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This article will help you understand what basal temperature is, how to measure it, and how to use the chart. basal body temperature to calculate the day of ovulation.

basal body temperature chart

Charting your basal temperature is very easy. All you need is to measure the temperature every day and enter the data into a table or enter into computer program. All you need to do is notice the change in temperature, which is usually 0.4 - 0.6 degrees, that takes place after ovulation. In this way, you will be able to determine the day of ovulation when the conception of a child is most likely.

• It is better to use a computer program - a basal temperature calendar, which can be downloaded from our website.

  
  Try the program - an easy-to-use ovulation calendar.
  

  
  You simply enter measurements into the program, and it builds a graph and gives an ovulation forecast based on your previous cycles.
  
• We advise you to measure your basal body temperature every morning before you get up from bed. To do this, it is convenient to keep the thermometer next to the bed so that you do not have to get up and look for it. If you are using a glass thermometer, be careful with it.
• Try to take your temperature at about the same time, as much as possible. You can set an alarm for this time. This is necessary because body temperature can change throughout the day. The temperature usually rises from morning to evening.
• You can take your temperature rectally, orally, or vaginally. It is only necessary to adhere to one measurement method for the entire cycle.
• You need to try to place the thermometer the same way every day - at the same place and depth.
• Plot new data on the temperature chart every day, but wait to interpret it prematurely until you have measured the basal temperature for the entire cycle.
• Many women, although not all, have a spike in their charts around the time of ovulation. If you see a jump, it might be a good idea to have sex.
• You need to find the temperature shift within 48 hours that would indicate ovulation. This shift should be higher maximum temperature in the previous 6 days.
• Look at the chart at the end of the month and study it.
• Study the basal temperature chart for several months to understand the patterns that occur with your body.
• If your temperature remains elevated for 18 days after ovulation, you should take a pregnancy test.

Measurement of basal temperature has become truly folk remedy pregnancy planning.

Why measure basal body temperature

Basal or rectal temperature(BT)- this is the body temperature at rest after at least 3-6 hours of sleep, the temperature is measured in the mouth, rectum or vagina. The temperature measured at this moment is practically not affected by environmental factors. Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor's requirements to measure basal temperature as a formality and basal temperature does not solve anything, but this is far from the case.

The method of measuring basal body temperature was developed in 1953 by the English professor Marshal and refers to research methods based on the biological effect of sex hormones, namely on the hyperthermic (temperature increase) action of progesterone on the thermoregulation center. Measurement of basal body temperature is one of the main tests functional diagnostics ovarian work. Based on the results of measuring BT, a graph is built, an analysis of the graphs of basal temperature is given below.

Measurement of basal temperature and scheduling is recommended in gynecology in the following cases:

If you have been trying to get pregnant for a year without success
If you suspect infertility in yourself or your partner
If your gynecologist suspects you have hormonal disorders

In addition to the above cases, when basal body temperature charting is recommended by a gynecologist, you can measure basal body temperature if:

You want to increase your chances of pregnancy
You are experimenting with the method of planning the sex of the child
You want to observe your body and understand the processes taking place in it (this can help you in communicating with specialists)

Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor's requirements to measure basal temperature as a formality and it does not solve anything.

In fact, by measuring your basal body temperature, you and your doctor can find out:

Does the egg mature and when does it happen (respectively, highlight “dangerous” days for the purpose of protection, or vice versa, the possibility of getting pregnant);
Did ovulation occur after the maturation of the egg?
Determine the quality of your work endocrine system
Suspect gynecological problems, such as endometritis
When to expect your next period
Whether pregnancy occurred in case of delayed or unusual menstruation;
Assess how correctly the ovaries secrete hormones in phases menstrual cycle;

A graph of basal temperature, compiled according to all the rules of measurement, can show not only the presence of ovulation in the cycle or its absence, but also indicate diseases of the reproductive and endocrine systems. You must measure your basal temperature for at least 3 cycles so that the information accumulated during this time allows you to make accurate predictions about the expected date of ovulation and the most favorable time for conception, as well as conclusions about hormonal disorders. Only a specialist gynecologist can give an accurate assessment of your basal temperature chart. Drawing up a basal temperature chart can help the gynecologist determine deviations in the cycle and suggest the absence of ovulation, but at the same time, the gynecologist's diagnosis only and exclusively by the type of basal temperature chart without additional tests and surveys most often indicates medical unprofessionalism.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature, and not the body temperature in the armpit. The general increase in temperature as a result of illness, overheating, physical activity, food intake, stress, naturally, is reflected in the indicators of basal temperature and makes them unreliable.

Thermometer for measuring basal temperature.

You will need a conventional medical thermometer: mercury or electronic. With a mercury thermometer, basal temperature is measured for five minutes, electronic thermometer it must be removed after the signal about the end of the measurement. After he squeaked, the temperature will still rise for a while, because the thermometer fixes the moment when the temperature rises above it very slowly (and do not listen to nonsense about the fact that the thermometer is in bad contact with the muscles of the anus). The thermometer must be prepared in advance, in the evening, by placing it next to the bed. Don't put mercury thermometers under your pillow!

Rules for measuring basal temperature.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature, if possible, every day, including on the days of menstruation.

