Measuring Basal Body Temperature for Fertility and Cycle Monitoring

Immediately following ovulation most women experience a slight but detectable rise in their normal body temperature (her temperature rises about 0.2 degrees Celsius at ovulation will climb progressively higher for the following 2 days).

By monitoring basal body temperature first thing in the morning before getting up, on a daily basis, and tracking the results on a basal body temperature chart, it’s possible for a woman to determine where she is in her cycle. However, conditions such as fever, sleeplessness, illness, emotional stress and exertion can affect the accuracy of the temperature readings. So these events should be noted on her chart.

This method cannot predict when ovulation will occur exactly but by looking at the recorded daily temperature from a few cycles the test can reveal a pattern from which ovulation can be estimated. It is also very helpful to estimate low oestrogen or progesterone level, thyroid issues or other potential blocks to a health cycle.

This method works best when the woman begins her chart on the first day of menstruation; the same thermometer is used every time; and basal body temperature is taken first thing in the morning.

Here is a chart template. Bring at your next consultation: