Basal temperature before menstruation - what should be? How to measure correctly and what is the basal temperature during the day before menstruation is normal. The norms of basal temperature in the second phase - from ovulation to menstruation

Basal body temperature is body temperature measured in the rectum or vagina. Data on its fluctuations in a healthy woman show the reaction of the body to the changes taking place in it. The graph of basal temperatures during the monthly cycle is an important indicator that assesses the state of health of a woman, the processes taking place in her body.

This indicator will help to accurately determine the fluctuations in progesterone, which is directly related to reproductive function. The measurement takes place according to a special technique that every woman must comprehend. This will help to pay attention to your own health and decide on the planning of pregnancy, the birth of a child, or to exclude the possibility of these processes that are undesirable for yourself. In this connection, it is necessary to know what the basal temperature should be before menstruation.

It is no secret that a woman's well-being is completely dependent on hormones and special attention should be paid to maintaining a health scale. Temperature must be measured daily and recorded. In this case, it will be possible to create a calendar of the menstrual cycle. Subsequently, your figures, converted into a graph, allow you to know:

about the onset of the process of maturation of the follicle;
date of ovulation;
about hormonal disruptions occurring in the body;
date of the next menstruation;
predetermine the onset of gynecological diseases and inflammations;
about the onset of pregnancy.

Temperature measurement in the traditional way (in the armpit) does not show the full picture and cannot help in determining the hormonal state of the body. Measurement of rectal temperature is a fairly accurate method. It is effective if you perform the measurement according to all the rules and regularly, within 3-4 months.

Rectal temperature before menstruation is determined individually, through long-term observations of its changes. This is necessary to obtain reliable data and eliminate errors in further planning. To collect them, measurement must be performed as follows:

measurement is carried out for 5 minutes with a mercury thermometer and 1 minute with an electronic one;

use the same thermometer;

the temperature should be measured during the awakening period, early in the morning, without getting out of bed, using a thermometer;

note all the changes or fluctuations that occur, despite colds, stress, physical activity, etc.

A precisely built schedule and the changes that occur in it will indicate the occurrence of a problem at an early stage and, thanks to this, a woman will be able to avoid serious consequences or complications of emerging diseases.

Menstruation

The existing opinion that there is a fluctuation - a decrease or increase in basal temperature before menstruation, is confirmed among physicians. They are called some normative indicators that must be taken into account when using this method. There are two options for the course of events - with the onset of pregnancy and without it. Consider first the second version.

So, starting observation by this method on the first day of menstruation, as a rule, a normal temperature is detected. This is a meaningless indicator that you do not need to pay attention to, but only add it to the table. Every day it falls and you need to give importance to the last day of menstruation, when the temperature is from 36.3 to 36.5 ° C. This time is considered the most favorable for the start of follicle growth, under the influence of estrogen.

At the last stage of its formation and when a mature egg is released, the temperature drops by 0.1-0.2 ° C and lasts for several days, and then rises again to 37. This means that ovulation has occurred, which provokes an increase in the indicator. During this period, optimal conditions for the onset of pregnancy are created.

At the exit of the follicle, the wall of the ovary is injured, forming a body that produces progesterone. The hormone is responsible for fertilization and the preparatory process in the uterus to receive the fertilized egg. This increases the basal body temperature to 37.0-37.5°. The stage lasts several days and proceeds with a gradual decrease in the degree.

The norm of basal temperature before menstruation ranges from 36.5-37.5 ° C.

With a cycle of 28 days, implantation retraction may be noticed on the chart - this is a decrease by 0.1-0.2 ° C in the temperature indicator, noticeable 1-2 hours before ovulation and it lasts 24 hours.

Temperature readings a week before menstruation

What should be the basal temperature before menstruation? Typical temperature values a week before menstruation remain stable, at a normal level - 36.6. This is followed by a period when the temperature before menstruation is 37 and remains so for 10-14 days. Then it gradually declines before starting a new cycle.

Temperature readings three days before menstruation

The last three days before menstruation are characterized by a decrease in temperature and this is the most unfavorable time for conception.

You can afford unprotected sex because of the low chance of pregnancy.

The increased basal temperature before menstruation is gradually declining. This suggests that menstruation will begin soon. The indicator decreases from 37.1 to 36.6°C. The temperature before menstruation 36 may depend on the individual characteristics of the woman's body.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the indicators are similar only until the moment when ovulation occurs. Subsequent indications of basal temperatures before menstruation depend on whether the fertilization of the egg has occurred, in other words, whether conception has taken place. With the development of events, when pregnancy should occur after ovulation, the basal temperature before menstruation is 37 ° C. In this case, it does not change for three days and is a favorable period for conception, and also becomes the first sign of pregnancy, and its confirmation will be standard signs and test results.