You can measure in the mouth, in the vagina or in the rectum. The main thing is that throughout the entire cycle the place of measurement does not change. Armpit temperature measurement does not accurate results. At oral route measuring basal temperature You put a thermometer under your tongue and measure 5 minutes with your mouth closed.
For vaginal or rectal measurements, insert the narrow part of the thermometer into the anus or vagina, measuring for 3 minutes. Measurement of temperature in the rectum is the most common.

Take your basal body temperature in the morning, right after waking up and before getting out of bed.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature at the same time (a difference of half an hour - an hour (maximum one and a half hours) is acceptable). If you decide to sleep in longer on the weekend, make a note of this on your schedule. Keep in mind that each extra hour sleep raises your basal body temperature by about 0.1 degrees.

Uninterrupted sleep before measuring basal temperature in the morning should last at least three hours. Therefore, if you measure the temperature at 8 am, but got up at 7 am to go, for example, to the toilet, it is better to measure BT before that, otherwise, at 8 o'clock familiar to you, it will no longer be informative.

You can use both digital and mercury thermometers to measure. It is important not to change the thermometer during one cycle.
If you are using mercury thermometer then shake it off before going to sleep. The effort you make to shake off the thermometer just before taking your basal temperature can affect your temperature.

Basal body temperature is measured in the supine position. Do not make unnecessary movements, do not turn around, activity should be minimal. Never get up to take a thermometer! Therefore, it is better to cook it in the evening and put it near the bed in order to be able to reach the thermometer with your hand. Some experts advise taking measurements without even opening your eyes, as daylight can increase the release of certain hormones.

Readings from the thermometer are taken immediately after it is removed.

Basal temperature after measurement is best recorded immediately. Otherwise, you will forget or get confused. Basal temperature every day is approximately the same, differs by tenths of degrees. Relying on your memory, you can get confused in the testimony. If the thermometer readings are between two numbers, record the lower reading.

The chart must indicate the reasons that could lead to an increase in basal temperature (ARI, inflammatory diseases etc.).

Business trips, moving and flights, sexual intercourse the night before or in the morning can significantly affect the basal temperature.

For diseases accompanied by elevated temperature body, your basal temperature will be uninformative and you can stop measuring for the duration of your illness.

Basal body temperature can be affected by various medications

Like sleeping pills, sedatives and hormonal.
Measurement of basal temperature and the simultaneous use of oral (hormonal) contraceptives does not make any sense. The basal temperature depends on the concentration of hormones in the tablets.

After taking a large amount of alcohol, the basal temperature will be uninformative.

When working at night, basal temperature is measured during the day after at least 3-4 hours of sleep.

A competent gynecologist will definitely require testing for hormones and conduct an ultrasound examination before prescribing medications

After taking a large number alcohol basal temperature will be uninformative.

When working at night, basal temperature is measured during the day after at least 3-4 hours of sleep.

The basal body temperature (BT) record table should contain the lines:

Day of the month
cycle day
BT
Notes: Abundant or Moderate discharge, abnormalities that can affect BBT: common disease, including fever, diarrhea, intercourse in the evening (and even more so in the morning), drinking alcohol the day before, measuring BBT at an unusual time, late going to bed (for example, went to bed at 3 o'clock, and measured at 6), taking sleeping pills, stress, etc.

The column "Notes" contains all the factors that in one way or another could affect the change in basal temperature.

This form of recording helps both the woman and her doctor to understand infertility, cycle disorders, etc.

Rationale for the basal body temperature method

Basal body temperature during the cycle changes under the influence of hormones.

During the maturation of the egg against the background of a high level of estrogen (the first phase of the menstrual cycle, hypothermic, “low”), the basal temperature is low, on the eve of ovulation it drops to its minimum, and then rises again, reaching a maximum. At this time, ovulation takes place. After ovulation, the high temperature phase begins (the second phase of the menstrual cycle, hyperthermic, "high"), which is caused by low levels of estrogen and high level progesterone. Pregnancy under the influence of progesterone also takes place completely in the high temperature phase. The difference between the "low" (hypothermic) and "high" (hyperthermic) phases is 0.4-0.8 °C. Only when accurate measurement basal body temperature, you can fix the level of "low" temperature in the first half of the menstrual cycle, the transition from "low" to "high" on the day of ovulation, and the temperature level in the second phase of the cycle.

Usually during menstruation, the temperature is kept at 37 ° C. During the maturation of the follicle (the first phase of the cycle), the temperature does not exceed 37°C. Before ovulation itself, it decreases (the result of the action of estrogen), and after it, the basal temperature rises to 37.1 ° C and above (the effect of progesterone). Until the next menstruation, the basal temperature remains elevated and slightly decreases by the first day of menstruation. If the indicators of basal temperature in the first phase, relative to the second, are high, then this may indicate a small amount of estrogen in the body and requires correction with drugs containing female sex hormones. On the contrary, if in the second phase, relative to the first, a low basal temperature is observed, then this is an indicator low level progesterone and drugs are also prescribed here to correct the hormonal background. This should be done only after passing the appropriate tests for hormones and prescribing a doctor.

A persistent two-phase cycle indicates ovulation, which has taken place and the presence of a functionally active corpus luteum ( right rhythm ovarian function).
The absence of a rise in temperature in the second phase of the cycle (monotonous curve) or significant temperature fluctuations, both in the first and second half of the cycle with the absence of a stable rise, indicates inoculation (lack of release of the egg from the ovaries).
The delay in the rise and its short duration (hypothermic phase for 2-7, up to 10 days) is observed with a shortening of the luteal phase, insufficient rise (0.2-0.3 ° C) - with insufficient functioning of the corpus luteum.
The thermogenic effect of progesterone leads to an increase in body temperature by at least 0.33 ° C (the effect lasts until the end of the luteal, that is, the second, phase of the menstrual cycle). Progesterone levels peak 8 to 9 days after ovulation, which is approximately the time a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall.

