Claire Hosking N.D.
Specialist Naturopath – Holistic Nutritionist – Herbalist
In a world where we use our phones for everything, can we really trust that an app can predict when we are ovulating? Generally, when you put in your cycle length and start tracking it will predict that you will ovulate around day fourteen (14).
In a study involving 768 participants, hormone testing was used to track their menstrual cycles over a month. The results showed that only 15% of participants had a 28-day cycle, while over 70% had cycles lasting between 25 and 30 days. The study found that the most common day of ovulation (defined as the day after a Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surge) for a 28-day cycle was day 16, occurring in 21% of cases. Contrary to the standard estimate that day 14 is the most likely ovulation day in a 28-day cycle, it was associated with only a 14% likelihood. Ovulation was observed to occur across a broader range, from days 11 to 20. (1)
Here are some tips to help you accurately determine when you’re ovulating, rather than relying solely on an app’s estimate:
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Your BBT is your body’s lowest resting temperature, which increases slightly after ovulation. By tracking your BBT daily with a thermometer, you may notice a temperature rise of .2°C after ovulation has occurred.
2. Cervical Mucus Changes
As ovulation approaches, your cervical mucus becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy, similar to raw egg whites. This is not a guarantee that ovulation has occurred, but indicative of a rise in oestrogen in preparation for ovulation.
3. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)
These kits measure the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which surges about 24-48 hours before ovulation. A positive result may indicate you’re likely to ovulate soon. However, this test may not work if you have PCOS or are perimenopausal, in which you may already have elevated LH hormone levels.
4. Progesterone ‘day 21’ hormone test
This blood test still requires that you do temperature BBT but can help to understand the viability of your ovulation particularly if you are trying to conceive.
I understand that tracking your cycle and ovulation can be overwhelming and confusing at times. It can also be an extremely empowering process once you understand your monthly rhythms. Knowing when you ovulate is not just important if wanting to conceive, but also for you to understand your hormonal fluctuations and how they can affect your energy and mood.
If you would like to further understand how to decipher your ovulation, I would love to discuss how Naturopathy can support your further.
In health and happiness
Claire
References
(1) Can apps and calendar methods predict ovulation with accuracy?
Sarah Johnsona , Lorrae Marriott b and Michael Zinaman
CURRENT MEDICAL RESEARCH AND OPINION2018, VOL. 34, NO. 9, 1587–159
