An anovulatory cycle is a cycle that lacks a typical fertile pattern and does not reach the Peak. That means that there was not a normal build up of cervical mucus with fertile characteristics. The bleeding that follows this type of cycle may not have
been a true menstruation. The bleeding may be heavier or lighter than the menstrual flow a woman normally experiences. As ovulation has probably not occurred, the bleeding could conceal cervical mucus that could be present at the same time as the bleeding.
Sometimes, this bleeding occurs in women who have discontinued the birth control pill, the intra-uterine device, Norplant, the three month contraceptive injection or during the pre-menopausal years.