits detect ferning patterns in saliva. When your estrogen increases near your time of ovulation, your dried saliva may form a fern-shaped pattern (how freaking cool?).
For kits analysing urine, you need to do daily testing till you get a positive result. With a saliva ovulation test, you should look for a particular pattern in your dried saliva using the microscope. You might see two possible appearances: dots and circles or a fern-like pattern. If you can see the fern, you are likely to be ovulating, and a combination of the fern, dots and circles means you are approaching your fertile days. However, you should note that it is possible to fern outside your fertile window.
Understanding and monitoring vaginal discharge and cervical mucus, along with the use of OPKs, can significantly help us track ovulation.
Method 5: Mood and Cognitive Changes during Ovulation
I am sure you have noticed differences in your mood throughout the month. I personally feel much more attractive, focused, creative and cognitively capable around my ovulation.
The key drivers of these changes are the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The increase in estrogen levels during ovulation is associated with improved mood and cognitive function. In contrast, the rise in progesterone following ovulation can result in fluctuating moods and diminished cognitive sharpness.
Understanding these hormonal influences is crucial for women monitoring their ovulation. Some women experience heightened senses, increased libido, and a more positive mood as signs of ovulation. However, these changes can vary greatly among us, so if you don’t, it’s totally normal.
Keeping a diary or using apps to note daily emotional and cognitive states can help you correlate these changes with your ovulation.
Method 6: Apps
These days, apps have become incredibly good at helping you identify your ovulation period. Natural Cycles, as an example, have been FDA-approved to use as a contraceptive method. The algorithm seems primarily based on the first method we discussed last week: temperature. However, they most likely consider all the other data you input into the app.
I am a big fan of the intersection of tech and health (I am also biased, as I have been working in health tech for the past six years). It’s incredible that we can use the power of technology and science to get to know our bodies and enable us to take control of our health.
All of these methods can help bring some insight into our reproductive system. Whichever you choose is up for preference.
If your period is irregular (like mine), focusing on physical signs of ovulation, such as changes in cervical mucus and basal body temperature, is super important as we can’t rely on our cycle tracking. Mood is also a great indicator of where I am in my cycle.
Have a lovely weekend. See you next Sunday,
Francesca