One way to better understand the processes occurring in a woman’s body is to monitor basal temperature. This method will allow you to find out when ovulation occurs, when menstruation will go, suspect inflammatory processes, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy and the threat of its termination.
Its main advantage is the minimum financial costs, you only need to buy a thermometer. The disadvantages include high sensitivity to various factors. A reliable result can be obtained only with strict observance of all measurement rules.
Basal temperature depends on which hormones prevail in the body of a woman. From the beginning of the cycle to ovulation, the main estrogens, they contribute to its reduction. After the release of the egg, the leading role belongs to progesterone, which raises the basal temperature.
Before ovulation, a jump in estrogen occurs, which helps to reduce it. However, this effect is not observed on all graphs. The basal temperature before menstruation also decreases slightly. This mainly happens in a few days (an average of 3). This is explained by the fact that the amount of progesterone begins to fall.
Measurements are desirable to continue on critical days. The basal temperature during menstruation should normally decrease gradually. Towards their end, it drops to the level of the first phase.
Women who use this method are usually interested in what basal temperature should be during menstruation. Just want to note that this is very individual. Only taking measurements for at least three cycles can answer this question.
The values that are found in most women will now be given. Basal temperature during menstruation usually drops from 37 degrees at the beginning to 36.4 at the end. This is due to an increase in the amount of estrogen and a drop in progesterone levels.
When plotting on the horizontal axis, we postpone the days of the cycle, and on the vertical axis, the temperature. On average, women menstruation lasts 5 days, at this time on the graph there is a decline. Then, during the first phase, the basal temperature is between 36.4-36.6, then there may be a slight drop and a sharp rise. This indicates an ovulation that has occurred. The second phase begins, during which the temperature is held at the level of 37-37.2.
Then there is a drop to 37 degrees, which indicates an early menstruation. If this does not happen and the second phase lasts more than 18 days, then pregnancy can be suspected. If, after a fall, the basal temperature rises during menstruation, then this may be a sign of endometritis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa ).
If a high temperature is held during and before menstruation, and falls only at its end, then this may indicate a miscarriage. If it does not decrease, and the discharge is scarce, then perhaps a pregnancy is taking place with the threat of interruption.
Normally, the second phase lasts exactly two weeks, its duration can vary within a couple of days. If it is less than 10 days, then this requires a hormonal examination and, possibly, treatment.
The length of the first phase has wider limits. Actually, the duration of the cycle depends on its duration. The difference in average temperatures in phases is very important. It should exceed 0.4.
Decoding schedules should be done only by a qualified gynecologist. Based on them, treatment cannot be prescribed. It is very important to conduct a hormonal examination and folliculogenesis. During it, an ultrasound scan is done several times per cycle. At the same time, they monitor the growth of the dominant follicle and the state of the endometrium. Evidence of ovulation is the formation of the corpus luteum and the presence of free fluid.
Basal temperature is usually measured in the anus immediately after waking up in the morning. On the graphs, it is necessary to note all the factors affecting it (sex, alcohol, drugs, insomnia, stress, which occur on the eve).
Measurements are made clearly at the selected time, for example at 7 in the morning. Allowable deviation - half an hour. You can use both electronic and mercury thermometers. Measurements are carried out before a sound signal or 5 minutes respectively.
So, the basal temperature during menstruation should gradually fall. For most women, this happens from 37 to 36.4 degrees. If it is kept at a high level, then endometritis can be suspected.