[Ashlee T.]

As some of you already know, I have been off hormonal bc for a couple years now. Since then I started charting my cycles, so I could stay in tune with what's going on with my body. It has truly been enlightening. As a result, I have begun to realize that many times in the past when I thought I was sick with a sinus infection, I was most likely just ovulating. It seems that it's not uncommon for women to experience headaches, and even migraines during ovulation. Also, fatigue, lower back pain, etc.

Last month I had a rough cycle. Immediately after ovulation I had some pretty bad lower back pain on the left side. I thought I had injured myself running. I was also unusually tired and VERY unmotivated. Two weeks later when my period started, the pain almost immediately subsided. Then of course I felt like a million bucks as usual...until yesterday. I started getting a terrible headache which felt like my sinuses and an achy lower back. Checked my Pink Pad app and sure enough I am highly fertile and scheduled to ovulate tomorrow. This morning, when my normal ovulation temps are in the 97's, I was at 99. I'm hoping and praying this doesn't last through my entire luteal phase (until period starts 12 days from tomorrow) like it did last month with the back pain.

I'm scheduled next week for my yearly exam and plan to talk with my Dr. about this. But...as seems to be the plight of many females, I know he's going to suggest hormonal birth control. I don't want that, AT ALL. On top of all the other side effects from bc I want to avoid, I feringeel like it is a band-aid...not a true solution. So part of me feels like even discussing it with him is a waste of time (even though I will anyway).

Wondering if any of you experience feeling bad during ovulation? And if so, does it come and go or consistent every cycle? Have you been treated for it?

[KMonte85]

I'm not sure if this is true (more research is probably needed here) but I have heard that b-complex vitamins can help alleviate the discomfort felt from ovulation. Also, OTC pain relievers and heating pads/warm baths, not too much different from the way a woman would treat menstrual cramps!

I'm thinking if you talk to your gyno about it, you're just going to get the schpeel about hormonal BC. That always seems to be their first course of action... booo.

[lizzardb63]

I had a cycle similar to yours last month too, only I had pain on my right side, lower backaches, super tired, etc... until my period and it all went away. I agree with KM to research vitamins. I've read a few times that they can help with ovulation and PMS symptoms, but I don't know exatly which one (I know if I take a B-Complex it makes me really hyper and anxious. Gives you a lot of energy so not one to take at night- at least for my body).

But you're not alone! I experience it too!

[Ashlee T.]

Well........it turns out I actually DO have a sinus infection. Lol!!! I'm ovulating today...but no real physical symptoms from it so that's good. Maybe last month was just an usually hormonal month. At least I know I'm not TOTALLY crazy.