Home Smell from the mouth Normal basal temperature chart. BT chart online Single-phase basal temperature chart

Normal basal temperature chart. BT chart online Single-phase basal temperature chart

Plotting a basal temperature chart

Please note that only registered users can create BT charts online.

It is better to build a basal temperature chart from the first day menstrual cycle, i.e. from the first day of menstruation. Measured rectal temperature daily in the morning and recorded in the basal temperature chart (a dot is placed at the level of the temperature value). It is necessary to record the current date on the basal temperature (BT) chart. The construction of a basal temperature chart should be continued until the start of the next menstruation. After the start of the next menstruation, start building a new BT schedule.

Using the marks for the first 10 days of the cycle, it is necessary to determine the highest of the “low” temperatures. Do not take into account very high temperatures due to fever or other conditions.
Then you need to draw a line at the highest temperature level. This line is called the covering or temperature line.

The non-fertile phase begins in the evening; 3 days of temperature rise above the covering line.

For contraception, you should refrain from raising the temperature above the covering temperature until the evening of 3 days. Sexual intercourse is possible until 1 day of the next menstruation.

The main purpose of plotting basal temperature is to determine the period of ovulation in a certain cycle. To determine the days of ovulation, you need to carefully study the BBT chart.

Pre-ovulation temperatures are kept low by estrogen, and after ovulation, progesterone raises them to high levels. An increase in basal temperature means that ovulation has occurred. This sign is not considered a fact of approaching ovulation compared to two other signs - cervical fluid, the position of the cervix. It is also necessary to remember that a decrease in temperature during ovulation occurs in a small number of women. Since a sudden drop in temperature is extremely rare, such a sign cannot be absolutely reliable when determining the ability to conceive, which means that to determine the onset of ovulation it is worth using the other two above-mentioned signs.

Options for raising basal temperature

The standard type accurately reflects the level of low temperatures, then a sharp rise of at least 0.2 degrees and the next high temperature, remaining until the end of this cycle. The schedules are common for most women. Although there are three more different types basal temperature rise chart:

    step rise. The temperature rises sharply, remains at the same level for three days, then makes one sharp jump;

    gradual rise. It rises gradually. Increasing by 0.1 degrees per day. In this case, the day of ovulation is determined by different additional criteria;

    rise with return. It begins to rise, the next day it falls below the dividing line, after which it rises again.

What do you need to know when measuring BT and drawing up graphs?

The difference between the average basal temperature of the second phase and the basal temperature of the first phase should be no less than 0.4-0.5 (except for cases where a small temperature difference is only a feature of a woman’s body, but not an indicator of the presence of certain disorders).

Women may have different cycle lengths. The first phase can vary greatly in duration. But, despite this, the length of the second phase of the cycle is the same for this woman, 12-16 days.
Knowing that the second phase begins after ovulation, you can roughly calculate the day of ovulation based on the known duration of a woman’s cycles.

For example, if the cycle length is 24 days, then 24 days -14 days (second phase) = 10, that is, ovulation occurs on the 10th day.

Attention!

    the first day of the cycle is the first day of menstruation;

    the duration of the menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next menstruation;

    You should not measure your basal temperature when taking oral contraceptives;

    low or high temperature in two phases, provided that the temperature difference is not less than 0.4, is not a pathology. This is a feature of the body;

    high temperature in the 1st phase indicates estrogen deficiency (this is a reason to go for a consultation with a gynecologist-endocrinologist);

    low temperature in phase 2 indicates poor progesterone function;

    if the basal temperature rises during menstruation, this indicates chronic endometritis(inflammation of the uterine mucosa). One of the reasons for infertility, because even if pregnancy is not planned, you need to go to the doctor, because various inflammatory processes do not add reproductive health and can have tragic consequences;

    if there is no menstruation, but the temperature remains within the 2nd phase for more than 18 days, there may be pregnancy. If menstruation is scanty and the temperature remains high, conception is possible against the background of the risk of miscarriage;

    if in the 2nd phase the basal temperature has one or several drops, then this indicates the death of the egg, or extraneous factors influenced the temperature readings;

    if throughout the entire cycle the basal temperature remains at approximately the same level or the BT chart has a “fence” appearance (low temperatures alternate with high ones), this means that ovulation did not occur in this cycle - anovulation. U healthy woman Several anovulatory cycles per year are allowed, but if this repeats in all cycles, you should consult a doctor.

We build a basal temperature chart online

Ovulation is a key event in a woman's menstrual cycle. If you accurately determine the day when it occurs, it is possible not only to plan conception, but also to slightly influence the gender of the unborn baby.

You can get information about when an egg leaves the ovary. various ways: Ultrasound of the ovaries or determination of the concentration of sex hormones several times during the cycle. But the simplest and free method that every woman can carry out at home was and remains basal thermometry. A careful analysis of how basal temperature changes daily will make it possible to study the functioning of the ovaries, understand whether ovulation is occurring or not, and determine pregnancy earlier than a test can show it.

The essence of the basal thermometry method

A key role in controlling the female body is played by sex hormones: progesterone and estrogen, prolactin, gonadotropic hormones of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The balance between them is reflected in many processes, including body temperature, which is called basal.

Basal temperature is the lowest temperature indicator indicating the actual temperature internal organs. It is determined immediately after rest (usually after a night’s sleep), before the start of any physical activity, which will create measurement error. Only departments that communicate with body cavities are suitable for its establishment. These are the vagina (it is connected to the uterus), the rectum (it is directly connected to the large intestine) and the oral cavity, which passes into the oropharynx.

