Endometriosis, BBT, and Ovulation...

[Butterfly89]

I am in the process of being tested for endometriosis... I don't know what they're going to do yet, maybe a lap, not sure!

But anyway, I BBTed starting from CD1 of my last cycle right up until CD2 of this cycle. My temps ranged from 96.8 to 97.1 pre-ovulation, then jumped up to 97.6 to 97.8 post ovulation (CD16 onward!) then dropped to 97.2 on CD1 of this period and stayed like that the next day.

I know a .4 raise is usually indicative of ovulation, especially if it continues to rise. So I assume I did O?

But I was reading that low temps (under 97.1 pre-O) can indicate endo because of excess estrogen... I have tons of symptoms like fake UTIs (the symptoms without infection) about 10 times this past year, GI/digestive issues since around the time I started AF at age 12, and extremely painful, heavy periods. As well as some hormonal symptoms (hair loss, acne, a bit of excess fuzz though I am italian lol), migraines all throughout my cycle just randomly (though I've had these since I was a baby), and some other issues that pretty much all point to endo. From what I've read, I'm a "typical case" if that makes sense, and I have all the symptoms, even the obscure ones like migraines, back pains, leg cramps during AF, and chronic fatigue. I've had any urinary tract symptoms ruled out through scans like ultrasounds (no retention or anything like that, and no cysts big enough to be visible on u/s) and I have no evidence of ovarian cysts.

So basically I am wondering how endo effects BBTs? If my temp raised, could I still not be ovulating? This is my 4th or 5th cycle TTC and failed... Is it possible my eggs are being released then getting trapped somehow? I have normal cycles, usually 28 days, but lately 1 day early or 1 day late but no big deal I think...

 

[taylorxx]

I've never ever heard that low pre o temps (those aren't even low btw, they are actually quite normal) are because of excess estrogen. Maybe if they were really low they would be, but I honestly don't think that that is the case with you. If you're getting a sustained temp rise & your LP is the same each month, then you're ovulating. There's no way it'd just be a coincidence. 4-5 months is nothing hun. 6 months to a year is the average amount of time it takes to conceive if timed correctly xx

 

[Butterfly89]

Really. Thanks so much. I feel more at ease. I was just so down about this last week, but I feel a little clearer now. I wasn't sure if the trying for a year thing meant just having unprotected sex, or actually using charting and trying around O time and whatnot, but I understand now!

Maybe what I read was referring to non basal temps? Or maybe it wasn't even an accurate source? Who knows! But thanks, I trust your opinion over that random site I read lol.

 

[taylorxx]

Yay, so glad you're feeling better!!

It could have been referring to non basal temps. Your BBT will increase about a degree every hour.. so someone who temps at 5am, will have much lower temps than someone who temps at 10am even though they both got 7 hours of sleep. I don't really understand why our bodies work that way. That's why it's important to pick a time and stick to it. I've done way too much research on BBT and ovulation.. I'm quite the nerd . I'm actually thinking of becoming a FS. I'm still in school and I've really only done my basics so I could still change majors.. I've been considering it. I'm not sure if I'm up for 7 years of college though I hope you're doing well hun. Wanna be TTC buddies?!.. and then eventually be bump buddies?! xx

 

[christine7611]

Lowerish waking BBT temps can be indicative of an under-active thyroid, and women with endometriosis have a higher rate of thyroid problems. You might want to get your thryoid checked out as well (simple blood work). Thyroid issues can effect ttc as well. And if you have endo, it is entirely possible that you are ovulating but that things could be blocked and preventing the egg and sperm from ever meeting. It definitely sounds like you ovulated from your temps, though, so that's good news. You haven't been trying for long (although I know it feels like forever!), but if you truly have endo (which it sure sounds like), that can definitely complicate things, so you are smart to be getting it checked out. Good luck!!

 

[Butterfly89]

We should be TTC buddies. ^_^ It's so much better to have others along for the journey. :3

And Christine7611 - thanks for your answer. I am looking into that too. My simple thyroid test read as very minorly overactive thyroid, but I am going to ask for the more definitive test. I also have a retroverted uterus though so it sounds like we have similar things going on. My previous doctor mentioned I could have "skinny PCOS" too, as my BMI is around 19.5, but I have many symptoms otherwise. >_< Who knows though, she was not very... erm... thorough. She just went on guesses without any tests or examinations usually... Bleh, glad to have a new doctor!

My appointment is thursday and I'm dreading it, but at the same time, so happy to hopefully have answers to some problems that have been going on for a long time. Also have a fertility specialist appointment on the 25th. ^^ Busy month.