Basal temperature: norm, measurement, interpretation of results

Modern women underestimate the use of measuring basal temperature. It's simple, cheap and very informative. This technique will help to determine whether ovulation occurs and when, to suspect hormonal disorders, inflammatory processes, the threat of termination of pregnancy.

The basal temperature, the norm of which varies depending on the phase of the cycle, is measured in the anus at a certain time in the morning. This should be done by a mercury or electronic thermometer after waking up in bed. It is advisable not to even open your eyes and not talk. The thermometer must be prepared in the evening and put in such a way that it is possible to reach it.

It is better to record it immediately, so as not to forget. A normal basal temperature can be obtained in a state of physical and psychological rest. If the day before the woman used alcohol, had sex, experienced stress, unusually late lay down, was very tired, took medication, the result would be received unreliable.

It is pointless to carry out measurements at high body temperature during influenza and other diseases. On such factors it is necessary to make notes where measurements are recorded. In addition, it is necessary to note the nature of vaginal discharge and the intensity of menstruation.

The normal cycle consists of ovulation, follicular and luteal phases. In the beginning of it follicles start to ripen, then one dominant one is allocated. In this phase, the main are estrogens, synthesized by the ovaries. They provide a low basal temperature.

When the follicle ripens, ovulation occurs. Formed a yellow body that secretes progesterone. This hormone is responsible for the preparation of the endometrium for implantation of the embryo, and at the onset of pregnancy - for its maintenance.

It also provides a high basal temperature in the second (luteal) phase of the cycle and in the first months of childbearing. Its value below 37 degrees can be considered as a threat of termination of pregnancy.

Women, who themselves or on the recommendation of a doctor begin to use this method, are interested in what the basal temperature should be. There is no single answer to this question, because it is very individual. Most importantly, in the first phase, it was low, and in the second high. The difference between the values should be more than 0.4 degrees.

Average basal temperature norm:

• The follicular phase is 36.3 - 36.8;

• The luteal phase is 37-37.2.

In order to make the data obtained easier to perceive, basal temperature charts are constructed . The horizontal axis marks the days of the cycle, and the vertical values indicate the values obtained.

Ovulation occurs when the graph shows a jump from a low level of temperature up. Sometimes there is a recession before this, although this is not necessary. This phenomenon is explained by the additional release of estrogens.

The rise in temperature should normally last no more than 3 days. If it occurs longer, some experts believe that this indicates luteinization of the follicle.

The length of the second phase usually lasts 14 days, if it is shorter than 12, and even more 10 days, it is possible to suspect its insufficiency. This requires hormonal examination, consultation of a gynecologist and the taking of progestins. To assign any treatment only on schedule is absolutely impossible.

A small difference in mean values between the second and first phases may indicate estrogen and / or progesterone insufficiency. A graph with significant jumps, which does not have a region of high and low readings, indicates anovulation.

Basal temperature, the norm of which depends on individual characteristics, should be measured for a minimum of three months. Then you can draw conclusions.

So, the basal temperature, the norm of which is individual, can be used to diagnose various hormonal pathologies in gynecology. This technique is actively used to find the causes of infertility. It is simple, inexpensive and informative when used correctly.