Further, there is a slight pulling pain in the lower abdomen and mild bleeding from the vagina. This means that conception has occurred, and an embryo has been born at the inner walls of the surface of the uterus. Then the numbers are aligned and returned to the previous indicators. If conception does not happen, the amount of progesterone gradually decreases, which leads to a decrease in temperature.

On the day when the temperature dropped sharply, and then rapidly increased, as a rule, it is considered the day of conception.

Non-standard temperature readings

Some deviations from accepted norms (for example, 38 ° C) are individual and may indicate the development of various gynecological diseases. In any case, when they are found, you need to pay attention to your health and seek the advice of a specialist, as follows:

with a lack of progesterone - menstruation appears prematurely, rectal temperature tends to constantly fall;

with endometritis - a noticeable increase in temperature;

with inflammation of the appendages, an increase occurs, etc.

Taking oral contraceptives and hormonal pills leads to a distortion of the basal temperature, and the use of the graph in this case will not give the woman reliable information.

Basal temperature during menstruation has been measured for a long time and gynecologists around the world effectively use this method to determine the state of a woman's reproductive health.

It is normal for a woman to want a child, because bearing offspring is her natural function. Perhaps that is why the fair sex, who really want to get pregnant, are so happy about the delay in menstruation. But not always critical days are delayed due to conception.

In order not to rejoice ahead of time or not be upset because of the arrival of menstruation instead of the desired pregnancy, you should know what basal temperature should be before menstruation, and which one indicates the fertilization of the egg. It is the construction of a graph of basal temperature that will help you choose the right moment for conception and find out about its onset in the early stages.

Basal body temperature (BT) is the temperature measured immediately after a night's sleep. Taking measurements requires compliance with certain rules, which we will definitely provide in this article.

Why measure BBT - why readings change

Measuring basal temperature and drawing up an appropriate schedule will allow a woman to assess the state of her reproductive system. Since the body of each representative of the fair sex works in its own mode, then the schedule for each lady will look different. BT indicators can be influenced not only by the characteristics of the body and the presence of pathologies, but also by the day of the cycle.

To obtain a complete picture, it is necessary to observe changes in BT for at least 4 months. Measurements for 1 cycle will not allow you to make correct calculations. It does not matter how exactly the measurement was taken: it can be oral, vaginal or rectal temperature, the main thing is that each time the measurement is carried out in the same way as the previous one.

The BT schedule can tell a doctor a lot:

most often, these values \u200b\u200bare used to determine pregnancy with a delay in menstruation;
you can find out if the egg is ripe, that is, according to the schedule, the moment of ovulation is visible;
it is possible to determine the presence of gynecological diseases and inflammatory processes;
the functionality of the endocrine system is determined;
the level of secretion of hormones by the ovaries is estimated.

If a woman has not been able to get pregnant for a long time, keeping a BT schedule will help determine the presence of disorders in the reproductive system, such as:

hormonal imbalance that does not allow the embryo to gain a foothold in the endometrium;
hiding gynecological diseases that cause infertility;
infertility due to the lack of ovulation as such;
problems in the activity of the endocrine system.

Thanks to the measurement of BT, you can significantly increase the chances of conception, some women use such charts in order to conceive a baby of a certain gender.

It should be remembered that it is impossible to make a diagnosis on your own only according to the indications of basal temperature; to confirm it, you must definitely undergo laboratory and instrumental studies. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

Measurement Rules

In order for the measurement of basal temperature to give the most reliable information, you need to choose the right moment for measurements, namely the time when the temperature is the lowest. Compliance with the following rules for measuring BT is the key to obtaining accurate information:

