Why and how to measure it, we have already considered it, and now let’s pay attention to the measurement result – a schedule of basal temperature.
Measurements should be carried out every day, including menstruation days. We enter the results in a special table. Be sure to note in the table different nuances that affect the temperature curve – diseases, stress, moves, sexual intercourse. Graphs should be saved.
The essence of the method
Ovulation breaks the cycle into 2 phases:
1) body temperature will be slightly lower than in the second phase. Immediately before ovulation, a drop in temperature is 0.3 degrees. Usually ovulation happens in the middle of the cycle and proceeds with the release of progesterone into the body. This hormone is the culprit of the rise in body temperature for two days by 0.4 – 0.6 degrees.
2) Its duration is about 13-14 days, before menstruation, the temperature should go down by 0.3 degrees.
If the schedule is compiled with the aim of conception, then you need to pay attention to 2 days before and directly the day of ovulation.
Normal cycle schedule:
– In continuation of menstruation, the basal temperature gradually decreases from 37.0 to 36.3-36.5;
– approximately to the middle of the cycle, and with a longer one 14 days before the next menstruation, BT fluctuations from 36.3 to 36.6 are observed;
– 2 weeks before the next menstruation ends the maturation of the egg, which is accompanied by an increase in BT for 1-3 days to 37.0-37.3 (and before that many women have a decrease by 0.1-0.2 °). Such a rise indicates ovulation – the release of the egg from the ovary;
– Now, within the 2nd phase of the BT, it will be within the boundaries of 37.0-37.5;
– 2-3 days before the next menstruation, a decrease in BT is observed and by its beginning it will be about 37.0;
– The difference between the average BT in the first and second phase should exceed 0.4-0.5 °.
The described graph of basal temperature is ideal, rarely found. There may be a lot of deviations, and each feature will talk about some kind of malfunctions or violations.
It is important to remember that if the cycle is longer or shorter than 28 days, then the 1st phase will lengthen or shorten, but the 2nd phase should always last at least 12-14 days.
Anovulatory schedule of basal temperature
When the BT graph is a monotonous curve with minimal temperature fluctuations, somewhere in the range of 36.5 -36.9 ° C, this means that you are faced with an anovulatory menstrual cycle. That is, there was no ovulation, which means that there can be no pregnancy.
The schedule of basal temperature during pregnancy
If you notice a persistent BT rise during a delay of up to 37.0 and higher, then you can assume a pregnancy. Usually it remains increased over the first 4 months of pregnancy.
Cases when you should contact a gynecologist (on the basis of at least two graphs):
– anovulatory data;
– data indicate a short second phase;
– stably high or low indicators throughout the cycle;
– There are constant delays, pregnancy does not occur;
– The entire cycle is less than 21 days or exceeds 35;
– The difference in data in the first and second phases is less than 0.4 C;
– abundant menstrual discharge lasts more than 6 days.
The basal temperature schedule and its interpretation are important for the diagnosis of infertility, uterine bleeding, hormonal disorders, some diseases, and can also help diagnose pregnancy.