The hormones estrogen and progesterone set the basal level. They “dictate” what basal temperature a particular woman should have during ovulation.

A normal amount of estrogen by itself does not affect the temperature. The task of this hormone is to prevent progesterone from affecting the thermoregulatory center located in the hypothalamus (this is an area associated with the brain).

In the first half of the cycle, estrogen “dominates”. It does not allow the basal temperature to rise above 37°C. During the period of ovulation, when initially an increased amount of estrogen enters the blood, there is a decrease in temperature by about 0.3°C. When the egg leaves the follicle, and in its place appears corpus luteum, which produces progesterone, the thermometer shows 37°C or more. In this case, the basal thermometry graph becomes similar to a bird with open wings, whose beak symbolizes the day of ovulation.

Further, when the corpus luteum dies (if conception has not occurred) and the amount of progesterone decreases, the temperature drops. During menstruation, the indicator stays at 37°C, then decreases and everything repeats all over again.

If pregnancy occurs, more and more progesterone is produced normally, so the temperature does not decrease as before menstruation, but, on the contrary, increases.

What determines the day of ovulation

Knowing on what day the oocyte leaves the follicle, a woman can:

  • plan a pregnancy: after 3-4 months of charting, you can practice sexual intercourse not “approximately”, counting 14 days from the expected start of the next menstruation, but knowing exactly the day of ovulation;
  • plan the gender of the unborn baby (the method is not 100%). If you want a boy to be born, then it is better to plan sexual intercourse on the day of ovulation (on this day the basal temperature decreases and vaginal leucorrhoea takes on the color and consistency of raw chicken protein). If your dream is to give birth to a girl, it is better to have sex 2-3 days before expected ovulation;
  • knowing when ovulation occurs, you can, on the contrary, avoid conception, since a few days before it, the very day the egg is released and the day after are the most “dangerous” days;
  • the graph will show if there are hormonal problems, inflammation reproductive organs or lack of ovulation (), which is why conception does not occur.

In addition, drawing a basal thermometry graph in some cases will allow you to determine pregnancy without purchasing a test. And if you continue to manage it the first time after conception, you can see the threat of miscarriage in time and take the necessary measures.

How to properly perform basal thermometry

It is very important to know how to correctly measure basal temperature to determine ovulation. After all, a woman’s body is extremely sensitive to minimal changes. external conditions, and the units of measurement in which the graph is kept are tenths of a degree (this is where a fluctuation of 0.1-0.05°C can be important).

Here are the basic rules, if followed, the temperature graph will become as informative as possible:

  1. Measurements are taken either in the rectum (optimally), or vaginally, or in the mouth (for this you need a special thermometer).
  2. The thermometer needs to be inserted 2-3 cm and lie quietly while taking measurements for 5 minutes.
  3. Before taking measurements, you cannot sit down, spin around, stand up, walk, or eat. Even shaking the thermometer can cause false result.
  4. Choose a high-quality thermometer (preferably mercury) with which you will measure your temperature daily for 3-4 months.
  5. Place on a table (shelf) near the bed, which you can reach in the morning without getting up, 3 things: a thermometer, a notebook and a pen. Even if you start keeping your schedule on a computer - in online or offline programs, it is best, after reading the thermometer readings, to immediately write it down indicating the number.
  6. Take measurements every morning same time. Plus or minus 30 minutes.
  7. Before taking measurements, be sure to sleep for at least 6 hours. If you got up at night, take measurements later so that 6 hours have passed.
  8. Thermometry should be taken at 5-7 am, even if you can sleep until noon. This is explained by the daily biorhythms of the hormones of the adrenal glands and hypothalamus, which affect the basal temperature.
  9. The accuracy of measurements is affected by travel, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sexual intercourse. Therefore, try to avoid these situations as much as possible during basal thermometry, but if they happen, mark them in the chart. And if you get sick and develop a fever, all measurements for the next 2 weeks will be completely uninformative.

When should you start measuring your basal temperature?

From the very first day of menstruation, that is, from the first day of the cycle.

How to keep a schedule?

You can do this on squared paper by drawing 2 lines: on the horizontal line (along the abscissa axis) mark the day of the month, and draw the vertical line (ordinate axis) so that each cell represents 0.1°C. Every morning, place a dot at the intersection of the thermometry reading and the desired date, and connect the dots. There is no need to take your temperature in the evening. Below the horizontal line, leave a place where you will write daily notes about the discharge and events that happened that could affect the indicators. Draw a horizontal line over the measurement results, starting from day 6 to day 12. It is called overlapping and serves for the convenience of deciphering the graph by the gynecologist.

We also suggest using a ready-made template for the basal temperature graph below, saving it to your computer and printing it out. To do this, move the cursor over the image and use the right-click menu to save the image.

Note! If you are taking birth control, you do not need to take thermometry. These drugs specifically disable ovulation, which makes them contraceptive.

Read also about other methods for determining ovulation in ours.

What does the basal temperature graph look like during ovulation (that is, during a normal ovulatory cycle):

  • in the first three days of menstruation, the temperature is about 37°C;
  • by the end of menstruation, temperature indicators drop, amounting to 36.4-36.6°C;
  • further, within 1-1.5 weeks (depending on the length of the cycle), thermometry shows the same numbers - 36.4-36.6 ° C (can be lower or higher, depending on the metabolic processes in the body). It should not be the same every day, but fluctuate a little (that is, not a straight line is drawn, but zigzags). After 6 values ​​connected by an overlapping line, there must be three days when the temperature is 0.1°C or more, and on one of these days it is higher than 0.2°C. Then after 1-2 days you can expect ovulation;
  • just before ovulation, the thermometer shows the basal temperature 0.5-0.6°C lower, after which it rises sharply;
  • during ovulation, the basal temperature is in the range of 36.4-37°C (according to other sources, above 37°C). It should be 0.25-0.5 (on average 0.3°C) higher than at the beginning of the menstrual cycle;
  • what the basal temperature should be after ovulation depends on whether conception has occurred or not. If pregnancy does not occur, the numbers gradually decrease, by a total of about 0.3°C. The highest temperature is observed on days 8-9 after the release of a mature oocyte. It is on this day that the fertilized oocyte is implanted into the inner uterine lining.

Between the average numbers of the two halves of the cycle - before and after ovulation - the temperature difference should be 0.4-0.8 ° C.

How long does basal temperature last after ovulation?

Before the onset of menstruation. Usually this is 14-16 days. If 16-17 days have already passed, and the temperature is still above 37°C, this most likely indicates pregnancy. During this period, you can do a test (the main thing is that 10-12 days have already passed after ovulation), you can determine hCG in the blood. Ultrasound and examination by a gynecologist are still uninformative.

These are indicators of the normal basal temperature during ovulation, as well as before and after it. But the menstrual cycle does not always look so perfect. Usually the numbers and type of curve raise many questions among women.

High numbers in the first phase of the cycle

If after menstruation the basal thermometry numbers are above 37°C, this indicates an insufficient amount of estrogen in the blood. In this case, an anovulatory cycle is usually observed. And if you subtract 14 days from the next menstruation, that is, look at phase 2 (otherwise it is not visualized), then sharp jumps are visible there temperature indicators, without their gradual increase.

The syndrome is accompanied by various unpleasant symptoms: hot flashes, headaches, disorders heart rate, increased sweating. This type of temperature curve, together with the determination of low levels of estrogen in the blood, requires the doctor to prescribe drugs - synthetic estrogens.

Progesterone and estrogen-progesterone deficiency

If after ovulation the basal temperature does not rise, this indicates progesterone deficiency. This situation is common cause endocrine infertility. And if conception does occur, then there is a danger of miscarriage early until the placenta forms and takes over the function of producing progesterone.

Insufficient functioning of the corpus luteum (the gland formed at the site of the opened follicle) is indicated by a decrease in temperature indicators already 2-10 days after ovulation. If the length of phase 1 of the cycle can still vary, then the second phase should be the same and average 14 days.

Progesterone deficiency can be assumed if the numbers increase to just 0.3°C.

If you already have a low basal temperature 2-3 cycles after ovulation, contact your gynecologist with this chart. He will tell you on which days of the cycle you need to donate blood to determine progesterone and other hormones in it, and based on this analysis he will prescribe treatment. Usually, the administration of synthetic progesterones is effective, and as a result, the woman is able to become pregnant and carry a child to term.

Estrogen-progesterone deficiency

This condition, when the ovaries do not produce sufficient quantities of both hormones, is indicated by a temperature graph that does not have significant fluctuations (there are large areas with straight lines rather than zigzags). This condition is also indicated by an increase in temperature to only 0.3°C after ovulation.

Anovulatory cycle

If it is already the 16th day of the menstrual cycle, and there is no characteristic decrease and then increase in temperature, most likely there was no ovulation. The older a woman is, the more such cycles she has.

Based on the above, basal thermometry is a simple and inexpensive method for determining the optimal days for conception, as well as the reasons why pregnancy may not occur. It only requires 5-10 minutes of time in the morning. Whatever indicators you see in yourself, this is not a reason for panic or self-medication. Contact your gynecologist with your schedule several cycles in advance, and you will be prescribed a diagnosis and treatment.

Having figured out what BT is and how to measure it, let's move on to the topic of basal temperature chart. Let's find out how to build it correctly and what can be analyzed based on the results of this graph.

What happens to BT during one cycle

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

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

Do you want to increase your chances of pregnancy?
You are experimenting with methods of planning the gender of your child
You want to observe your body and understand the processes taking place in it (this can help you communicate with specialists)

Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor’s demands 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 this happen (accordingly, highlight “dangerous” days for the purpose of protection or, conversely, the possibility of getting pregnant);
Did ovulation occur after the egg matured?
Determine the quality of your endocrine system
Suspect gynecological problems, for example, endometritis
When to expect your next menstruation
Whether pregnancy occurred due to delay or unusual menstruation;
Assess how correctly the ovaries secrete hormones according to the phases of the menstrual cycle;

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

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature, and not the body temperature at the armpit. A general increase in temperature as a result of illness, overheating, physical activity, eating, stress, naturally, affects the basal temperature indicators and makes them unreliable.

Thermometer for measuring basal temperature.

You will need a regular medical thermometer: mercury or electronic. The basal temperature is measured with a mercury thermometer for five minutes, but the electronic thermometer must be removed after the signal about the end of the measurement. After it squeaks, the temperature will continue to rise for some time, since the thermometer records the moment when the temperature rises above very slowly (and don’t listen to the nonsense about the thermometer not being in good contact with the muscles of the anus). The thermometer must be prepared in advance, in the evening, by placing it next to the bed. Do not place mercury thermometers under your pillow!