Basal temperature should be measured only after waking up from sleep, lasting at least 5-6 hours without a break.
Measurements are taken at such points: vagina, rectum (the most accurate data), mouth. If measured in the mouth, the thermometer should be placed under the tongue for 5 minutes. At other points, it is enough to hold the thermometer for 3 minutes.
The measurement is carried out every time at the same time with a spread of no more than half an hour.
It is necessary to measure BT with one method and one tool. For these purposes, a mercury thermometer is better suited.
You need to prepare the measuring device in the evening. The thermometer must be knocked down and placed near the bed so that you do not get up from it in the morning, but immediately, when you wake up, take readings.
After waking up, before taking measurements, in no case should you get out of bed, stretch and move actively.
The BT value is affected by every active movement and time. Every hour after waking up, it rises by 0.1 degrees, so it is pointless to measure it during the day and in the evening, the result will be useless.
If night sleep needs to be interrupted for any reason, then it is necessary to do the planned things, and then go to sleep for another 3-4 hours, and only then measure BT.
You need to take readings in a supine position, which means taking measurements without getting out of bed.
As soon as the thermometer is removed, you immediately need to record the readings in the graph.
If the mercury column on the thermometer is located between two divisions, you need to take into account the lower mark.
If a woman works the night shift, readings should be taken after daytime sleep.
On the graph, all incidents that may affect the measurement value should be noted, such factors include intimate relationships the day before, a long stay on the road, fever, taking sleeping pills, hormonal or sedative drugs, and drinking alcohol.
Measurements are best done before 8 am.
Since the schedule needs to be completed for about 3 months, measurements are taken daily, even on critical days.

Since the female reproductive system can rest 2 times during the year, ovulation does not occur at this time, conception can be suspected only if the graph shows that she was in this cycle.

BT norms at different stages

It is quite natural for the female body that BBT changes during the cycle. But in order to determine what it is normal for, it is necessary to take measurements for at least 3 months in order to obtain reliable data. Consider what are the acceptable values of BT at different stages of the menstrual cycle, as well as what this or that temperature can mean with systematic measurements, and how many days before menstruation its value begins to fall.

You need to start drawing up a schedule on the first day of menstruation, that is, on this day you need to make the 1st measurement. Its value in the first days rises slightly, so this indicator does not participate in the calculations. On average, the basal temperature during menstruation can vary between 36.3-36.5 ° C, this value can last the entire 1st phase of the cycle. These are the optimal conditions for the growth of the follicle under the influence of the hormone estrogen.

Just before the mature egg is supposed to leave the ovary, BBT begins to fall by a few tenths of a degree, and then rises sharply to 37-37.2 ° C. An increase in basal temperature indicates the onset of ovulation and the beginning of the 2nd phase of the cycle, such indicators can be kept until the end of the cycle.

What will be the basal temperature before menstruation depends on the state of the egg: whether it has been fertilized or not. At the site of the follicle breakthrough in the wound, a corpus luteum forms on the wall of the ovary, which produces the hormone progesterone. It is on him that the result of fertilization largely depends. Under the influence of progesterone, BT rises to 37.0-37.5 ° C. This is the best time to conceive. Until the end of the cycle, the graph will show values within these limits. At conception, such indications are noted before and after the delay - this is the surest sign of pregnancy. To confirm its onset, you can additionally use a test.

A week before menstruation, the normal basal temperature can be around 37 ° C, the highest mark should not exceed 37.5 ° C. It is necessary to take into account one nuance that during a 4-week cycle, it is at this time that implantation retraction can be observed - BT decreases by several tenths of a degree during the fixation of the embryo into the uterine wall. At the same time, the expectant mother may feel pain in the lower abdomen, and slight spotting may also occur. BBT during the attachment of the embryo may not decrease in every woman, but over time, the value still levels off. If fertilization does not occur, then the level of progesterone drops, and this leads to a decrease in BBT on the eve of menstruation.

3 days before menstruation, BBT is usually characterized by a drop of 3-5 tenths of a degree. A variant of the norm during this period will be considered its value in the range of 36.7-37.1 °. But in general, for each woman before menstruation, the norm of basal temperature will be individual.

Thanks to the measurement of basal temperature, it is possible to assess the coherence of the work of the female body, you can tell exactly when the time has come that is most suitable for conception, and clarify the days on which you can not use protection during intercourse. It is best to take measurements several cycles in a row in order to achieve greater accuracy of the results.

Since the work of the female body is highly dependent on hormones, it is quite natural that, due to their level, the value of BT can rise and fall. Low basal temperature is noted just before ovulation and in the last days of the cycle. In the latter case, this means that fertilization has not occurred and you need to prepare for the arrival of menstruation. If the basal temperature does not subside at this time, but stays at 37 and a half, or even 38 °, this may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process or disease in the body. During pregnancy, BT does not increase more than to 37.2-37.5 ° C, which means that 38 ° C is an alarm signal for a woman, which means that you need to urgently see a doctor.

