A US doctor involved in an "on-again, off-again" relationship apparently tried to force her way into her boyfriend's home by sliding down the chimney, police say.

Her decomposing body was found in the chimney of his house in California three days later.

Dr Jacquelyn Kotarac ... had her issues. Credit:AP/The Bakersfield Californian

Jacquelyn Kotarac, 49, first tried to get into the house with a shovel last Wednesday night, Bakersfield police officer Mary DeGeare said.

Dr Kotarac then climbed a ladder to the roof, removed the chimney cap and slid feet first down the flue, Sergeant DeGeare said.