Rules for measuring basal temperature.

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High basal temperature in the first phase

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

Estrogen deficiency

In the first phase of the cycle in female body The dominant hormone is estrogen. Under the influence of this hormone, the basal temperature before ovulation averages between 36.2 and 36.5 degrees. If the temperature in the first phase rises and remains above this level, 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 maintained at this level. To increase estrogen levels, gynecologists-endocrinologists will prescribe hormonal drugs.

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


Using the example 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 days 17 and 18 of the cycle is insignificant. Fertilization in a cycle with such a schedule is very problematic.

Inflammation of the appendages

Another reason for the 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 graphs, calculating ovulation is difficult, since such a rise “masks” the ovulatory rise.


In the example graph, the temperature in the first phase of the cycle is kept at 37.0 degrees, the increase occurs sharply and also decreases sharply. A rise in temperature on the 6th day of the cycle can be mistakenly taken for an ovulatory rise, but in fact it most likely indicates inflammation. That's why it's so important to measure your temperature throughout your cycle to rule out a scenario where your temperature rises due to inflammation, then drops again, and then rises due to 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 start of menstruation and rises again to 37.0 degrees with the beginning of menstruation (less often on the 2-3rd day 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 start of menstruation in the first cycle, i.e. the temperature remains at this level, then pregnancy can be assumed, despite the bleeding that has begun. Take a pregnancy test and contact a gynecologist who will perform an ultrasound to diagnose 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 assessing the entire graph, and not a separate temperature in the first phase. For diseases accompanied by high or elevated temperature body, measuring basal temperature, much less judging its character and analyzing the graph, makes no sense.

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 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.

Corpus luteum deficiency

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

The temperature with corpus luteum deficiency rises shortly before menstruation, and there is no “premenstrual” drop. This may indicate hormonal deficiency. The diagnosis is made based on a blood test for progesterone in the second phase of the cycle. If its values ​​are reduced, then the gynecologist usually prescribes a progesterone substitute: utrozhestan or duphaston. These drugs are taken strictly after ovulation. If pregnancy occurs, use continues until 10-12 weeks. Abrupt withdrawal of progesterone in the second phase during pregnancy can lead to the threat of termination of pregnancy.


Special attention you need to pay attention to charts with a short second phase. If the second phase is shorter than 10 days, then one can also judge that the second phase is insufficient.

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

Estrogen-progesterone deficiency

If, in combination with low temperature in the second phase, your chart 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 stimulating ovulation, in particular with clomiphene (clostilbegit) with the use of duphaston in the second phase of breastfeeding, 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” (temperature rises 2 times) and slight depression. If the temperature graph during stimulation, on the contrary, is disrupted and deviates from 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 upon stimulation with clomiphene also occurs with individual sensitivity to the drug.

Special cases of 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 individual feature 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 follow the rules for measuring temperature and observe the described problems on your basal temperature chart in at least 2 cycles in a row, consult a doctor for additional examinations. Beware of your gynecologist making diagnoses based solely on charts. What you need to pay attention to:

    anovulatory schedules
    regular cycle delays when pregnancy does not occur
    late ovulation and failure to become pregnant for several cycles
    controversial charts with unclear ovulation
    graphs with high temperature throughout the cycle
    graphs with low temperature throughout the cycle
    schedules with a short (less than 10 days) second phase
    graphs with high temperature in the second phase of the cycle for more than 18 days, without the onset of menstruation and negative test for pregnancy
    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
    charts with clearly defined ovulation, regular intercourse during ovulation and no pregnancy occurring 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 temperature drops (the temperature drops below 37°C).
The rise in temperature in the middle of the cycle continues for more than 3 to 4 days.
The second phase is short (less than 8 days).

Determining pregnancy by basal temperature

The method of determining pregnancy by basal temperature works provided there is ovulation in the cycle, since with some health problems the basal temperature can be elevated for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example Such a disorder is hyperprolactinemia, caused by 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 conditions and various disorders).

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

During menstruation, 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, basal temperature decreases, and immediately after ovulation it increases 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 pregnancy.

This method of determining pregnancy works provided there is ovulation in the cycle, since with some health problems the basal temperature can be elevated for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a disorder is hyperprolactinemia, caused by 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 pregnancy. A decrease in basal temperature during pregnancy may indicate a lack of hormones that maintain pregnancy and the threat of its termination.

When pregnancy occurs, in most cases, implantation occurs 7-10 days after ovulation - 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 or absence of implantation either on the basis of a chart or with the help of ultrasound at an appointment with a gynecologist. However, there are several signs that may indicate implantation has taken place. All these signs can be detected 7-10 days after ovulation:

It is possible that small discharge appears these days, which disappears within 1-2 days. This may be so-called implantation bleeding. When the egg implants into the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium is damaged, which leads to minor discharge. But if you experience regular discharge in the middle of the cycle, and pregnancy does not occur, then you should contact a gynecology center.

A sharp decrease in temperature to the midline level 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 decrease from the middle of the second phase; with pregnancy, its production resumes again, which leads to temperature fluctuations. Secondly, during 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 retraction on the graph.

Your chart has become three-phase, which means that you see a rise in temperature on the chart, similar to ovulation, during the second phase of the cycle. This rise is again due to the increased production of the hormone progesterone after implantation.


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

Such early signs pregnancy, such as nausea, chest tightness, frequent urination, intestinal upset or just the feeling of pregnancy also do not provide an accurate answer. You may not be pregnant if you have all of these signs, or you may be pregnant without any symptoms.