The basal temperature after menstruation is kept within 36-36.9 ° C, but if it remains at this level for the entire cycle, then this month the reproductive system decided to rest, since there would be a temperature rise when ovulation occurs. In this cycle, pregnancy will not be possible. You need to panic only if a similar situation repeats several cycles in a row - this is a reason to seek help from a specialist.

Basal temperature chart before menstruation

The BT chart is a regular line chart with 2 coordinate axes, where the X-axis shows the number of days in a cycle, and the Y-axis shows the temperature value in degrees, the division value along the Y-axis is 0.1 °, while at the zero mark there will be a value 35.7°C.

Every day, a woman immediately after waking up, right in bed, measures BT by any method convenient for her with the same thermometer. Having received the value, she puts a point at the intersection of the day of the cycle and the reading on the thermometer. Then these points are connected. Thus, it is possible to clearly trace all changes in BT for a cycle. The graph clearly shows when it rises and when it falls.

During critical days, BT can be 36.6 ° C, a maximum of 36.7 ° C, then it declines, and immediately before ovulation it has the lowest value for several days. After the release of the egg in the body, there is a sharp jump in progesterone, followed by a jump in temperature, reaching a mark of 37-37.2 ° C. This level is maintained throughout the 2nd phase of the cycle, up to a new cycle, and then gradually decreases.

Causes of deviations in basal temperature

BBT indicators may deviate from the normal values characteristic of a particular phase of the cycle. If the deviations of the basal temperature indicators are significant, then it is imperative to seek the advice of a specialist.

Deviations in temperature readings in pathologies can be as follows:

progesterone deficiency - the curve on the graph goes down sharply. The temperature may rise slightly, but lasts no longer than a week. The temperature difference between the phases is less than 0.4 degrees. The second phase becomes shorter (not 14, but 10 days), menstruation occurs prematurely;
endometritis. With inflammation of the uterine mucosa in the first days of the cycle, BT increases to 37 degrees, instead of falling. With such symptoms, you can find out about the presence of a pathology, but to confirm it, you need to contact a specialist;
problematic pregnancy. If BBT is noted at the level of 37 and a half degrees, there are no periods, which indicates pregnancy, but a bloody “daub” from the vagina has begun, this may be a sign of spontaneous abortion. If the test does not confirm the presence of pregnancy, it may be ectopic;
no ovulation. When measurements are randomly placed on the chart, they jump up and then fall down, there was no ovulation in this cycle and conception will not occur. If this is repeated for several cycles in a row, a consultation with a gynecologist is mandatory;
inflammation of the appendages can be diagnosed when even in the first phase a high basal temperature is measured at the level of 37 °, confirmation of the presence of an inflammatory process is an increase in BBT to 38 degrees in the 2nd phase of the cycle.

When taking hormonal contraceptives, BT scheduling will be ineffective, since these drugs significantly distort the measurement values.

Conclusion

The basal temperature measured according to all the rules allows a woman to solve many issues related to the conception and health of her reproductive system. Therefore, every woman should know how to draw up a BT schedule correctly.

Anyone who is planning a baby in the near future or simply monitors their health is interested in the features of the body. Many women measure their basal temperature, because it helps to understand whether the reproductive system is functioning normally. To determine if everything is in order, you need to know what indicators a woman should have at different periods of the cycle.

Measurement Rules

Before talking about specific values, it is important to find out exactly how the basal temperature should be measured before menstruation. The most accurate readings will be only if a number of conditions are met. So, it is desirable to take measurements at the same time, in the morning, until the woman gets out of bed. Doctors recommend monitoring the basal temperature, and not taking measurements in the mouth or armpit. It is believed that in the rectum it is most reliable.

It is also important to sleep at least 4 hours before the measurement. In addition, it must be remembered that during illnesses that are accompanied by an increase in temperature, it makes no sense to carry out such measurements, the picture will be distorted. Any intestinal disorders, significant changes in the daily routine, taking sleeping pills, alcohol can also affect morning performance. On these days, the temperature can be omitted or taken into account when calculating averages.

Plotting

It should be noted that there are general average indicators of what the basal temperature should be before and after menstruation, during ovulation, as well as at other periods of the cycle. But each organism is individual, therefore, in order to understand whether there are problems with the reproductive system, it is necessary to regularly record the obtained values and build graphs. Possible diseases are judged by temperature fluctuations, by the difference in indicators in the first and second phases, by the nature of their changes. The graph is built as follows: the days of the cycle are marked along the horizontal axis, and the measurement values are marked along the vertical axis. Normally, two phases should be clearly visible on it. In the first of them, the temperature is lower and is at the level of 36.5 degrees, and in the second, which occurs after the release of the egg, it rises to 37 or more. To understand if there are any problems, doctors recommend counting the averages in each of the phases. The difference between them should be at least 0.4 degrees.

