Is a 24 day cycle normal?

stacylynnn

Hi, I am new to the bump and to this board.  I am 35 and ttc my first.  I am in my 4th cycle off of bcp.  I am on CD 3 which means that my last cycle was only 24 days.  I'm pretty sure that I haven't O'd during my first three cycles.   My previous cycle was more normal, 29 days.  I am confused and concerned that this cycle was so short.  I don't think that I O'd because of no change in CM but I am concerned about potential short luteal phase or other problems regarding fertility.  I am really hoping that this is a sign that I will begin to ovulate this cycle but I'm not sure how it could be a sign of anything other than an irregular cycle.  I do have my first appointment with an OBGYN later this month which will hopefully help with these concerns.  Does anyone have any experience with this or advice?  Thanks!

meredithcarole

I would get a free membership to Fertility Friend and start charting/temping. 24 days can be a normal cycle length depending on when you ovulate. While CM can be telling it is not definitive. The only way to know for sure is to temp. Progesterone is released once you have ovulated and it will cause your basal body temperature to rise, thus if you chart you will know if you are ovulating and when.

stacylynnn

Hi thanks for the reply, I was charting for 1 cycle using the Kindara app.  My doctor told me to stop charting since I was so unlikely to O So I did stop but my temp did not change during that month.  I do think I that I will try this month, maybe using Fertility Friend, since I want to have some real data to give the OBGYN in the event that I don't O and if I do yay!  Thank you for your help.

meredithcarole

Good luck!

emsmama15

May I ask why the OB/GYN was so sure you don't ovulate? I'm just curious how she could make that assessment.  Good luck!!

hooligans4

Welcome. 4 months off BC in not too long. Your cycles could still change. I agree about temping and using fertility friend.
I will tell you that I've always had short cycles, anywhere from 21-24 days is my norm when not on BC. I have 2 children already so it didn't matter in the past. Now that I am older it hasn't been as easy to conceive but I'm sure it is due to my age and not my shorter cycles.
Ask your dr all your questions and concerns. Our members have a wealth of knowledge.
Good luck!!!

gscoville

Anywhere from 21-35 days is considered 'normal' for cycles, 24 is just fine. I would echo PPs who have recommended temping and charting with Fertility Friend. It's the only app out there that will actually analyze your temps, OPKs, and other info you add into the chart and figure out your specific cycles/body over time, other apps just work off of averages and guess. And typically, women who don't ovulate don't usually have shorter cycles, those who have trouble with ovulating usually end up with stupidly long cycles that just won't end, and have very 'weak' periods between long irregular cycles. If you've had several 24ish day cycles in a row, it's very likely you did ovulate, you just have to look harder for signs of it. 

Get an account with Fertility Friend.  Do its free charting course, it really informs well about your body, how cycles work, how temping works, etc.  Pick up a BBT thermometer and make sure you temp right when you wake up.  I would also recommend picking up some internet cheapie OPKs, the more info you can put into FF the better it will get at figuring out your cycles.  Wondfos from Amazon are easy, cheap, and pretty accurate, and you can test with them 2-3 times a day without breaking the bank. 

With regards to CM, are you just looking for it in your panties or toilet paper when wiping?  I almost never can tell CM that way, based just on wiping or underwear I'd think I almost never have EWCM, so I check internally and have found I actually have LOTS of EWCM at the appropriate times.

Lastly, I'd highly recommend going on over to the Trying to Get Pregnant (TTGP) board and checking out their newbie blog (linked to at the top of the page, in the pinned first post).  They have a fantastic blog with super information about charting, OPKs, cycles, stats, etc. - so much valuable information about TTC all in one place.  

kelley72

You've been given excellent information, so just best wishes!

stacylynnn

Thank you so much for all of the really useful information, I have downloaded the Fertility Friend app and will do the training video for sure.  I also started the BBT this morning.  Thanks again!

kelley72

You've been given excellent information, so just best wishes!