By making a chart of basal temperature, you can not only determine when you ovulate, but also find out what processes are taking place in your body.

Decoding charts of basal temperature. Examples

If the basal temperature chart is built correctly, taking into account the measurement rules, it can reveal not only the presence or absence of ovulation, but also some diseases.

Break line

The line is drawn over 6 temperature values ​​in the first phase of the cycle, preceding ovulation.

This does not take into account the first 5 days of the cycle, as well as the days on which the temperature could be affected by various negative factors(See temperature measurement rules). This line does not allow any conclusions to be drawn from the graph and is for illustration purposes only.

ovulation line

In order to judge the onset of ovulation, the rules established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are used:

Three temperature values ​​in a row must be above the level of the line drawn over the previous 6 temperature values.
The difference between the midline and the three temperatures must be at least 0.1 degrees on two of the three days and at least 0.2 degrees on one of those days.

If your temperature curve meets these requirements, then an ovulation line will appear on your basal temperature chart 1-2 days after ovulation.

Sometimes it is not possible to determine ovulation according to the WHO method due to the fact that there is high temperatures in the first phase of the cycle. In this case, you can apply the finger rule to the basal temperature chart. This rule excludes temperature values ​​that differ from the previous or next temperature by more than 0.2 degrees. Such temperatures should not be taken into account when calculating ovulation if the basal temperature graph is generally normal.

by the most optimum time for conception, the day of ovulation and 2 days before it are considered.

Menstrual cycle length

total length Cycle normally should not be shorter than 21 days and should not exceed 35 days. If your cycles are shorter or longer, then you may have ovarian dysfunction, which is often the cause of infertility and needs to be treated by a gynecologist.

Second phase length

The basal temperature graph is divided into the first and second phases. The separation takes place where the ovulation line (vertical) is affixed. Accordingly, the first phase of the cycle is the segment of the graph before ovulation, and the second phase of the cycle after ovulation.

The length of the second phase of the cycle is normally from 12 to 16 days, most often 14 days. In contrast, the length of the first phase can vary greatly, and these variations are an individual norm. At the same time in various cycles there should be no significant difference in the length of the first phase and the second phase. The total length of the cycle normally changes only due to the length of the first phase.

One of the problems revealed on the graphs and confirmed by subsequent hormonal studies is the insufficiency of the second phase. If you have been measuring your basal temperature for several cycles, following all the measurement rules, and your second phase is shorter than 10 days, this is a reason to consult a gynecologist. Also, if you regularly have sexual intercourse during ovulation, pregnancy does not occur and the length of the second phase is lower border(10 or 11 days), this may indicate the insufficiency of the second phase.

temperature difference

Normally, the difference in the average temperatures of the first and second phases should be more than 0.4 degrees. If it is lower, then this may indicate. Take a blood test for progesterone and estrogen and consult a gynecologist.

An increase in basal temperature occurs when the level of progesterone in the blood serum exceeds 2.5-4.0 ng / ml (7.6-12.7 nmol / l). However, monophasic basal temperature has been identified in a number of patients with normal level progesterone in the second phase of the cycle. In addition, monophasic basal temperature is noted at approximately 20% of ovulatory cycles. A simple statement of a two-phase basal temperature does not prove and normal function yellow body. Basal temperature also cannot be used to determine the time of ovulation, since a two-phase basal temperature is also observed during luteinization of a non-ovulated follicle. However, the duration of the luteal phase according to basal body temperature and low speed the rise in basal temperature after ovulation is accepted by many authors as criteria for diagnosing the syndrome of luteinization of a non-ovulating follicle.

Five main types of temperature curves are described in classic gynecological manuals.

On such graphs, there is an increase in temperature in the second phase of the cycle by at least 0.4 C; noticeable "preovulatory" and "premenstrual" temperature drop. The duration of the temperature increase after ovulation is 12-14 days. Such a curve is typical of a normal biphasic menstrual cycle.

The graph example shows a pre-ovulatory drop on the 12th day of the cycle (the temperature drops significantly two days before ovulation), as well as a premenstrual drop starting from the 26th day of the cycle.

There is a weakly pronounced rise in temperature in the second phase. The temperature difference in the first and second phases is no more than 0.2-0.3 C. Such a curve may indicate estrogen-progesterone deficiency. See chart examples below.

If such schedules are repeated from cycle to cycle, then this may indicate hormonal failures, which are the cause of infertility.

Basal temperature begins to rise only shortly before menstruation, while there is no "premenstrual" temperature drop. The second phase of the cycle may last less than 10 days. Such a curve is typical for a two-phase menstrual cycle with insufficiency of the second phase. See chart examples below.

Pregnancy in such a cycle is possible, but it is at risk from the very beginning. At this point, a woman still cannot know about the onset of pregnancy, even gynecologists would find it difficult to make a diagnosis at such an early stage. With such a schedule, we can talk not about infertility, but about miscarriage. Be sure to contact your gynecologist if you have such a schedule for 3 cycles.

