You Asked For It: Predicting Ov with PCOS

One of my readers asked me to discuss PCOS, in conjunction with my earlier comments on using ovulation predictor kits at home.

It's true that PCOS and several other ovulatory disorders can make home ovulation prediction a very inaccurate process. If you're determined to use at-home testing kits, try to look at the results as information that is helpful but that may not be giving you the full picture of your ovulatory function.

A very important point here: regular menses does not necessarily mean you are ovulating during every cycle. Women with PCOS come with a range of cycles -- from amenorrhea (completely absent periods) to wildly irregular cycles to fairly consistent menstrual periods.

In short, when a woman has PCOS or other ovulatory disorders, menstruation and ovulation may be different, seemingly unrelated events. You can't always use "Aunt Flo" as an indicator of how well your ovaries are working.