All these signs can be a confirmation of pregnancy, but you should not rely on them, since there are many examples in which the signs were present, but pregnancy did not occur. Or, conversely, when pregnancy occurred there were no signs. The most reliable conclusions can be drawn if there is a clear rise in temperature on your chart, you had sexual 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.

Measuring basal temperature is one of the main methods of tracking fertility, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). You can read more about this in the WHO document “Medical eligibility criteria for the use of contraceptive methods” page 117.

When using the basal temperature method to protect against... unwanted pregnancy, you need to take into account that not only the days of ovulation according to the basal temperature schedule can be dangerous. Therefore, during 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 your basal temperature chart, which you can print out and show to your doctor. You can download it from the link: .

Graphs are discussed at

Attention! Making any diagnoses based solely on basal temperature charts is impossible. Diagnoses are made based on additional examinations performed by a gynecologist.

Measuring basal temperature (BT) is necessary so that the doctor can determine whether a woman is ovulating, since during ovulation the temperature in the vagina and rectum drops, sometimes even to 36.2-35.9 ° C. And after 2-3 days it should rise to a level of 37°C or slightly higher. After such a jump in temperature, the second phase of the menstrual cycle begins. Measuring basal temperature reflects the functioning of the ovaries much more accurately than hormonal tests and ultrasound folliculometry.

The construction of the schedule should begin from the first day of the menstrual cycle, that is, from the first day of menstruation. The temperature changes in the rectum in the morning, on an empty stomach, immediately after waking up. That is, at 7-8 o’clock in the morning, without getting out of bed, use a simple mercury thermometer, inserting its mercury tip into the anus for 5 minutes. Don't forget to record the current date on the chart. Continue building the graph until the next menstruation begins. With the beginning of a new menstruation (new cycle), start building a new schedule. To catch the pattern, you need to measure your temperature over three menstrual cycles and record the data daily.

A woman must register every sexual intercourse and all events accompanying ovulation. It is very important to take into account the psycho-physical state of a woman. Poor or inadequate sleep, stress, nervous tension, overwork during the work week, illness all this affects the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is advisable to mark these factors on the chart with special icons.

Some women, for example, at the moment the egg is released from the ovary, feel a short pain (sharp prick) in the area of ​​the right or left ovary. In some cases, a few drops of blood or copious mucus may be discharged from the vagina. Observing these phenomena during a rise in temperature helps the doctor in determining the fact of ovulation.

Basal temperature charts:

rice. A- during normal ovulation.



rice. B- in the absence of ovulation.



rice. IN- during ovulation with subsequent conception and pregnancy.

Three months later, the woman brings a sheet with temperature data. If there is no dysfunction of the ovaries (or other endocrine glands), and ovulation occurs normally, then further examination is carried out. If ovulation is absent, it is necessary to find and eliminate the cause of this deviation.

To create basal temperature charts yourself, you can download a file from me with a form to fill out with your daily temperature readings. All you have to do is print it out and start filling it out. On the first line you specify the current date of the month. And in the temperature grid of the form, draw your graph of basal temperatures.

The basal temperature chart, the template of which can be downloaded on our website, helps girls in identifying the most favorable moment for conception. Let's consider the principles of filling it out and the rules for taking measurements.

Rules for filling out the template

Basal 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 rectal measurement is more relevant.

For the readings to be true, you need to measure the temperature with one thermometer and one method. That is, having started taking measurements in the rectum, there is no need to switch to another option.

You need to keep a chart of your basal temperature on a form, guided by the following principles:

  • Start measurements from the first day of menstruation, i.e. from the beginning of the cycle.
  • Take the measurement 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 bodily movement is contraindicated, because... distorts the result.
  • Mark the result shown by the thermometer on the graph by placing a dot at the desired intersection: cycle day - temperature.
  • Connect the marked points together to form a curve.

You need to start taking measurements 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 designed for 45 days with a maximum cycle of 35 days. It also includes a wide temperature range of 35.9-38.1°C, which will allow you to track any atypical condition.


Explanation of the graph: 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 between 36.2-36.5°C.
  • Ovulation. Lasts 2-3 days. On the eve of follicle rupture, the temperature drops, and at the moment the egg is released, it increases by 0.4-0.6°C. The “peaks” are clearly visible on the graph.
  • Luteal phase. Lasts 14 days. Progesterone is produced, which is responsible for fertilization and the normal course of pregnancy. Elevated temperature – 37.0-37.5°C. Before menstruation, there is a gradual decline - by 0.3-0.5°C. If conception is successful, the increased levels last throughout the pregnancy.

Conclusion

After printing out the basal temperature chart (template) and making observations, you need to put notes below under the corresponding dates with the reasons that may affect the change in temperature: drinking alcohol, 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, constructing a simple diagram allows you to learn a lot about the ongoing physiological processes associated with hormonal changes and the body’s readiness to conceive. This is of fundamental importance for girls planning a pregnancy, or for those whose life plans do not yet include motherhood.

By correctly deciphering the basal temperature chart, in a few months you can get a clear picture of the state of the female reproductive system. And in particular, find out whether ovulation occurs, and which days can be considered favorable for conception, determine whether the cycle has become fateful, or suggest another reason for the delay in menstruation.

We’ll talk more about the features of drawing up and deciphering a basal temperature chart in this article.

How to plot basal temperature?

