A thorough explanation of what you can learn by recording your basal body temperature!

Do you think that basal body temperature should be measured by those who want to get pregnant? Even if you don't want to get pregnant right away, measuring your basal body temperature has many benefits, such as knowing your menstrual and ovulatory cycles, and helping you to notice gynecological diseases .

However, there may be concerns such as, "I wonder if I can measure it right after waking up in a busy morning..." or "I don't really understand how to read the basal body temperature chart...".

In this article, I will explain how to read the basal body temperature table and basic knowledge. In addition, we will introduce how to choose a recommended basal thermometer that can be measured even a little easier on busy mornings, so please refer to it.

Find out in this article

• What can be learned by measuring basal body temperature
• How to read the basal body temperature chart
• How to choose a recommended basal thermometer

What is basal body temperature

Your basal body temperature is your resting body temperature when you are consuming the minimum amount of energy you need to survive . Taking a resting body temperature immediately after waking up reflects subtle changes in hormone secretion.

What can you learn from measuring your basal body temperature?

The basal body temperature reflects changes in female hormones, so you can know the approximate date of menstruation and ovulation, and when it is easy to conceive and when it is difficult to conceive .

The basal body temperature repeats the cycle of a low temperature period from the start of menstruation to the end of menstruation, followed by a high temperature period for about 2 weeks, and a low temperature period from the beginning of the next menstruation. Low temperatures are caused by estrogen, and high temperatures are caused by the female hormone progesterone. Ovulation occurs on the day of ovulation, which is the boundary between the low temperature period and the high temperature period when the balance of these hormones changes.
By measuring the basal body temperature, it is possible to predict to some extent the movement of female hormones and the date of ovulation. And if you have intercourse before and after ovulation, you are most likely to get pregnant. In other words, you can see when you are most likely to get pregnant in the period until your next period.

How to measure basal body temperature

Basal body temperature is measured with a gynecological thermometer. Women's thermometers are characterized by being able to measure values ​​one scale smaller than normal thermometers (eg 36.0°C) (eg 36.00°C) . In order to measure subtle changes in hormones, it is necessary to use a female thermometer.

How to measure basal body temperature

1. When you wake up, without moving your body, place the thermometer on the back of your tongue while lying on the futon.
2. Keep your mouth closed and do not move until the measurement is finished. At this time, be careful not to breathe through your mouth as much as possible.
3. Enter the resulting number in your basal body temperature chart. Be sure to fill in up to 36.00°C.

How to make a basal body temperature chart

On the basal body temperature chart, record the measured body temperature with points and connect the points to form a line. In addition to the basal body temperature, it is also a good idea to record menstruation, poor physical condition, dates of sexual intercourse, etc. on the basal body temperature table . You can later see what affects your basal body temperature.

How to read the basal body temperature chart

There are three points to consider when reading the basal body temperature chart .

1. It is divided into two phases, a low temperature period and a high temperature period, and the temperature difference is often 0.3 degrees or more.
2. The low temperature period begins around the time menstruation begins and lasts for about two weeks.
3. The high temperature period lasts 11-16 days.

However, the basal body temperature table may vary depending on the state of the body and hormones.

When it does not separate into two phases, a low temperature phase and a high temperature phase

If it is not divided into two phases, the low temperature period and the high temperature period, ovulation may not have occurred . The reason why it is divided into basal body temperature is that the secretion of progesterone increases after ovulation, and the body temperature rises and becomes a high temperature period. If ovulation does not occur, progesterone secretion does not increase and body temperature does not rise.

In addition, menstrual-like bleeding may also occur in the case of an anovulatory cycle, but there may be changes such as a small amount of bleeding or a small amount of bleeding that continues for a long period of time.

When the low temperature period continues for a long time

If the low temperature period lasts for a long time, it may be an ovulatory disorder . One of the causes of ovulatory disorders is polycystic ovary syndrome.

Normal ovulation occurs when one egg grows and is released from the ovary when it is ready for ovulation. However, in polycystic ovary syndrome, multiple eggs develop, which prevents ovulation. Therefore, hormonal therapy is necessary.

In addition to polycystic ovaries, there are hypothalamic ovulatory disorders related to stress and diet. In any case, it is recommended to undergo an examination by a gynecologist.

When the high temperature phase is short

If the high temperature period is short, the luteal function may be reduced . The high temperature period generally lasts for 12 days or more, but if it is less than 10 days, it is suspected that the luteal function has decreased.
However, since the basal body temperature table has some fluctuations, it is difficult to strictly judge from what day to what day the high temperature period. To determine whether the luteal function has decreased, it is necessary to measure the progesterone level at a gynecologist.

In the case of corpus luteum insufficiency, the formation of the lining of the uterus is impaired, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and making miscarriages more likely. If you want to get pregnant and are worried about the short period of high temperature, it is a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible.

If the high temperature phase continues

If the high temperature period persists, you may be pregnant . When pregnant, the secretion of progesterone, which is secreted during the high temperature period, continues, and it works to keep the endometrium thick in order to continue the pregnancy.

If menstruation does not start even when the next menstrual period is due, and there is a possibility that you are pregnant, you can find out if you are pregnant by having a hormone test at an obstetrics and gynecology department. There are also commercially available pregnancy tests that can measure from the expected date of menstruation.

Recommended basal thermometer

There are two measurement methods for basal body thermometers: the actual measurement method and the prediction method. The actual measurement type measures and displays the temperature at that time. Accurate numbers can be measured, but it takes about 5 minutes in the mouth.

On the other hand, the prediction formula analyzes and calculates how the temperature rises, and can measure the body temperature in the mouth after 5 minutes in tens of seconds. The prediction formula can also be used to actually measure temperature by keeping it in your mouth.

Since it is necessary to measure the basal body temperature after waking up, a prediction formula is recommended . Also, recently there is a thermometer that can automatically transfer the measured value to a smartphone, which is convenient.

What should I do if my basal body temperature is fluctuating?

Your basal body temperature is affected by your physical condition and room temperature, and it may be lower than usual in the early morning. Therefore, it is natural for the basal body temperature to fluctuate to some extent, and there is no problem if it is roughly divided into a high temperature period and a low temperature period.

Also, even if the basal body temperature chart is jerky when you look at it yourself, it can often be determined by a specialist doctor that it is clearly divided into two phases. If you have any concerns about your basal body temperature, we recommend that you consult an obstetrician.

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Can you determine the date of ovulation from your basal body temperature?

summary

By measuring your basal body temperature, you can obtain a lot of information, such as your menstrual and ovulatory cycles, when you are likely to conceive and when it is difficult to conceive . Some people may find it difficult to take a measurement while resting when they wake up, but with a predictive thermometer, it can be measured in tens of seconds. In addition, there is also a thermometer that automatically graphs the measured values ​​in conjunction with a smartphone.

Also, if you have not ovulated, if the amount of luteinizing hormone secretion is low, if you are pregnant, etc., changes will appear in the basal body temperature table. I introduced how to read the basal body temperature table, but it is difficult to judge by yourself, so if you have any concerns, please consult an obstetrician.