Expert: Ramona Quilter - 4/24/2007

Question
I have an very irregular period, sometimes it comes in 3 weeks, sometimes in 4 and sometimes in 5 weeks and all in between as well. It never seems to come around the same time. So i was wondering how do i know when i am ovulating?

Answer
You have to begin charting your cycles on a graph.  Take your temperature in the morning before you get up and mark it on the graph.  At ovulation your temperature will raise at least .4 degrees, if you are ovulating.  It may be that you are having anovulatory cycles and that is causing the fluctuation.  Charting will help you and your doctor diagnose the problem.  It could be a progesterone lack which occurs after ovulation before your period starts, too. You should have at least 11 days from the time of ovulation until your period starts.  I hope it helps you solve your problem.  That is too wide a range to be a simple variation.  I think you should look into it.  But DO NOT go on the pill to regulate your cycles.  That won't fix anything.