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

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

The measurements should be entered into a special template, so it will not be difficult to build a correct basal temperature chart. You can make the blank yourself, on a sheet of checkered paper or on the computer. To do this, you need to enter temperature values ​​from 36.2 to 37.6 degrees vertically, and horizontally the numbers at which measurements will be taken. Then enter the data every morning, making a note at the intersection of the number and the corresponding temperature.

For those who have free access to world wide web, you can use online services or download the 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 graph of basal temperature looks like with a two-phase cycle.

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

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

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

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

Features of BT charts in the presence of pathology

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

Therefore, the RULES FOR BT MEASUREMENT 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 and place it in close proximity to the bed.
3. Without getting up, without sitting down, without showing much activity in bed, take a thermometer and insert it narrow part into the anus.
4. Lie still for 5 minutes.
5. Remove the thermometer and record the reading in the table.

Measuring basal temperature has become truly folk remedy pregnancy planning.

Why measure basal 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 factors external environment. Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor’s demands 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 Marshall and refers to research techniques that are based on the biological effect of sex hormones, namely on the hyperthermic (increase in temperature) action of progesterone on the thermoregulation center. Measuring basal body temperature is one of the main tests functional diagnostics work of the ovaries. Based on the results of measuring BT, a graph is constructed; an analysis of basal temperature graphs is given below.

Measuring basal temperature and charting is recommended in gynecology in following cases:

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

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

Do you want to increase your chances of pregnancy?
You are experimenting with methods of planning the gender of your child
You want to observe your body and understand the processes taking place in it (this can help you communicate with specialists)

Experience shows that many women perceive the doctor’s demands 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 this happen (accordingly, highlight “dangerous” days for the purpose of protection or, conversely, the possibility of getting pregnant);
Did ovulation occur after the egg matured?
Determine the quality of your endocrine system
Suspect gynecological problems, such as endometritis
When to expect your next menstruation
Whether pregnancy occurred due to delay or unusual menstruation;
Assess how correctly the ovaries secrete hormones according to the phases of the menstrual cycle;

A graph of basal temperature, drawn up according to all measurement rules, can show not only the presence of ovulation in a 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 of conception, as well as conclusions about hormonal disorders. Only a gynecologist can give an accurate assessment of your basal temperature chart. Drawing up a basal temperature chart can help a gynecologist determine deviations in the cycle and suggest the absence of ovulation, but at the same time, the gynecologist makes a diagnosis only and exclusively by looking at the basal temperature chart without additional tests and examinations most often indicate medical unprofessionalism.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature, and not the body temperature at the armpit. General increase in temperature as a result of illness, overheating, physical activity, eating, stress, naturally affects basal temperature indicators and makes them unreliable.

Thermometer for measuring basal temperature.

You will need a regular medical thermometer: mercury or electronic. The basal temperature is measured with a mercury thermometer for five minutes, but the electronic thermometer must be removed after the signal about the end of the measurement. After it squeaks, the temperature will continue to rise for some time, since the thermometer records the moment when the temperature rises above very slowly (and don’t listen to the nonsense about the thermometer not being in good contact with the muscles of the anus). The thermometer must be prepared in advance, in the evening, by placing it next to the bed. Do not place mercury thermometers under your pillow!

Rules for measuring basal temperature.

    You should measure your basal temperature every day if possible, including on your period.

    Measurements can be taken in the mouth, vagina or rectum. The main thing is that the measurement location does not change throughout the entire cycle. Measuring armpit temperature does not provide accurate results. With the oral method of measuring basal temperature, you place the thermometer under your tongue and measure for 5 minutes with your mouth closed.
    When using the vaginal or rectal method of measurement, insert the narrow part of the thermometer into the anus or vagina, the measurement duration is 3 minutes. Measuring temperature in the rectum is the most common.

    Measure your basal temperature in the morning, immediately after waking up and before getting out of bed.

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

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

    You can use either a digital or a mercury thermometer to measure. It is important not to change the thermometer during one cycle.
    If you use mercury thermometer, then shake it off before going to sleep. The effort you use to shake off the thermometer immediately before measuring your basal temperature can affect your temperature.

    Basal temperature is measured while lying still. Do not make unnecessary movements, do not turn, activity should be minimal. Do not under any circumstances get up to take a thermometer! Therefore, it is better to prepare it in the evening and place it near the bed so that you can reach the thermometer with your hand. Some experts advise taking the measurement without even opening your eyes, since daylight can increase the release of certain hormones.

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

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

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

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

    In case of illnesses accompanied by elevated body temperature, your basal temperature will be uninformative and you can stop taking measurements for the duration of your illness.

    Basal temperature can be affected by various medications

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

After drinking 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.

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

Day of the month
Cycle day
BT
Notes: Heavy or moderate discharge, deviations that can affect BT:
general disease, including with an increase in temperature, diarrhea, intercourse in the evening (and even more so in the morning), drinking alcohol the day before, measuring BBT at an unusual time, going to bed late (for example, I went to bed at 3 o’clock and measured it at 6), taking sleeping pills drugs, stress, etc.

All factors that could in one way or another affect the change in basal temperature are entered in the “Notes” column.

This form of recording is very helpful for both the woman and her doctor to understand possible reasons infertility, cycle disorders, etc.

Rationale for the basal body temperature method

Basal body temperature changes during the cycle 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 hour, ovulation occurs. After ovulation, a phase of high temperature 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 occurs entirely in a high temperature phase. The difference between the “low” (hypothermic) and “high” (hyperthermic) phases is 0.4-0.8 °C. Only with an accurate measurement of basal body temperature can one record 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 level of temperature in the second phase of the cycle.

