In this article:
What is Perimenopause and How Does it Affect Ovulation?
Perimenopause is the natural transition your body goes through before menopause.It usually starts in your 40s, but for some, it can begin as early as your 30s or as late as your 50s.
This phase can last anywhere from a few months to up to eight years. During this time, your ovaries make less oestrogen and progesterone, which can make your periods irregular.
Even if your cycle is unpredictable, you may still ovulate (the process where your ovary releases an egg). That means pregnancy is still possible, although it becomes harder because ovulation happens less frequently, and egg quality declines with age.
Once you go 12 months without a period, you have reached menopause, and ovulation stops completely. Until then, tracking your cycle can help you know when you might be ovulating.
Why Track Ovulation During Perimenopause?
Tracking ovulation during perimenopause can be really helpful. If you’re trying to get pregnant, it shows you the days when you’re most likely to conceive.Since your periods can become irregular at this stage, it’s harder to guess when ovulation happens. Pregnancy is less likely during perimenopause, and there’s also a slightly higher chance of miscarriage.
Watching your body’s signs can give you more clarity and also help you know when it’s time to talk to a doctor if things aren’t going as planned.
Symptoms of Ovulation During Perimenopause
The signs of ovulation during perimenopause are the same as they were earlier in life. Your body gives you small hints, and it becomes easier to spot your fertile days once you know what to look for.These are the main signs:
- Changes in cervical mucus: A day or two before ovulation, your vaginal discharge may become stretchy and slippery, like raw egg whites. This is a sign that your body is preparing for ovulation.
- Slight rise in body temperature: After ovulation, your basal body temperature (your body’s temperature at rest) may increase slightly. You’ll need to check it daily to notice this change.
- Breast tenderness: Hormonal shifts around ovulation can make your breasts feel sore or sensitive.
- Mild pelvic or abdominal pain: You might feel a slight twinge or cramping on one side of your lower abdomen, depending on which ovary releases an egg. This is called mittelschmerz, or “middle pain.”
- Bloating: Hormonal changes can cause bloating around the middle of your cycle. Drinking water and eating smaller meals can help.
- Light spotting: Some people notice light bleeding or spotting during ovulation.
- Changes in cervical position: Around ovulation, the cervix becomes softer, higher, and slightly open. This one can be harder to track on your own.
Methods to Track Ovulation During Perimenopause
Tracking ovulation during perimenopause can be a little harder because your cycles aren’t always regular.But there are several methods you can use:
1. The Calendar Method
Keep track of your periods for a few months in a notebook or a cycle-tracking app. Note down when they start and end. Normally, ovulation happens about halfway through your cycle. But since cycles can be unpredictable in perimenopause, this method on its own isn’t always reliable.It works better when you combine it with other tracking methods.
2. Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKs)
These kits check the level of luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine. LH usually rises right before ovulation, so a positive test can mean you’re about to release an egg.It’s best to start testing a few days before you expect ovulation, based on your cycle notes. Just remember, during perimenopause, your body can sometimes release LH without actually ovulating. So the results may not always be accurate.
Using OPKs along with the calendar method can give you a better idea of your fertile days.
3. Monitoring Your Body’s Signs
Your body gives small hints when ovulation is about to happen. Changes in cervical mucus, mild cramps, or breast tenderness can clue you in when ovulation is near.Keep track of these symptoms to see patterns over time, even if your cycles aren’t regular.
4. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Monitoring
Your body temperature rises slightly after ovulation. To track this, use a basal thermometer and take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed. After a few cycles, you may notice a pattern of when ovulation usually happens.However, this method is better for confirming ovulation after it’s occurred rather than predicting it in advance. So it’s not the best for predicting fertile days during perimenopause.
How to Track Ovulation: Key Tips
To make tracking ovulation during perimenopause easier, here are some practical tips:- Try combining the calendar method with OPKs or watching your body’s signs for better accuracy.
- Write down changes like discharge, cramps, or breast tenderness each day to see patterns.
- Take your basal body temperature at the same time every morning for more reliable results.
- Irregular cycles can make tracking harder, so give yourself time to adjust.
- Professional advice can really help if you’re unsure about your symptoms or if you're finding it difficult to conceive.
You’re not alone in your journey when trying to conceive. Join our supportive community to connect with others, share experiences, and find encouragement every step of the way.
FAQs on Here's How You Can Track Your Ovulation During Your Perimenopause Phase
- How can I tell if my symptoms are from perimenopause or ovulation?
Perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings may overlap with ovulation signs, so tracking consistently helps you spot patterns. - How long does perimenopause last before periods fully stop?
On average, it can last 4 to 8 years before reaching menopause.