Cyclical changes

If it is clear with the indicators in the first and second phases, then the question of what the basal temperature should be before menstruation worries many women. Ideally, in the second phase, which begins after ovulation, the values \u200b\u200bshould be above 37 degrees. By the beginning of menstruation, they may decrease slightly. The first days of menstruation are characterized by the fact that the temperature drops every day, reaching the level of 36.5-36.8 degrees by the end of them.

Before ovulation, it can fall even more and rise sharply immediately after the release of the egg. This indicates that the second phase has begun. If you measure indicators regularly, then various problems can be suspected by the deviation of values. Despite the fact that many people talk about the meaninglessness of measurements during critical days, the temperature during this period can tell you what aspects of women's health you should pay attention to. The basal temperature during menstruation should fall, if this does not happen, then you should think about passing the examination.

Possible diseases

On average, a couple of days before the start of the discharge, the indicators should begin to decrease. A gradual decrease in temperature should also occur during critical days. If, instead of lowering during menstruation, there is a sharp rise to about 37.6 degrees, then this may indicate the development of endometritis or endomyometritis. Of course, an increased basal temperature during menstruation should alert, but making a diagnosis using only one measurement is unacceptable.

But in the case when in the second phase the temperature barely reaches 37 degrees, but with the onset of critical days it rises above this level, inflammation of the appendages can be suspected. In addition, measurements provide an opportunity to identify problems with the tubes or cervix. It is worth talking about the probable inflammation of these organs in cases where the temperature indicators increase by the 4-5th day of menstruation. It is worth paying attention to those cases when the basal temperature before menstruation is 37.2. If at the same time it does not drop significantly with the onset of critical days, then it is better to do a test. Perhaps this is a pregnancy with a threatened abortion. But if the temperature has risen for one day, then you should not worry, this still does not mean anything. Also, do not forget that measurements alone are not enough to make a diagnosis; this will require a series of examinations.

First phase

Having dealt with the temperature during critical days, you can find out how the body should behave after they end. Normally, the thermometer readings should be at a level of about 36.6, but they will depend on the personal characteristics of each girl or woman. For some, they will stay at the level of 36.4 throughout the first phase, for others they can rise to 36.8 degrees. But both cases described are perfectly acceptable.

But a more significant rise in temperature indicates that it is better for a woman to consult a gynecologist. If the indicators in the first phase approach 37 degrees, then this may indicate a lack of estrogen. But this can only be confirmed with a blood test for hormones. You should also be wary of a rise in basal temperature during menstruation and its periodic increase by 1-2 days throughout the first phase to a mark of 37 degrees and above. This may indicate inflammation.

Indicators during ovulation

An unusual basal temperature before or during your period may indicate a number of problems. But measurements on other days are no less revealing. Normally, the next morning after the release of the egg, a woman observes an increase in temperature. It can be either abrupt or gradual. For some, on the very first day, it increases by 0.4 degrees, for others, this difference is gained in 2-3 days. Both of these situations are perfectly acceptable. In the event that the rise in values takes more than 3 days, one can suspect the inferiority of the egg released from the ovary or a lack of estrogens. As a rule, it is almost impossible to get pregnant in such a cycle.

Start of the second phase

If the indicators after the release of the egg do not reach 37 degrees, then this may indicate the inferiority of the corpus luteum. But it is not worth talking about the insufficiency of the second phase only by the temperature value. It is important to look not at the indicators themselves, but at the difference in the values that were in the first and second parts of the cycle. If measurements are taken in degrees Celsius, then it will be 0.4 or even higher during normal functioning of the body. Although it is not worth making any diagnoses without an examination. The insufficiency of the second phase and the appointment of progesterone preparations is possible only after an appropriate analysis.

End of the second phase

Regardless of what kind of values a woman had after and before ovulation, the basal temperature before menstruation should begin to decrease. At the same time, its value by the first day of the cycle should normally not exceed 37 degrees. If, according to the schedule, ovulation took place more than 14 days ago, and the temperature does not drop, then you can do a test that helps to diagnose the conception of a baby in the early stages. The basal temperature before menstruation is 37 degrees is considered quite normal. But at the same time, it is important that it decreases with the onset of secretions. If menstruation began, and the fever lasted a few more days and fell only by the end of the critical days, then this may indicate an aborted pregnancy.

