Did you know that your Basal Body Temperature, or your BBT, changes throughout your cycle? Today we are going to talk about why your BBT goes up when your progesterone rises. And also how BBT can be used to track your cycle.

What is my BBT?

BBT stands for basal body temperature. For the purposes of your menstrual cycle, that’s your body temperature first thing in the morning, when you wake up. As you probably know, your temperature changes throughout the day. And that’s why, when tracking your BBT, it’s important to take your temperature at the same time every day, as soon you’re awake.

How does my BBT change throughout my cycle?

Your BBT is affected by the hormones of your menstrual cycle, including Estrogen and Progesterone. As such, it increases slightly around the time of Ovulation and during the Luteal phase of your cycle. This change is only about 0.3 degrees Celsius, so it’s very, very small. But, if the increase in temperature stays steady for three or more days, then it’s likely that you’ve ovulated.

Why does my BBT go up with progesterone rises?

During the second half of your cycle, AKA the Luteal phase, your ovaries produce more and more Progesterone. This increase causes your body temperature to rise throughout this phase.

What else can affect my BBT apart from Progesterone?

BBT can also be influenced by all sorts of other things as well. Which is why it’s important to take your temperature before you get out of bed in the morning if you’re trying to track your fertility. Stress, diet and exercise can all affect your BBT over the course of the day, so getting your measurements in early is crucial to an accurate result.

In addition, illness, changes to your sleep pattern, disturbed sleep, or alcohol can also impact your BBT. Essentially, your BBT is incredibly sensitive.

How can I use my BBT to track my fertility?

You can use your BBT, along with other signs of fertility, including cervical mucus and bleeding patterns, to track your cycle and fertility. And the Hormona app is perfect for that. Because, taken as a whole, these indicators can help you to work out whether you’ve ovulated. You can then use this information to maximize your chances of getting pregnant. Remember, though, that you can’t use BBT changes alone to predict ovulation. Because it only tells you if you’ve already ovulated.

If, though, avoiding pregnancy is what you’re going for, then it’s incredibly important to get to know your body and cycle over several months before you start relying on cycle timing for contraception. It’s also best to get an expert to teach you how to use fertility awareness as a contraceptive method before you start.

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