In a cycle without ovulation, it does not form corpus luteum, which produces the hormone progesterone and affects the increase in basal body temperature. In this case, the temperature rise is not visible on the basal temperature chart and ovulation is not detected. If there is no ovulation line on the chart, in this case we are talking about the anovulatory cycle.

Each woman may have several anovulatory cycles per year - this is normal and does not require medical intervention, but if this situation repeats from cycle to cycle, then be sure to consult a gynecologist. Without ovulation - pregnancy is impossible!

A monotonic curve occurs when there is no pronounced rise throughout the cycle. Such a schedule is observed during an anovulatory (ovulation is absent) cycle. See chart examples below.

The average woman has one anovulatory cycle per year and there is no cause for concern in this case. But anovulatory schedules that are repeated from cycle to cycle are very serious occasion contact a gynecologist. Without ovulation, a woman cannot become pregnant and we are talking about female infertility.

estrogen deficiency

Chaotic temperature curve. The graph shows large temperature swings, it does not fit into any of the above types. This type of curve can be observed both in severe estrogen deficiency and depend on random factors. Chart examples below.

A competent gynecologist will definitely require testing for hormones and conduct an ultrasound examination before prescribing medications

High basal temperature in the first phase

The basal temperature graph is divided into the first and second phases. The separation takes place where the ovulation line (vertical line) is affixed. Accordingly, the first phase of the cycle is the segment of the graph before ovulation, and the second phase of the cycle after ovulation.

Estrogen deficiency

In the first phase of the cycle in the female body, the hormone estrogen dominates. Under the influence of this hormone, the basal temperature before ovulation is kept on average in the range from 36.2 to 36.5 degrees. If the temperature in the first phase rises and stays above this mark, then estrogen deficiency can be assumed. In this case, the average temperature of the first phase rises to 36.5 - 36.8 degrees and is kept at this level. To increase the level of estrogen, gynecologists-endocrinologists will prescribe hormonal drugs.

Estrogen deficiency also leads to an increased temperature in the second phase of the cycle (above 37.1 degrees), while the rise in temperature is slow and takes more than 3 days.

On the example of the graph, the temperature in the first phase is above 37.0 degrees, in the second phase it rises to 37.5, the rise in temperature by 0.2 degrees on the 17th and 18th day of the cycle is insignificant. Fertilization in a cycle with such a schedule is very problematic.

Inflammation of the appendages

Another reason for an increase in temperature in the first phase may be inflammation of the appendages. In this case, the temperature rises only for a few days in the first phase to 37 degrees, and then drops again. In such charts, the calculation of ovulation is difficult, since such a rise "masks" the ovulatory rise.

On the example of the graph, the temperature in the first phase of the cycle is kept at 37.0 degrees, the increase occurs sharply and also falls sharply. A rise in temperature on day 6 of the cycle can be mistaken for an ovulatory rise, but in fact it most likely indicates inflammation. Therefore, it is so important to measure the temperature throughout the cycle in order to exclude such a scenario: the temperature rose due to inflammation, then fell again and then rose due to the onset of ovulation.

endometritis

Normally, the temperature in the first phase should decrease during menstrual bleeding. If your temperature at the end of the cycle drops before the onset of menstruation and rises again to 37.0 degrees with the onset of menstruation (less often on day 2-3 of the cycle), then this may indicate the presence of endometritis.

Characteristically, the temperature drops before menstruation and rises with the beginning of the next cycle. If there is no drop in temperature before the onset of menstruation in the first cycle, i.e., the temperature is kept at this level, then pregnancy can be assumed, despite the onset of bleeding. Take a pregnancy test and consult a gynecologist who will conduct an ultrasound for an accurate diagnosis.

If the basal temperature in the first phase rises sharply for one day, then this does not mean anything. Inflammation of the appendages cannot begin and end in one day. Also, a lack of estrogen can only be assumed by evaluating the entire graph, and not a separate temperature in the first phase. In diseases accompanied by high or elevated body temperature, it makes no sense to measure basal temperature, and even more so to judge its nature and analyze the graph.

Low temperature in the second phase of the menstrual cycle

In the second phase of the cycle, the basal temperature should differ significantly (by about 0.4 degrees) from the first phase and be at the level of 37.0 degrees or higher if you measure the temperature rectally. If the temperature difference is less than 0.4 degrees and the average temperature of the second phase does not reach 36.8 degrees, then this may indicate problems.

Insufficiency of the corpus luteum

In the second phase of the cycle, the female body begins to produce the hormone progesterone or the corpus luteum hormone. This hormone is responsible for raising the temperature in the second phase of the cycle and prevents the onset of menstruation. If this hormone is not enough, then the temperature rises slowly and the onset of pregnancy may be at risk.

The temperature in case of corpus luteum insufficiency rises shortly before menstruation, and there is no "premenstrual" fall. This may indicate hormonal deficiency. The diagnosis is based on a blood test for progesterone in the second phase of the cycle. If its values ​​are lowered, then usually the gynecologist prescribes a progesterone substitute: utrogestan or duphaston. These drugs are taken strictly after the onset of ovulation. With the onset of pregnancy, the reception continues until 10-12 weeks. Abrupt withdrawal of progesterone in the second phase during pregnancy can lead to the threat of termination of pregnancy.

Particular attention should be paid to charts with a short second phase. If the second phase is shorter than 10 days, then one can also judge the insufficiency of the second phase.