Phase duration

In addition to knowing what the basal temperature should be before menstruation, it is important to know how long each part of the cycle can last. So, the length of only the second part of it is relatively constant, depending on the characteristics of the body of each particular woman, it can be 12-16 days. But the ideal option is considered in which it lasts 14 days. But the long first part of the cycle can range from 10-12 days to several weeks. Of course, with a cycle of 28 days, it lasts about 14 days, during which time the follicle has time to mature and ovulation occurs. But for some women, it can be much longer. At the same time, all the necessary stages go through in their body: the growth and maturation of the follicle, the release of the egg, the formation and functioning of the corpus luteum.

Norm Options

It is not worth talking about some diseases only by the level of temperatures. But this information is needed in order to suspect some problems and undergo the necessary studies to confirm or refute the diagnosis. At the same time, it is impossible to judge only by one cycle, it is necessary to carry out measurements at least for three months. If the picture repeats every month, then together with the gynecologist, you can draw any conclusions by analyzing how the basal temperature changes before menstruation. The norm for it cannot be set in absolute values. It depends both on the values in the second and in the first phase. If a woman's indicators before ovulation are around the mark of 36.4 degrees, then after it they may not exceed 36.9. At the same time, an increase in temperature to 37 by the day of menstruation will not speak of approaching critical days, but of the onset of pregnancy.

Anovulatory cycles

Ideally, a woman should have a biphasic basal temperature chart. Before menstruation, it decreases slightly, but at the same time, the difference between the averages of the first and second half of the cycle fits into the norm. But it is quite acceptable if ovulation is absent once or twice a year. In this case, the indicators can change every day, the temperature can rise sharply, then fall. This does not indicate any problems, just this month there will be no ovulation.

Important nuances

If on any of the days before the measurements the normal daily routine was violated, then the temperature will not be indicative. If you drank alcohol in the evening, got up a couple of hours before the measurement to go to the toilet, or in the morning there was closeness, then the obtained values \u200b\u200bmay differ significantly. Even a banal indigestion or stress the day before can cause fluctuations in the temperature curve. This, by the way, is one of the reasons why it is impossible to judge the state of a woman's health on the basis of one graph alone. But at the same time, it should also be noted that even an ideal schedule in which two clear phases emerge with a good difference in indicators, and the basal temperature before menstruation is 36.9 degrees, does not mean that the woman is in excellent health. For example, measurements will not give any information about the size of the endometrium in the uterus or adhesions in the tubes. Therefore, even with normal indicators, visits to the gynecologist should not be neglected.

Basal temperature before menstruation: why measure it? First, let's look at the definition of the term. We all know that the normal temperature in the armpit should be 36.6 ° C. If the body temperature is below or above normal, we immediately feel unwell, and we want to take sick leave. But the basal temperature does not affect us in this way. We will not be able to feel even a sharp temperature drop of half a degree.

So, basal temperature is, roughly speaking, the temperature of our mucous membranes, which characterizes some of the processes occurring inside our body. It's very interesting to watch this as a doctor, but not all of us are doctors. Why might such information be needed by an ordinary person, more precisely, a woman, since in general the data on changes in BBT are important to her? The fact is that the basal temperature changes during the period of ovulation, therefore, if there is a question about family planning, then mastering this method is important for a woman who wants to become pregnant.

We measure BT and build a graph

It is quite simple to measure the basal temperature: in this method, a conventional thermometer is used. Only it is necessary to measure the temperature not in the armpit, but in the rectum, in the vagina or in the mouth. By measuring the temperature before menstruation, you can find out how soon the next menstruation will come. And by the way, if ovulation has occurred, you can determine this in the period before menstruation.

But I wonder what basal temperature (BT) before menstruation will be in the absence of pregnancy, with positive ovulation? What do the numbers on the thermometer characterize? Let's look at the various situations and possible reasons for deviations from generally accepted norms.

Basal body temperature before menstruation 36.9°C and there are no jumps in the values on the graph in the second half of the menstrual cycle. This indicates the absence of a mature egg. This cycle was probably anovulatory. But this does not give grounds to diagnose a woman with infertility. Since even 20-25-year-old women with a good ovulatory reserve, such cycles can occur 2-3 times a year.

If a basal temperature before menstruation 37.0, 37.1, 37.2 degrees, this may indicate pregnancy. And, most likely, that's how it happened. And if the rise in BT was before the expected menstruation, it is possible that they will no longer be, at least in the next nine months.