Usually during menstruation the temperature remains at 37°C. During the period of follicle maturation (the first phase of the cycle), the temperature does not exceed 37°C. Just before ovulation it decreases (the result of the action of estrogen), and after it the basal temperature rises to 37.1 ° C and higher (the influence of progesterone). Until the next menstruation, the basal temperature remains elevated and decreases slightly by the first day of menstruation. If the basal temperature in the first phase, relative to the second, is high, then this may indicate a low amount of estrogen in the body and requires correction medicines 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 here drugs are also prescribed to correct hormonal levels. This should be done only after passing the appropriate hormone tests and a doctor’s prescription.

A persistent two-phase cycle indicates ovulation, which has taken place, and the presence of a functionally active corpus luteum ( correct rhythm ovarian function).
The absence of a rise in temperature in the second phase of the cycle (monotonic curve) or significant temperature swings, 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).
Delayed 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 8-9 days after ovulation, which roughly corresponds to the time the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall.

By charting your basal temperature, you can not only determine when you ovulate, but also find out what processes are occurring in your body.

Interpretation of basal temperature charts. Examples

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

Covering 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 days on which the temperature could be affected by various negative factors(see rules for measuring temperature). This line does not allow any conclusions to be drawn from the graph and is for illustrative 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 center line and the three temperature values ​​must be at least 0.1 degrees on two days out of three 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 using 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 subsequent temperature by more than 0.2 degrees. Such temperature values ​​should not be taken into account when calculating ovulation if the overall basal temperature chart is normal.

The most optimal time for conception is the day of ovulation and 2 days before it.

Menstrual cycle length

The total length of the cycle should normally 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 requires treatment by a gynecologist.

Second phase length

The basal temperature chart is divided into the first and second phases. The division takes place where the ovulation line (vertical) is marked. Accordingly, the first phase of the cycle is the segment of the graph before ovulation, and the second phase of the cycle is 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 the individual norm. At the same time, in a healthy woman in different cycles there should be no significant differences 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 identified on the graphs and confirmed by subsequent hormonal studies is the failure of the second phase. If you measure your basal temperature over 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 at the lower limit (10 or 11 days), then this may indicate insufficiency of the second phase.

Temperature difference

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

An increase in basal temperature occurs when serum progesterone levels exceed 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 observed in approximately 20% of ovulatory cycles. A simple statement of two-phase basal temperature does not prove normal function corpus luteum. Basal temperature also cannot be used to determine the time of ovulation, since even during luteinization of an unovulated follicle, a two-phase basal temperature is observed. However, the duration of the luteal phase in accordance with basal temperature data and low speed rise are accepted by many authors as criteria for diagnosing luteinization syndrome of non-ovulating follicle.

Classic gynecological manuals describe five main types of temperature curves.

Such graphs indicate an increase in temperature in the second phase of the cycle by at least 0.4 C; a noticeable “preovulatory” and “premenstrual” drop in temperature. The duration of the temperature increase after ovulation is 12-14 days. This curve is typical for a normal two-phase menstrual cycle.

The example graph 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 slight 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 examples of graphs below.

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

Basal temperature begins to rise only shortly before menstruation, and there is no “premenstrual” drop in temperature. The second phase of the cycle can last less than 10 days. This curve is typical for a two-phase menstrual cycle with insufficiency of the second phase. See examples of graphs below.

Pregnancy in such a cycle is possible, but it is under threat from the very beginning. At this moment, the woman cannot yet know about the pregnancy; even gynecologists would find it difficult to make a diagnosis at such an early stage. With such a schedule, we may not be talking about infertility, but about miscarriage. Be sure to contact your gynecologist if this schedule repeats for you for 3 cycles.

In a cycle without ovulation, the corpus luteum, which produces the hormone progesterone and affects the increase in basal body temperature, does not form. In this case, the basal temperature chart does not show a rise in temperature and ovulation is not detected. If there is no ovulation line on the graph, then we are talking about an 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 monotonous curve occurs when there is no pronounced rise throughout the entire cycle. This schedule is observed during an anovulatory (no ovulation) cycle. See examples of graphs below.

On average, a woman has one anovulatory cycle per year and there is no reason to worry in this case. But anovulatory patterns that are repeated from cycle to cycle are a very serious reason to consult 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 ranges; it does not fit into any of the types described above. This type of curve can be observed both with severe estrogen deficiency and depend on random factors. Examples of graphs are below.

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

.

High basal temperature in the first phase

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

Estrogen deficiency

In the first phase of the cycle, the hormone estrogen dominates in the female body. Under the influence of this hormone, the basal temperature before ovulation averages between 36.2 and 36.5 degrees. If the temperature in the first phase rises and remains above this level, 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 maintained at this level. To increase estrogen levels, gynecologists-endocrinologists will prescribe hormonal medications.

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

Using the example 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 days 17 and 18 of the cycle is insignificant. Fertilization in a cycle with such a schedule is very problematic.

Inflammation of the appendages

Another reason for the 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 graphs, calculating ovulation is difficult, since such a rise “masks” the ovulatory rise.

