Understanding Ovulation & Irregular Periods After Birth Control

Question
I am 23 y/o with 0 children
Is it possible to still get a period and not ovulate?  I know if on birth control this is true, but what if not on any birth control?  I thought you had to get a period each month for the uterine lining that built up to shed.  But if you don't ovulate, then how does the uterine lining build up?  I am just confused.  I just came off birth control last month and am wanting to see what my cycle is like by charting and have never done it before, so I would just like to know what is going on with my body.  That is why I am asking.  I am currently on CD 14 and have 28 day cycles on birth control and before i was on it they were around 28 days as well but i am charting and also using OPK's to see if I am in fact ovulating, and I still have not had a + OPK nor has my temp spiked either so I am getting a little worried that I might not ovulate this month.  Is it possible or more common to ovulate later when coming off the pill?  Or possible to ovulate sooner?  And what if I don't ovulate at all, will I still have a period this month?  Thank you!  

Answer
Usually, if you get your period, you do ovulate. However that is not always the case. At the beginning of the month, you produce Estrogen (from the ovary) that has many roles. Estrogen causes the endometrium (uterine lining) to thicken and grow in order to prepare to accept implantation of a pregnancy . At the same time, estrogen causes the follicles in the ovary to mature in contemplation of ovulation. After 14 days, estrogen wanes and another hormone, Progesterone, starts to be developed. Progesterone causes coiled arteries and vessels to form in the endometrium and, if you do not conceive, causes the lining of the uterus to slough off (the period). If you do conceive, progesterone maintains the pregnancy until the placenta can be formed (around 12 weeks). At mid cycle, there is a surge of another hormone (Luteinizing Hormone, LH). This surge causes an eruption of the ovum (egg) from the ovary which we call ovulation. YOu can sometimes have a period but not ovulate due to several factors. Often, after stopping the birth control pill, you may not ovulate for a few months until your cycle returns to regularity. If you have any doubts, consult with your gynecologist. If you have a normal 28 day cycle, ovulation usually occurs on cycle day #14.