Basal body temperature before menstruation 37.3°C a little higher than expected. Perhaps a deviation from the norm is associated with nervous strain, inflammatory processes in the body. It is advisable to consult with your doctor in this situation.

Basal body temperature before menstruation 37.4°C often associated with estrogen deficiency. It is unlikely that you will be able to get pregnant during a period of elevated basal temperature. But you shouldn't put off going to the doctor either. The gynecologist can refer you to an endocrinologist for an appointment. It may be necessary to postpone the planning of pregnancy. It is important to identify the cause of such a high basal temperature.

If you decide to use this technique when planning a pregnancy to determine the possible reasons for the lack of conception or to determine the day of ovulation, remember that a stable (for at least 3 menstrual cycles) increase in basal temperature before menstruation, as well as its decrease below 36.5 ° C - criteria that should not be ignored. If you are trying to conceive, then any jumps on the temperature chart that you do not understand should be explained to your gynecologist.

Normally, 2-4 days before the onset of menstruation, BT begins to decrease and reaches 37.0-37.1 by the 1st day of the cycle. Then, during normal menstruation, BBT continues to decline, despite the amount of blood released.
If a woman has a hidden current inflammation of the uterine mucosa (endometritis) or the uterus itself (endomyometritis), then during menstruation, BT will go UP, sometimes reaching 37.5-37.6 at normal temperature in the armpit.
The rise in BBT in the last 1-2 days of menstruation (if it lasts at least 4-5 days) may indicate inflammation of the tubes or (much less often) the cervix - without affecting the uterus itself.
A sharp rise in BBT for one day during menstruation does not mean anything: inflammation cannot start and end so quickly.

Is it necessary to measure BBT during menstruation?

BBT measurements can be started both from the 1st day of the menstrual cycle, and on the day the discharge stops (a matter of your convenience).

What should be the BT in the first phase?

Normally, the temperature of the first phase is kept within 36.5-36.8.
But often on the graphs, estrogen deficiency is visible, which is expressed by a high level of BT in phase 1. In such cases, doctors prescribe estrogens, such as Microfollin. But only in the case when these suspicions were confirmed by a hormonal blood test.
Another unusual phase 1 schedule occurs in the presence of inflammation of the appendages. After an exacerbation during menstruation, the inflammation may subside, but from time to time give a small, purely local exacerbation, which is reflected in the basal temperature. BBT can rise to 37.0-37.2 for 1-2 days, and then decrease again.

What could be the reason for unexpected temperature rises in the first phase?

Stress, travel, alcohol intake, colds with fever, sex in the evening (especially in the morning), measurement of BBT at an unusual time, late going to bed (for example, went to bed at 3 o'clock, and measured at 6 o'clock), sleepless night and many other things affect BT. Eliminate "unusual" temperatures by connecting normal readings with a dotted line. Try to establish and note in the graph the possible cause of the deviation.

What should be the BT in the second phase?

Normally, the temperature of the second phase rises to 37.2-37.3. But more important is the difference in average temperatures (read below).
A low temperature in the second phase (relative to the first) may indicate insufficient function of the corpus luteum (progesterone). To support the second phase (and pregnancy), an additional intake of progesterone is prescribed (most often Utrozhestan or Duphaston) - but only if these suspicions are confirmed by a hormonal blood test.
Approximately 2-4 days before the onset of menstruation, BT begins to decrease and by the 1st day of the cycle reaches 37.0-37.1.
If BBT rises at the usual time, but then does not fall before menstruation, stays above 37.0 for almost the entire menstruation, and decreases in the last days or after the end of menstruation, then this is suspicious of a pregnancy that aborted during the days of menstruation.
If BBT in the second phase is kept low (36.9-37.0), and by the time of menstruation it begins to rise and stays above 37.0 throughout menstruation, then, most likely, we are talking about inflammation of the appendages.

If the temperature of the second phase is not high enough (there is no difference of 0.4 degrees), does this mean that I have a deficiency in the second phase?

Perhaps, but not necessarily. BT does not provide any information about the usefulness of the function of the corpus luteum - neither about the length of the phase (the temperature can rise even a few days after ovulation), nor about the level of progesterone produced by the corpus luteum (the thermometer readings do not allow determining the quantitative level of progesterone in the blood - to assess the level progesterone need to take a blood test a week after ovulation).

On what day relative to the rise in temperature does ovulation occur?

Before ovulation, the temperature drops, and after it, it rises. A rise in basal temperature means that ovulation has already occurred.

