Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age (1). This can cause long cycles, irregular periods, cysts in the ovaries and other symptoms. A typical chart for someone with PCOS may resemble the chart below, with a long cycle and several days of fertile-quality cervical mucus with or without ovulation (2). Other symptoms of PCOS include hair on the chest, stomach, nipples, and face, thinning of hair, decreased breast size, acne, infertility, obesity, and many more symptoms (3).
What's going on with this chart?
1) Low temperatures persist from days 1-39 of this cycle, suggesting that ovulation has not occurred.
2) Even though egg white cervical mucus is observed on days 19-21, temperatures remain low, indicating a "false peak," in which cervical mucus becomes more fertile, but ovulation does not occur (4).
3) Egg white cervical mucus is observed again on days 38-39.
4) This time, a sustained temperature shift follows the observation of egg white cervical mucus, suggesting that ovulation occurred, with temperatures remaining high for the rest of the cycle (4).
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, contact your healthcare provider.
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
- Weschler, Toni. (2015). Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health. p139
- https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
- Martinez, A., van Hooff, M., Schoutc, Erik., van der Meer, M., Broekmans, F., Hompes, P. (1992). The reliability, acceptability and applications of basal body temperature (BBT) records in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gyneocology and Reproductive Biology, 121-127.