Situations when the basal temperature remains elevated for more than 14 days occur during pregnancy, the formation of an ovarian corpus luteum cyst, and also in an acute inflammatory process of the pelvic organs.

Estrogen-progesterone deficiency

If, in combination with a low temperature in the second phase, your graph shows a slight rise in temperature (0.2-0.3 C) after ovulation, then such a curve may indicate not only a lack of progesterone, but also a lack of the hormone estrogen.

When ovulation is stimulated, in particular with clomiphene (clostilbegit) using duphaston in the second phase of the mc, the basal temperature graph, as a rule, becomes “normal” - two-phase, with a pronounced phase transition, with a fairly high temperature in the second phase, with characteristic “steps” (the temperature rises 2 times) and a slight sinking. If the temperature schedule during stimulation, on the contrary, is violated and deviates from the normal, this may indicate an incorrect selection of the dose of drugs or an inappropriate stimulation scenario (other medications may be needed). An increase in temperature in the first phase during stimulation with clomiphene also occurs with individual sensitivity to the drug.

Special cases of the basal temperature chart

Low or high temperature in both phases, provided that the temperature difference is at least 0.4 degrees, is not a pathology. This is an individual feature of the body. The measurement method can also affect the temperature values. Typically, with an oral measurement, the basal temperature is 0.2 degrees lower than with a rectal or vaginal measurement.

When to contact a gynecologist?

If you strictly observe the rules for measuring temperature and observe the described problems on your basal temperature graph for at least 2 cycles in a row, contact your doctor for additional examinations. Beware of making diagnoses by a gynecologist only on the basis of charts. What you need to pay attention to:

anovulatory charts
regular cycle delays in case of non-approaching pregnancy
late ovulation and not getting pregnant for several cycles
controversial schedules with indistinct ovulation
high temperature charts throughout the cycle
low temperature curves throughout the cycle
schedules with a short (less than 10 days) second phase
charts with high temperature in the second phase of the cycle for more than 18 days, without the onset of menstruation and a negative pregnancy test
unexplained bleeding or heavy discharge mid-cycle
heavy menstruation lasting more than 5 days
graphs with a temperature difference in the first and second phases of less than 0.4 degrees
cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
graphs with well-defined ovulation, regular intercourse during ovulation and no pregnancy for several cycles

Signs of probable infertility according to the basal temperature chart:

The average value of the second phase of the cycle (after the temperature rise) exceeds the average value of the first phase by less than 0.4°C.
In the second phase of the cycle, there are drops in temperature (the temperature drops below 37°C).
The rise in temperature in the middle of the cycle lasts more than 3-4 days.
The second phase is short (less than 8 days).

Definition of pregnancy by basal temperature

The method of determining pregnancy by basal temperature works subject to the presence of ovulation in the cycle, since with some health disorders, the basal temperature can be increased for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a violation is hyperprolactinemia, due to increased production of the hormone prolactin by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation and is normally elevated only during pregnancy and lactation (see Examples of graphs for normal and various disorders).

Fluctuations in basal temperature in different phases of the menstrual cycle are due to different levels of hormones responsible for phases 1 and 2.

During menstruation, the basal temperature is always elevated (about 37.0 and above). In the first phase of the cycle (follicular) before ovulation, the basal temperature is low, up to 37.0 degrees.

Before ovulation, the basal temperature decreases, and immediately after ovulation it rises by 0.4 - 0.5 degrees and remains elevated until the next menstruation.

In women with different lengths of the menstrual cycle, the duration of the follicular phase is different, and the length of the luteal (second) phase of the cycle is approximately the same and does not exceed 12-14 days. Thus, if the basal temperature after the jump (which indicates ovulation) remains elevated for more than 14 days, this clearly indicates the onset of pregnancy.

This method of determining pregnancy works subject to the presence of ovulation in the cycle, since with some health disorders, the basal temperature can be increased for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a violation is hyperprolactinemia, due to increased production of the hormone prolactin by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation and is normally elevated only during pregnancy and lactation.

If a woman is pregnant, then menstruation will not occur and the temperature will remain elevated throughout the pregnancy. A decrease in basal temperature during pregnancy may indicate a lack of hormones that maintain pregnancy and the threat of its termination.

With the onset of pregnancy, in most cases, on the 7th - 10th day after ovulation, implantation occurs - the introduction of a fertilized egg into the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). In rare cases, early (before 7 days) or late (after 10 days) implantation is observed. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reliably determine the presence of implantation or its absence either on the basis of the schedule or with the help of ultrasound at a gynecologist's appointment. However, there are several signs that may indicate implantation has taken place. All these signs can be detected on the 7-10th day after ovulation:

It is possible that these days there are small discharges that disappear within 1-2 days. This may be the so-called implantation bleeding. At the time of the introduction of the egg into the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium is damaged, which leads to minor discharge. But if you have regular discharge in the middle of the cycle, and pregnancy does not occur, then you should contact the gynecology center.

A sharp decrease in temperature to the level of the midline for one day in the second phase, the so-called implantation retraction. This is one of the signs most often observed in charts with confirmed pregnancy. This retraction can occur for two reasons. Firstly, the production of the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for raising the temperature, begins to decline from the middle of the second phase, when pregnancy occurs, its production resumes again, which leads to temperature fluctuations. Secondly, during the onset of pregnancy, the hormone estrogen is released, which in turn lowers the temperature. The combination of these two hormonal shifts leads to the appearance of implantation depression on the graph.