A drop in temperature at the time of ovulation occurs only in a very small number of women. Since a sharp drop in temperature is extremely rare, this sign cannot be absolutely reliable in determining the ability to conceive, therefore, it is better to use the other two signs to determine the approach of ovulation.

If the schedule does not show ovulation, does this mean that it was not there or do I have problems with hormones?

The BT measurement method is very unreliable! In no case can you rely on it when diagnosing any disorders or when prescribing hormonal drugs! In cases where there is no obvious second phase on the graphs, it is necessary to carry out ultrasound monitoring, and in the presence of ovulation by ultrasound, take a blood test for progesterone a week after ovulation, if the results of both studies are normal, such graphs can be considered a "feature" of the body and stop measuring temperature, if it is not indicative;

Is there more than one ovulation per cycle?

Cases where two (or more) eggs are released from the ovaries during one cycle constitute a very small percentage of the total number of ovulations. However, this output always occurs within 24 hours. Multiovulation leads to the birth of twins.

If the schedule is perfect, does this mean that there was an ovulation? Does this mean that you can accurately guess the day of ovulation?

The method does not provide accurate information about the presence of full-fledged ovulation even in the presence of two-phase schedules (for example, in the case of premature luteinization of the follicle), as well as accurate information about the timing of ovulation that has occurred (the temperature may rise the next day, and a few days after ovulation - this is in normal range),

What should be the temperature difference between the first and second phases?

The difference between the average BBT of the second phase and the average BBT of the first phase should be at least 0.4-0.5. Except in cases where a small temperature difference is only a feature of the woman's body, and not an indicator of the presence of any disorders. This is usually checked by additional methods of examination - ultrasound, blood test for hormones, etc.
If throughout the cycle the temperature on the graph is kept approximately at the same level or the graph looks like a “fence” (low temperatures constantly alternate with high ones), and not two-phase, then this means that there most likely was no ovulation in this cycle - anovulation. To confirm this fact, it is necessary to conduct ultrasound monitoring for several cycles to establish the presence or absence of ovulation. In healthy women, several anovulatory cycles per year are allowed, but if such a picture is observed in all cycles, you should consult a doctor. In the complete absence of ovulation, a woman does not have full periods - only "menstrual-like bleeding" (which can be either regular or irregular).

How many days should the ascent be?

Normally, the rise takes no more than 3 days. A more gentle rise reflects a lack of estrogen and weakness, inferiority of the egg. Fertilization in a cycle when BBT is high in the first phase, and the rise takes more than 3 days is very problematic.

What is the duration of the phases and why is the cycle always different?

The first phase (preceding ovulation) can be very different in duration, both in different women, and the same. Usually, the length of this particular phase of a woman's cycle affects the delay in menstruation - for example, if the maturation of the follicle is slower or does not occur at all. The second phase (after ovulation) is not the same for different women (from 12 to 16 days), but is almost constant for the same one (plus or minus 1-2 days).

The lengthening of the first phase of the cycle is not a typical phenomenon, but this does not affect the normality of the cycle. A cycle with an extended first phase is normal.
If the second phase is shorter than 12 days, then this is a sign of insufficiency of the second phase, low progesterone levels.

What BT indicates the onset of pregnancy?

If there is no menstruation, and BT is kept within the second phase for more than 18 days, this indicates a possible pregnancy.
You can be sure of the onset of pregnancy if the level of high temperatures persists for 3 days more than your usual corpus luteum phase. For example, if it is usually 12 days (maximum 13), but once it lasts 16 days, then almost
If a third level of temperature appears during a normal two-level cycle, then you are almost certainly pregnant. This third level of temperature occurs due to the additional progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman. Unfortunately, however, not all women have such a three-level schedule.
If menstruation is scanty or unusual, and BBT is kept at an elevated level, pregnancy is possible against the background of the threat of interruption.
If BBT rises at the usual time, but then does not fall before menstruation, stays above 37.0 for almost the entire menstruation, and decreases in the last days or after the end of menstruation, then this is suspicious of a pregnancy that aborted during the days of menstruation.

When does implantation take place and how does BT behave at this time?

Implantation of the fetal egg occurs on the 6-8th day. It happens that at this time the temperature drops by 1, a maximum of 2 days. When you see a drop in temperature in the middle of the luteinization phase on your graph, this does not mean that you are pregnant. Moreover, such a picture is not required during pregnancy.

Is it necessary to measure BBT while taking OK or other hormonal drugs?

BBT should not be measured while taking OK - under the influence of the hormones taken, it will not be indicative.