An anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle in which ovulation does not occur. This means that the body doesn’t enter the luteal phase, and progesterone is not produced. Instead, the cycle consists of an extended follicular phase by oestrogen, which may eventually lead to a breakthrough bleed. This is a type of bleeding that isn't triggered by the normal drop in progesterone associated with ovulation.

Because progesterone typically helps regulate bleeding and reduce its intensity, the absence of it can result in heavier or prolonged bleeding during an anovulatory cycle.

These types of cycles are sometimes referred to as:

• Hormonal imbalance
• estrogen and progesterone imbalance
• Ovulatory dysfunction
• Unopposed estrogen
• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

If not addressed, frequent anovulatory cycles can contribute to endometrial overgrowth, increasing the risk of conditions like endometrial hyperplasia or uterine polyps.

What Causes Anovulatory Cycles?

It's not unusual to experience the occasional anovulatory cycle. However, if they happen regularly, potential underlying factors might include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Elevated prolactin levels
• Hypothalamic amenorrhea (often related to stress or low caloric intake)
• Post-hormonal birth control recovery
• Perimenopause

How Daysy helps you recognise anovulatory cycles

Daysy can detect anovulatory cycles because it combines

• A precise temperature sensor that gets the most accurate data reading
• A unique, intelligent algorithm based on a database of 5 million menstrual cycles
• An intuitively designed tracker that eliminates the potential for user error

Here's how anovulatory cycles might show up:

• Cycle Length Under 21 Days
  A full menstrual cycle shorter than 21 days usually doesn’t allow enough time for ovulation and a luteal phase, suggesting it may be anovulatory.
• Cycle Longer Than 35–45 Days
  A lengthy cycle could indicate either a prolonged follicular phase without ovulation or no ovulation at all. The luteal phase is typically fixed at 12–16 days, so anything significantly beyond that timeframe (unless pregnant or in rare cases) often points to anovulation.
• Menstrual Bleeding Lasting More Than 7 Days
  A healthy period usually lasts 2 to 7 days. Bleeding that continues beyond a week may suggest hormone imbalance and an absence of ovulation.
• No Sustained Rise in Basal Body Temperature
  Progesterone causes a noticeable and sustained rise in BBT post-ovulation. When Daysy doesn't detect this thermal shift, it indicates prolonged red lights.

Important Note: Withdrawal Bleeds on the Pill Aren’t True Periods

If you're using hormonal birth control, it’s important to know that pill bleeds are not menstrual periods. While you may bleed monthly, this isn’t due to ovulation, because ovulation is suppressed by the hormones in the pill. Blood hormone levels during this time resemble those seen in menopause with no oestrogen and progesterone.

Why Monitoring Matters

With Daysy’s advanced cycle tracking, you’re empowered to understand your ovulation patterns. Regular temperature tracking can provide clarity on whether you’re ovulating, helping you identify potential irregularities like anovulatory cycles early on. This insight can be vital for fertility awareness, hormonal health, or simply understanding your body better.