Your chart has become triphasic, which means you are seeing an ovulation-like rise in temperature on the chart during the second phase of your cycle. This rise is again due to increased production of the hormone progesterone after implantation.

On the example of the graph - implantation retraction on the 21st day of the cycle and the presence of the third phase, starting from the 26th day of the cycle.

Early signs of pregnancy such as nausea, tightness in the chest, frequent urination, indigestion, or just feeling pregnant also do not give an accurate answer. You may not be pregnant if you have all of these signs, or you may be pregnant without a single symptom.

All these signs can be a confirmation of the onset of pregnancy, but you should not rely on them, since there are many examples in which the signs were present, but the pregnancy did not occur. Or, conversely, with the onset of pregnancy, there were no signs. The most reliable conclusions can be drawn if there is a clear rise in temperature on your chart, you had intercourse 1-2 days before or during ovulation, and your temperature remains high 14 days after ovulation. In this case, the time has come to take a pregnancy test, which will finally confirm your expectations.

Basal temperature measurement is one of the main fertility tracking methods recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). for details, see the WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for the Use of Contraceptive Methods page 117.

When using the basal temperature method to prevent unwanted pregnancy, you need to consider that not only the days of ovulation according to the basal temperature schedule can be dangerous. Therefore, in the period from the beginning of menstruation until the evening of the 3rd day after the rise in basal temperature, which occurs after ovulation, it is better to use additional measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Our regular reader, Natalya Gorshkova, has compiled a form for you to quickly fill out and automatically plot a basal temperature chart, which you can print out and show to your doctor. You can download it from the link: .

Charts are discussed at

Attention! It is impossible to make any diagnoses only on the basis of basal temperature charts. Diagnosis is made on the basis of additional examinations conducted by a gynecologist.

Basal (rectal) temperature- this is the temperature measured in the anus of a woman, reflects fluctuations associated with changes in tissue reactions of the internal genital organs, depending on the production of certain hormones. These temperature fluctuations are local in nature and do not affect the temperature measured, for example, in the armpit or in the mouth. However, the general increase in temperature as a result of illness, overheating, etc. naturally affects the BT indicators and makes them unreliable.

Therefore, the BT MEASUREMENT RULES are quite strict:
1. The temperature must be changed at approximately the same time on weekdays and holidays.
2. You should prepare a medical thermometer in advance, put it in the immediate vicinity of the bed.
3. Without getting up, without sitting down, without showing much activity in bed, take a thermometer and insert its narrow part into the anus.
4. Lie still for 5 minutes.
5. Remove the thermometer, write down the indicator in the table.

This is a form for drawing up an individual schedule for measuring basal temperature:

Having read various medical terminology and armed with a thermometer (mercury, alcohol or electronic), every woman who prepares to measure her basal temperature every morning for several months is faced with the problem of in what form it is better to collect and store the information received, so that after it it can be easy and hassle-free to read. In other words, the question is how best to plot a basal temperature chart.

On the website, you can download a template developed by us, taking into account the opinions of a dozen women who had to find out what basal temperature is and what it is eaten with.

The template is an xls file that opens in Microsoft Excel. In the first line, indicate the month in which you take measurements, in the second - the days of the month, and in the third - the days of your menstrual cycle. In the example, a 30-day cycle is used, if your cycle is less, then correct the template. The template can be printed or filled out on a computer.

Well, then - be patient and carefully fill out the table, marking the intersection of the date and temperature with a dot. At the bottom of the table, you can enter data about your secretions, their consistency, color and smell. These signs also indicate ovulation and in which case they can be useful to your gynecologist.

Recall the basic rules for measuring basal temperature:

It is better to start measuring at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, on the first day of menstruation, but it will not be bad if you start keeping a calendar on the day you decide. But remember that in any case, to get any conclusions on the chart, you need to have 2-3 full cycles, i.e. one full cycle and a half cannot be considered indicative.

Always use the same method (oral, vaginal or rectal) and the same thermometer (mercury, alcohol, digital). It does not matter what method and thermometer it will be, it is important not to change them during the measurement process. If your thermometer has an error of 0.5 degrees, this is not so important, the main thing is that this error be observed with each measurement.

Measure the basal temperature in the morning, waking up, but not getting out of bed, at the same time (let's take 7 am for example). Uninterrupted sleep before measurement should last at least 3 hours, often recommend all 6 hours. Of course, it is very difficult to follow this rule, you can wake up at night through no fault of your own (due to poor sleep, your partner pushes or snores), get up to go to the toilet or something. Therefore, measure the temperature immediately after waking up, if there are 3 full hours of sleep, write down this temperature. For example, if you went to bed at 00:00 and woke up at 4:00 in the morning without getting out of bed, take your temperature and remember it. Waking up next time at 7 am after another 3 hours of sleep, measure the temperature again, usually it coincides with the one that was at 4 am. If not, write down the last value in the graph, and mark the temperature at 4 o'clock in the morning on top.

Make notes on the schedule about taking medications, feeling unwell, fever. This, as well as alcohol, long trips, hormonal drugs, changing the thermometer can very significantly affect the performance. Write everything down on a schedule so that later not only you, but also your doctor can easily find out how you lived during this time.

