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Using Fertility Awareness Method as a Diagnostic Tool – Part 2

Kathryn Cardinal, Herbalist & Fertility Awareness Teacher
July 22, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

In part 1 of this series, I discussed what the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) is and what makes it such an empowering practice. Fertility charting is not generally meant to be a final answer when it comes to diagnosing health conditions, but it can be a powerful tool to have under your belt. Below you will find brief outlines of common female health concerns and how they might be reflected on FAM charts.

Thyroid Imbalances

The most visual aspect of charting with FAM is the graph produced by the basal body temperatures (BBT) recorded daily. For women who are ovulating, BBT will be lower during the follicular phase, averaging between 97.0 and 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit. There will be a thermal shift following ovulation and temperatures will remain higher during the luteal phase. The normal range of temperatures for the second half of the cycle is about 97.8 and up into the 98s.

Studies have shown that BBT is an accurate indicator of thyroid health. Certain patterns of very high or very low temperatures are almost always linked to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, respectively. There are many medical professionals who feel that BBT can be a better indicator of thyroid health than a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) blood test. The range of TSH that is considered healthy and normal can vary quite a bit from one individual to another and different labs use different ranges when analyzing results. Very low temperatures almost always mean the thyroid is not functioning as well as it should.

Here is how thyroid dysfunction might show up on charts:

Luteal Phase Defect (low progesterone)

Progesterone is the hormone that is dominant in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Low progesterone can cause what is termed luteal phase defect. This can be caused by the corpus luteum in the ovary not producing enough progesterone, or the lining of the uterus not responding properly to progesterone. Low progesterone can interfere with implantation, success of a pregnancy, and can be implicated in a host of issues such as estrogen-dominance, PMS, menstrual cramps, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, recurrent miscarriages, and infertility.

A woman may have a cycle of average length, say 29 days and so assumes she is having normal, healthy cycles. But with charting, she might realize that she is ovulating slightly later than average, on day 19 and has a luteal phase of only 10 days. A healthy luteal phase is generally between 12 and 16 days long. So this would indicate that she likely has low progesterone.

Here is how low progesterone can manifest on charts:

  • Luteal phase shorter than 11 days
  • BBT zigzags up and down around ovulation
  • BBT not consistently high during the luteal phase
  • BBT dropping to pre-ovulatory levels several days before menstruation, or throughout the luteal phase
  • Spotting (light bleeding) for several days leading up to actual menstrual flow

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that causes developing follicles that are normally ovulated each month to remain trapped inside the ovary, which eventually causes them to turn into cysts. This may prevent future ovulation and cause very irregular cycles.

In women with PCOS, there is generally an excessive production of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). PCOS is also linked to insulin resistance. Some women have very long cycles and can experience pain caused by the cysts, while other women may be unaware that they are suffering from PCOS.

Here are some of the ways this condition might manifest on charts:

  • Long & irregular cycles, often 40+ days long
  • Several anovulatory cycles in a row, where no clear thermal shift is noted
  • Several patches of fertile quality cervical fluid spread out throughout long cycles
  • Continuous production of fertile cervical fluid
  • Excessive or very heavy menstrual flow

Recurrent Miscarriages

It might come as a surprise for you to hear that it is possible and even common for women to be unaware that they had an early miscarriage, also sometimes called a chemical pregnancy. Women who have irregular cycles are more likely to be unaware that they have experienced a chemical pregnancy. Being able to identify these losses is important because repeat miscarriages can point to a number of health conditions.

For someone struggling with infertility, not being able to get pregnant and having repeat miscarriages are two very different ball games and will likely require different treatments.

To understand this issue, it is important to know that the length of the luteal phase generally does not vary much from cycle to cycle. It is more likely for the day of ovulation to vary a little bit.

➞ If a woman’s menstruation comes a few days late, it can be easy to dismiss – it could indeed mean that ovulation occurred a few days later than usual, which caused the entire cycle to lengthen. This is not that unusual.

➞ If ovulation took place on the same day as usual, but the luteal phase was suddenly several days longer than normal, with sustained high temperatures before bleeding began, it is possible that this was in fact a chemical pregnancy.