In the example graph, the temperature in the first phase of the cycle is kept at 37.0 degrees, the increase occurs sharply and also decreases sharply. A rise in temperature on the 6th day of the cycle can be mistakenly taken for an ovulatory rise, but in fact it most likely indicates inflammation. That's why it's so important to measure your temperature throughout your cycle to rule out a scenario where your temperature rises due to inflammation, then drops again, and then rises due to 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 start of menstruation and rises again to 37.0 degrees with the beginning of menstruation (less often on the 2-3rd day 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 start of menstruation in the first cycle, i.e. the temperature remains at this level, then pregnancy can be assumed, despite the bleeding that has begun. Take a pregnancy test and contact a gynecologist who will perform an ultrasound to make 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 assessing the entire graph, and not a separate temperature in the first phase. For diseases accompanied by high or elevated body temperature, measuring basal temperature, much less judging its nature and analyzing the graph, makes no sense.

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 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.

Corpus luteum deficiency

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

The temperature with corpus luteum deficiency rises shortly before menstruation, and there is no “premenstrual” drop. This may indicate hormonal deficiency. The diagnosis is made based on a blood test for progesterone in the second phase of the cycle. If its values ​​are reduced, then the gynecologist usually prescribes a progesterone substitute: utrozhestan or duphaston. These drugs are taken strictly after ovulation. If pregnancy occurs, use 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 that the second phase is insufficient.

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

Estrogen-progesterone deficiency

If, in combination with low temperature in the second phase, your chart 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.

Hyperprolactinemia

Due to an increase in the level of the pituitary hormone, prolactin, which is responsible for maintaining pregnancy and lactation, the basal temperature graph in this case may resemble the graph of a pregnant woman. Menstruation, just like during pregnancy, may be absent. An example of a basal temperature chart for hyperprolactinemia

Basal temperature chart for ovulation stimulation

When stimulating ovulation, in particular with clomiphene (clostilbegit) with the use of duphaston in the second phase of breastfeeding, 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” (temperature rises 2 times) and slight depression. If the temperature graph during stimulation, on the contrary, is disrupted and deviates from 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 upon stimulation with clomiphene also occurs with individual sensitivity to the drug.

Special cases of 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 follow the rules for measuring temperature and observe the problems described on your basal temperature chart in at least 2 cycles in a row, consult a doctor for additional examinations. Beware of your gynecologist making diagnoses based solely on charts. What you need to pay attention to:

    anovulatory schedules
    regular cycle delays when pregnancy does not occur
    late ovulation and failure to become pregnant for several cycles
    controversial charts with unclear ovulation
    graphs with high temperature throughout the cycle
    graphs with low temperature throughout the cycle
    schedules with a short (less than 10 days) second phase
    graphs with a 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
    charts with clearly defined ovulation, regular intercourse during ovulation and no pregnancy occurring 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 temperature drops (the temperature drops below 37°C).
The rise in temperature in the middle of the cycle continues for more than 3 to 4 days.
The second phase is short (less than 8 days).

Determining pregnancy by basal temperature

The method of determining pregnancy by basal temperature works provided there is ovulation in the cycle, since with some health problems the basal temperature can be elevated for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a disorder is hyperprolactinemia, caused by 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 conditions 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, 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, basal temperature decreases, and immediately after ovulation it increases 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 pregnancy.

This method of determining pregnancy works provided there is ovulation in the cycle, since with some health problems the basal temperature can be elevated for an arbitrarily long time, and menstruation may be absent. A striking example of such a disorder is hyperprolactinemia, caused by 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 pregnancy. A decrease in basal temperature during pregnancy may indicate a lack of hormones that maintain pregnancy and the threat of its termination.

When pregnancy occurs, in most cases, implantation occurs 7-10 days after ovulation - 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 or absence of implantation either on the basis of a chart or with the help of ultrasound at an appointment with a gynecologist. However, there are several signs that may indicate implantation has taken place. All these signs can be detected 7-10 days after ovulation:

It is possible that small discharge appears these days, which disappears within 1-2 days. This may be so-called implantation bleeding. When the egg implants into the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium is damaged, which leads to minor discharge. But if you experience regular discharge in the middle of the cycle, and pregnancy does not occur, then you should contact a gynecology center.

A sharp decrease in temperature to the midline level 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 decrease from the middle of the second phase; with pregnancy, its production resumes again, which leads to temperature fluctuations. Secondly, during 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 retraction on the graph.

Your chart has become three-phase, which means that you see a rise in temperature on the chart, similar to ovulation, during the second phase of the cycle. This rise is again due to the increased production of the hormone progesterone after implantation.

The example graph shows 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, intestinal upset or just the feeling of pregnancy also do not provide an accurate answer. You may not be pregnant if you have all of these signs, or you may be pregnant without any symptoms.

All these signs can be a confirmation of pregnancy, but you should not rely on them, since there are many examples in which the signs were present, but pregnancy did not occur. Or, conversely, when pregnancy occurred there were no signs. The most reliable conclusions can be drawn if there is a clear rise in temperature on your chart, you had sexual 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.

Measuring basal temperature is one of the main methods of tracking fertility, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). You can read more about this in the WHO document “Medical eligibility criteria for the use of contraceptive methods” page 117.

When you use the basal temperature method to protect against unwanted pregnancy, you need to take into account that not only the days of ovulation according to the basal temperature schedule can be dangerous. Therefore, during 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 your basal temperature chart, which you can print out and show to your doctor. You can download it from the link: .

The charts are discussed on the forum

Attention! Making any diagnoses based solely on basal temperature charts is impossible. Diagnoses are made based on additional examinations performed by a gynecologist.

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