The basal temperature chart, the template of which can be downloaded on our website, helps girls in identifying the most favorable moment for conception. Consider the principles of its filling and the rules for conducting measurements.

Rules for filling out the template

Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature reached at rest. It is measured in three ways: in the oral cavity, in the vagina or rectum. It is believed that the rectal dimension is more relevant.

For the readings to be true, you need to measure the temperature with one thermometer and in one way. That is, having started measurements in the rectum, you do not need to switch to another option.

To keep a graph of basal temperature on the form, you need to be guided by the following principles:

• Start measurements from the first day of menstruation, i.e. from the beginning of the cycle.
• Take measurements in the morning without getting up.
• Prepare the thermometer in the evening and place it nearby so that there is no need to get up for it. As we remember, any body movement is contraindicated, because. distorts the result.
• Mark the result shown by the thermometer on the graph by putting a dot at the desired intersection: cycle day - temperature.
• Connect the marked points together to form a curve.

Measurements should be started 3-4 months before the planned conception in order to understand your normal indicators, because they may differ from the standard. Each cycle must be reflected on a separate form. This makes it easy to compare them with each other.

Our template will be convenient for every girl, even with the longest cycle, because it is drawn for 45 days with a maximum cycle of 35 days. It also includes a large temperature range of 35.9-38.1°C, which will allow you to track any atypical condition.

Chart decoding: temperature standards

There are standards for each stage of the cycle that you need to focus on:

• follicular phase. Lasts 11-17 days, characterized by the maturation of the egg. The temperature is in the range of 36.2-36.5°C.
• Ovulation. Lasts 2-3 days. On the eve of the rupture of the follicle, the temperature drops, and at the time of the release of the egg, it rises by 0.4-0.6 ° C. The graph clearly shows "peaks".
• luteal phase. Lasts 14 days. There is a production of progesterone, which is responsible for fertilization and the normal course of pregnancy. The temperature is elevated - 37.0-37.5 ° C. Before menstruation, there is a gradual decline - by 0.3-0.5 ° C. With a successful conception, increased rates are maintained throughout the pregnancy.

Conclusion

After printing out the basal temperature chart (template) and making observations, you need to put notes below the corresponding dates with the reasons that may affect the change in temperature: alcohol intake, colds, stress, sexual intercourse, etc. This will explain the atypical indicator and will not cause concern.

Almost every woman knows what a basal temperature chart is. After all, building a simple diagram allows you to learn a lot about the ongoing physiological processes associated with hormonal changes and the body's readiness for conception. This is of fundamental importance for girls planning a pregnancy, or for those whose life plans do not yet include motherhood.

With a competent interpretation of the basal temperature graph, in a few months you can get a clear picture of the state of the female reproductive system. And in particular, find out if ovulation occurs, and which days can be considered favorable for conception, determine whether the cycle has become crucial or suggest another reason for delaying menstruation.

We will talk in more detail about the features of compiling and deciphering the basal temperature graph in this article.

How to plot a basal temperature chart?

The scheduling algorithm is extremely simple, but requires compliance with the following rules:

• firstly, BT (basal temperature) must be measured for 5-7 minutes daily at the same time while in bed;
• secondly, the procedure should be carried out after at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep;
• thirdly, for these purposes it is better to use one thermometer, preferably a mercury one.

Measurements should be entered into a special template, so it will not be difficult to build the correct basal temperature chart. The blank can be made independently, on a piece of paper in a box or on a computer. To do this, you need to put down the temperature values ​​\u200b\u200bfrom 36.2 to 37.6 degrees vertically, and the numbers in which the measurements will be taken horizontally. Then every morning enter the data, making a note at the intersection of the number and the corresponding temperature.

For those who have free access to the World Wide Web, you can use online services or download a template and print it on your home printer.

Normal basal temperature chart

You can judge the presence or absence of pathology if you know what a normal basal temperature graph looks like in healthy woman with a two-phase cycle.

So, normally, in the first phase, the range of BT values ​​​​is in the range from 36.2 to 36.7 degrees, but it does not exceed 37, which indicates a high level of estrogens. A couple of days before ovulation, the value of BBT drops sharply. After the release of a mature egg, the second, luteal phase begins, which is characterized by an increase in BBT by 0.4-0.6 degrees. This is due to a sharp increase in the level of progesterone and the creation of favorable conditions for the development of pregnancy. As a rule, in the second phase, the value of BT is kept at around 37 degrees and above.

If conception did not take place, this will be reflected in the graph by a decrease in temperature on the eve of menstruation.

While on the pregnant chart, a short-term drop in basal temperature is observed approximately on the 7th day after ovulation, after which the BT curve again rushes up.

With the successful development of pregnancy, high BBT persists for 9 months.

Properly built basal temperature chart(BT) detects the presence of ovulation (or lack of it), and will also help identify endometritis and other gynecological diseases, if any.

ovulation line. The onset of ovulation can be determined by the WHO method. The three consecutive temperature readings must be above the line drawn above the six temperature readings before. The difference between the three temperature values ​​and the line must be at least 0.1 degrees on two days out of three. These indicators indicate that a characteristic line should appear a couple of days after ovulation. The optimal time for conception is the day of ovulation, two days before and after it. If in the first phase of the cycle BBT is high, then the WHO method will not be able to determine ovulation. If you measure BBT for three months, you can then determine on which day of the cycle ovulation occurs. This will allow you to calculate in advance the most favorable period for conception.

Menstrual cycle length according to the norm - 21-35 days. If the cycles are longer or shorter, there is a possibility of ovarian dysfunction, which can cause infertility.

Second phase length(after ovulation). The second phase begins after the vertical ovulation line and lasts 12-16 days. The length of the first phase can vary greatly, which is an individual norm. However, a healthy woman should not have strong differences in the length of the phases. If for several cycles the length of the second phase is less than 10 days, you should consult a gynecologist.

temperature difference the first and second phases are normal - 0.4 degrees. If the indicator is lower, then this indicates hormonal problems. It is necessary to take a blood test for estrogen and progesterone.

How to determine pregnancy by BT

Daily measurement of BBT allows you to determine pregnancy in the early stages. This method allows you to determine the fact of conception with the utmost accuracy, but only on the condition that the previous three months the indicators were daily reflected in basal body temperature chart.

On the day of ovulation, BBT rises from 36.3-36.6°C to 37.0-37.3°C. At this level, she keeps more than seven days, falls only 3-4 days before menstruation. If 1-2 days before the expected date of menstruation, the temperature has not decreased, we can talk about the onset of pregnancy.

Insufficiency of the corpus luteum

During the second phase of the cycle, the corpus luteum hormone, or progesterone, is produced in the body. It is responsible for raising the temperature and preventing the onset of menstruation. If conception has occurred, then with a lack of progesterone, pregnancy will be at risk. Therefore, a gradual rise in temperature in the second phase of the cycle indicates the need to immediately consult a doctor for a progesterone test.

Anovulatory cycle - graph (hyperprolactinemia)

With this condition, the level of the hormone prolactin (the pituitary gland hormone) increases in the blood, which regulates many processes. At the same time, its excess level can interfere with the onset of pregnancy. In this case basal temperature chart may be like a pregnant woman's schedule. Menstruation, as in pregnancy, may be absent.

Several anovulatory cycles per year are considered acceptable. However, if the situation is repeated consistently from cycle to cycle, then this is a reason to visit a gynecologist.

estrogen deficiency

If in the second phase of the cycle the rise in temperature is mild, and the difference in this indicator in the first and second phases is 0.2-0.3 degrees, we can talk about estrogen-progesterone deficiency. If such basal body temperature chart constantly repeated, this indicates hormonal disruptions which can lead to infertility.

Inflammation of the appendages (ovaries)

An increase in temperature to 37 ° C in the first phase of the cycle is not only due to ovulation. This can happen due to inflammation of the appendages. The increase occurs for a couple of days, then there is a decline. According to this woman's basal temperature chart it is difficult to calculate ovulation. It is important to measure BBT throughout the cycle, so as not to mistake inflammation of the appendages for ovulation.

Signs of infertility

You can talk about infertility only after unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant for 12 months. This term is relative. Women over the age of 35 are diagnosed as infertile after 6 months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive.

Signs of infertility that can be seen on the BBT chart:

• No regular cycle.
• Lack of ovulation.
• Lack of corpus luteum.
• Abnormal BBT charts, etc.

The basal temperature chart, the template of which can be downloaded on our website, helps girls in identifying the most favorable moment for conception. Consider the principles of its filling and the rules for conducting measurements.

Rules for filling out the template

Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature reached at rest. It is measured in three ways: in the oral cavity, in the vagina or rectum. It is believed that the rectal dimension is more relevant.

For the readings to be true, you need to measure the temperature with one thermometer and in one way. That is, having started measurements in the rectum, you do not need to switch to another option.

To keep a graph of basal temperature on the form, you need to be guided by the following principles:

• Start measurements from the first day of menstruation, i.e. from the beginning of the cycle.
• Take measurements in the morning without getting up.
• Prepare the thermometer in the evening and place it nearby so that there is no need to get up for it. As we remember, any body movement is contraindicated, because. distorts the result.
• Mark the result shown by the thermometer on the graph by putting a dot at the desired intersection: cycle day - temperature.
• Connect the marked points together to form a curve.

Measurements should be started 3-4 months before the planned conception in order to understand your normal indicators, because they may differ from the standard. Each cycle must be reflected on a separate form. This makes it easy to compare them with each other.

Our template will be convenient for every girl, even with the longest cycle, because it is drawn for 45 days with a maximum cycle of 35 days. It also includes a large temperature range of 35.9-38.1°C, which will allow you to track any atypical condition.

Chart decoding: temperature standards

There are standards for each stage of the cycle that you need to focus on:

• follicular phase. Lasts 11-17 days, characterized by the maturation of the egg. The temperature is in the range of 36.2-36.5°C.
• Ovulation. Lasts 2-3 days. On the eve of the rupture of the follicle, the temperature drops, and at the time of the release of the egg, it rises by 0.4-0.6 ° C. The graph clearly shows "peaks".
• luteal phase. Lasts 14 days. There is a production of progesterone, which is responsible for fertilization and the normal course of pregnancy. The temperature is elevated - 37.0-37.5 ° C. Before menstruation, there is a gradual decline - by 0.3-0.5 ° C. With a successful conception, increased rates are maintained throughout the pregnancy.

Conclusion

After printing out the basal temperature chart (template) and making observations, you need to put notes below the corresponding dates with the reasons that may affect the change in temperature: alcohol intake, colds, stress, sexual intercourse, etc. This will explain the atypical indicator and will not cause concern.