Important: If a woman was experiencing a longer than average luteal phase while charting, she would know to take a pregnancy test and would be able to confirm her pregnancy. Without charting, this pregnancy could be entirely missed.

The Power of Charting

As you can see, charting your cycles can hold the key to an amazing amount of knowledge – what I have shared in this article is only the tip of the iceberg. Charting is powerful and there is nothing else that can bring you such a profound self-awareness and empower you to take your health into your own hands. Click here if you would like to learn how to begin charting your menstrual cycles…

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Using Fertility Awareness Method as a Diagnostic Tool - Part 1
Next Post »
Understanding the Different Stages of Endometriosis

About the Author

Kathryn Cardinal, Herbalist & Fertility Awareness Teacher

Kathryn Cardinal is a Certified Herbalist and Certified Women's herbal educator taught by Aviva Romm MD.  Since 2009 she has been teaching classes, workshops, and working 1 on 1 with women to help them balance their hormones, overcome health challenges, and get pregnant naturally.  Kathryn has overcome unexplained infertility and several miscarriages through her natural practices, and is now has 2 children of her own.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.

It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*

2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*

3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*

4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*

5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

Type ‘TEA’ in the comments below if you would like 10% off your first order or Reproductive Support Tea and I will DM you a discount link. 👇👇

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Jan 31

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👇3 Ways To Naturally Support Ovulation 👇

Lack of ovulation is one of the most common causes of infertility.

BUT you can help support your body to regularly ovulate again when hormonal health is found.

Here are some steps you can take to support yourself….

1️⃣ Eat healthy fats like avocado, chia, flax, nuts & seeds

2️⃣ Eat an abundance of whole foods 🥦🍉🥗🍇

3️⃣ Increase circulation to the reproductive system through exercise, Self Fertility Massage and castor oil packs.

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#ovulation #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 30

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🌱 Ashwagandha is one of my favorite herbs for stress support while trying to conceive. 

It is easy to use and the calming effects can be felt pretty quickly after starting the herb. 

➡️ The hormonal support results take a bit longer, as with any hormone supportive herb, but is wonderful for both women and men who are experiencing high stress and hormone imbalances. 

Type ASH in the comments below and I will share which Ashwagandha I recommend and how to use it for fertility support. 👇👇

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Jan 30

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Q: I have a 24 day cycle. What is this saying about my fertility?

A: Swipe left for our answer...

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Jan 30

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⭐ 3 Benefits of Vitex for Fertility…

1️⃣ Regulates hormones: Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is known to regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and prolactin, which can help to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting fertility.

2️⃣ Improves ovulation: Vitex can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

3️⃣ Decreases symptoms of PMS: Vitex can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Want to know which Vitex I recommend and how to use it? Type VITEX in the comments below 👇

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Jan 29

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🌱 Red raspberry leaf has been used by midwives for fertility for generations. Some of the most well known benefits of raspberry leaf for reproductive support include… 

1️⃣ Regulating menstrual cycles: Red raspberry leaf is believed to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, making it easier for women to conceive.

2️⃣ Strengthening the uterus: Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin C, which are believed to help strengthen the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.

3️⃣ Improving egg quality: Some studies suggest that red raspberry leaf may improve egg quality and increase the chances of conception.

4️⃣ Reducing morning sickness: Red raspberry leaf is also believed to help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness, which can be especially beneficial for women who are trying to conceive.

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Jan 29

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🧪 Xenohormones are chemicals that mimic the effects of hormones in the body. 

They can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the production, transport, and function of hormones. 🚫

This can lead to a variety of health problems, including fertility issues. 

Examples of xenohormones include certain pesticides, plastics, and phthalates. 🕯️

Exposure to these chemicals can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which play key roles in fertility. 

Xenohormones can also affect ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility. 

It would be best to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. 

👇👇To  learn more about which chemicals to avoid and which products are most important to replace type in ‘TOXIC’ in the comments below to get my guide to Creating a Healthy Home for Fertility Pregnancy & Family 👇👇

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Jan 28

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Jan 28

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The body is always giving us feedback to what is happening inside. How regularly you go to the bathroom shares a lot about your digestive health.... as does a bloated belly or gas. Your period or monthly cycle can share a lot about your hormonal state. Your skin can share how your liver is doing. And so on. What have you learned from listening to your body?

