FAM Is My Jam

The rules I adhere to in order to build the greatest accuracy for both avoiding pregnancy and conceiving, are a mixture of the most scientifically effective and well studied techniques as defined by my Fertility Awareness Method Mastery ™ certification. 

By combining these indicators, and several other factors, the Symptothermal Method allows us to pinpoint the fertile window with remarkable accuracy, and gather in depth information about our health as it relates to our hormones.

The Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: How Fertility Is Identified

To understand how this works, let’s break down the menstrual cycle into its phases: 

1. 1. Menstrual Phase (Day 1 of bleeding marks the start of the menstrual phase): Hormone levels are low, and the uterine lining sheds. Fertility is typically at its lowest during this phase.  
2. 2. Follicular Phase (begins a few days into your menstrual phase): Named after the gentle rise of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, which – as the name suggests – stimulates one follicle in the ovary to start developing (several are stimulated at this early stage of the cycle, but only one and rarely two will make it to full maturity and be ovulated) ready for ovulation. During this development process, the follicle releases estrogen. Cervical mucus reflects the levels of estrogen present by changing from creamy and white, to clear, stretchy, and slippery—this indicates the approach of ovulation and high fertility. Sperm can survive in fertile cervical mucus for up to five days.   
3. 3. Ovulation (around Day 14 in a “textbook” cycle): The now high levels of estrogen trigger the hypothalamus to produce GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which causes the pituitary to release LH (Lutenizing hormone), which, along with a surge in FSH, trigger ovulation – the release of an egg from it’s follicle. 

The egg, which lives for 24 hours, can be fertilised by sperm from up to 5 days before. This is the peak of fertility. 

4. Luteal Phase (begins immediately after ovulation): The empty follicle transforms under the influence of LH, into a ‘corpus luteum’, a collection of granular cells which make progesterone. Progesterone rises, leading to an increase in basal body temperature. With it, the CM “dries up” and the fertile window closes as the body prepares for either pregnancy or menstruation.

Our cycle hormones, Estrogen and progesterone most notably, have observable effects not only on the physical body, but also within the emotional body and the psyche. Mindfulness and pattern recognition around this can support our awareness as we move through each phase. 

By observing cervical mucus and identifying a temperature shift, the Symptothermal Method helps you accurately identify the window of fertility around ovulation.

Why I Teach the Symptothermal Method

After years of personal and professional experience with FAM, I chose the Symptothermal Method because it is both a highly effective contraceptive method, and a powerful tool for improving conception outcomes, especially for couples trying to conceive naturally.

The Symptothermal Method is not only effective for those with regular cycles but also invaluable for individuals with irregular cycles, endometriosis, or PCOS. This method provides real-time insights into hormonal patterns, helping to identify ovulation even in unpredictable cycles. For conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, it can reveal imbalances, irregular ovulation, or anovulatory cycles, empowering individuals to advocate for targeted medical care while using natural strategies to support their health.