opk tests all negative. Im upset. Does this mean im not ovulating?

[shuga1109]

Can a woman turn out pregnant, even if her OPK tests were all negative?  Im having trouble with my OPK tests.  They all came out negative.  But, according to my bloodwork, my hormone levels are good and my doctor said I should be ovulating.  Problem is, I ovulate soon after my period is over.  Maybe I began testing too late???  Should I test even though Im spotting on my last day of my period?  Im afraid Im not ovulating now.  Im not too educated on hormone levels, and, now Im freakn out.  When I began taking my BBT, my temp never had a peak.  It stayed about the same.  What is the normal range for hormone levels as far as ovulation is concerned?

[shuga1109]

As far as progesterone and ovulation....this is what I was just told.."Usually your temps will jump after you ovulate bc the hormone progesterone (caused from ovulation) causes your temps to rise until you get your period. (then it drops and the hormone estrogen steps in)..."  This is what I was refering to, but didn't understand.  Hopefully this will help us out.  Maybe Im just looking too much into it.  I will try to relax.  Thanks.

[shuga1109]

My miscarriage was in March.  Since then, my cycles have been every 21-24 days and about 8 days long.  Prior to my miscarriage, my periods were normal, every 28 days and about 7 days long, but normal.  Is there anything I can take to help get my hormones back on track?  Ive been drinking water, taking vitamins and it doesnt seem to help.  I will begin testing on my last day of my period, which is very light and spotty.  See how that works.  As far as progesterone levels go, i read about it a lot on this site.  I read many posts about it.  I was just wondering if it was something I needed to look into, but I guess not yet!  Thanks again.

[RavenT]

I have a question about the progesterone levels and where you are reading about them... I know that the progesterone is needed to regulate certain things in the body... It's is the commander that tells the uterus when to or when Not to bleed... And it does otherstjings like regulate different hormones during your cycle...

I think I just miscarried due to my body not prosucing progesterone at the right time.. I have been tested and told my levels are next to none...
Would like to read about what causes this and if I can change it thru natural means as my insurance may not pay for the mess or doctors appointments....

My suggestion to you is to put the UPSET away and just enjoy the process... The upset emotions convert to stress and that makes things get out of wack... Just enjoy the practice and breath!!!

[adgal]

How long ago was your miscarriage?  That could be the problem.  OPK's are considered pretty unreliable for a few cycles after a loss.  If your period is 8 days long, that could also be a sign that your hormones are still a bit out of whack.  It took me several cycles for them to go back to normal.  How long is your cycle right now?  Besides the 8 day flow, are they the same length as before?

Progesterone is typically tested while pregnant as it is one of the indicators as to whether or not a pregnancy is viable or not.  I am not certain about using it to test for ovulation as that was never something I was tested for.  

You can test while spotting, as far as I know that shouldn't impact the test, although you could give the manufacturer a call and ask.  I am not 100% certain.

[shuga1109]

Thank you.  I need to get a little more educated on hormone levels and OPKs.  I read a lot of posts about progesterone levels being checked.  Is this checking for ovulation?  I guess I need to continue reading on it.  I can certainly try to Bd every other day, but of course, doesn't always work that way!  :)   This is extremely frustrating.  I guess I will retry next month.  I believe I ovulate soon after my period is over.  My periods are, unfortunately, about 8 days long since my miscarriage.  So, if Im still spotting, I should still test?

[adgal]

OPK's can be tricky, and are not always a good indicator as to whether or not you are ovulating.  A couple of things could be happening...

You may not be testing on the right day, or could ovulate later or sooner then normal after getting your LH surge.  Most women will ovulate anywhere from 12-72 hours after getting a positive for their LH surge, but it is possible that it be shorter or longer.  Also, keep in mind that you will typically ovulate around 14 days before your period, so a good time to start testing is around 15 or even 16 days prior. You could also try testing twice a day to ensure you don't miss it.  One other tip for you...the test strips where you are trying to interpret the color of the test line are really confusing...I hated them and found them difficult.  I switched to the Clear Blue Digital.  A little pricier, but removed any confusion.

If your Dr. believes you are in fact ovulating, that is certainly more reliable information then an OPK.  Also, relying to much on BBT can add confusion as you have to take your temp at exactly the same time everyday, and things like an alcholic drink (even 1) or not getting enough sleep can throw it off.  

To ensure you hit your ovulation time, try BDing every other day throughout your whole cycle...that's one way to not miss it!!  

I know it's frustrating...but it does sound like you are in fact ovulating.  Good luck to you!

[klm68]

I had no luck with the OPK tests either, have no idea why, I figure that I have the wrong day also.  Went to my appt. today and I have to go for some bloodwork to make sure I am ovulating..