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Jan 28

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🕯️Chemicals in candles, such as paraffin and phthalates, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. 

Some research suggests that certain VOCs, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen and other hormones in the body. 🚫

It’s always a good idea to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce fewer VOCs. 🐝

naturalfertilityinfo

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Jan 27

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Jan 27

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Preparing for pregnancy is one of the best steps you can take for a healthy pregnancy and child. Here are some steps to help you get started…. 👇

1️⃣ Eat a diet high in fiber. More fruits and veggies

Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess hormones and fruits and veggies are packed with fiber. They also are very hydrating and have lots of nutrients. All are useful for someone with heavy cycles. 

2️⃣ Learn about your fertility cycle through tracking and charting

Fertility charting will help you to understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path. 

3️⃣ Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

The first phase of the Fertility Cleanse is a great way to help support the liver in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones. The second phase focuses on the uterus and helping the uterus to cleanse and increase circulation.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 26

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💡It can be completely normal for your menstrual cycle to vary in length slightly from month to month! 

Ovulation may come a day before or a day later even in normal some cycles. 

We actually expect to see natural variations between menstrual cycles. 

Early ovulation can be concerning, however, when/if it consistently happens. 

➡️ If you would like to learn what you can do to help balance a short follicular phase type EARLY in the comments below and I will send you a link to my guide….👇👇

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Jan 26

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Are you experiencing fibroids? 👇 Type FIBROID in the comments below and I will send you a link to my natural guide. 🌱

#fibroid #fibroids #naturalfertility #fibroidfertility #fibroiddiet

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Jan 26

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Intimacy may not be something at the top of your mind with everything else you are doing to TTC. But connection with your partner and you feeling.... good is important. Here are some natural ways to support libido if the stress of baby making has made things tense in the bedroom.

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Jan 25

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When in doubt get it checked out. 

One of the most common reasons I suggest women to see their doctors is when they are experiencing  a heavy period that doesn’t stop after 5-7 days and has heavy flow. 

There are many different reasons this could be happening, but we first want to make sure it isn’t something that requires medical assistance before going on to healthy lifestyle support.

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Jan 25

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Ovarian cysts are more common than you think, and there are ways you can support your body naturally. Type CYSTS in the comments below and I will send you the natural steps you can take to support your self.

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Jan 24

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🌱 One of my favorite ways to support fertility and hormone health is through herbs. 

Over the past 20+ years that I have been an herbalist I have seen what herbs can do to help turn someone’s health around. 

When it comes to fertility there are a lot of different herbs that you can use. But they all have different actions. There is no one herb that fits all for fertility. 

That is one of the reasons I make herbal blends & formulas. 

Three of my favorite herbs are vitex, maca and shatavari, but they each have different effects on the body. 

So the key to success with fertility herbs is to first figure out what is going on in your body and then you can pick the right herbal formula for you. 

You can do this by charting your fertility (I have a lot of posts about fertility charting on my feed as well as my website) and also paying attention to your period. 🩸

To learn more about my herbal formulas for fertility support type HERBS in the comments below and I’ll share a link to my formulas 👇👇

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Jan 24

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👇READ THIS if you have a regular period but still haven’t gotten pregnant…. 

The answer is YES. The menstruation phase of a monthly fertility cycle is only one stage of the cycle. 

There are many other times of the month that are even more important like: 

🌸 Follicular phase: When the lining is growing and follicles are maturing

🌸 Ovulation: When the egg is released

🌸 Implantation: When the fertilized egg implants

🌸 Luteal phase: The time period between ovulation and the next cycle needs to be long enough for implantation to occur. 

Wondering how to start supporting your fertility naturally? 

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#periods #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 23

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Endometriosis can impact fertility and having a healthy pregnancy. 

Preparing ahead of time and taking the steps can make a big difference. 

Type ENDO in the comments below if you would like my natural guide to supporting your fertility regardless of having endometriosis....💛👇
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