Low basal temperature: in the second phase of the cycle, after ovulation, in pregnancy

Low basal temperature can be one of the first signs of a pathology that can have a latent course for a long time. It is very important to know what basal temperature is considered normal in order to understand when it comes to low values. Knowing the changes in basal temperature in women will allow you to monitor her cycle.

What is basal body temperature?

Temperature is an indicator of the amount of heat contained in a system and in the human body. Our temperature is an extension of the body's basic metabolism and many other factors. Heat is a form of energy, and every reaction in the human body occurs at a certain level of energy or temperature, thus tracking well the voltage and pH of the cells.

For the normal functioning of the human body, it is important to maintain this internal temperature, regulate pH and optimize the tension of all cells. The core body temperature of the human body is an important factor, so it should always be taken into account when assessing the health status during monitoring. Normal core temperature is at the exact temperature at which all functions of the human body can work with optimal efficiency. The same can be said about pH, because all physiological processes are sensitive to pH. Like heart rate and blood pressure, body temperature helps to assess the health of a person. The human body temperature continues to change during various activities. The normal range of body temperature for oral measurement is or 36.8 ± 0.7 degrees C. Usually, the temperature is low in the morning, and when you start to exercise, it begins to rise. The body reaches its lowest temperature during sleep, which is called the core body temperature (or basal temperature). Despite sudden changes in air temperature, the body maintains its normal temperature range with the help of the brain, blood vessels, skin (sweat glands).

Usually, rectal or vaginal temperature readings are considered as core temperature. The ideal core temperature is around 37° degrees Celsius. However, this temperature is the average body temperature and the general normal temperature ranges from 36.5°C to a maximum of almost 37.5°C. Any temperature above or below this range is abnormal. At the ideal temperature, all systems of the human body function at maximum efficiency, with oxygen supplied in sufficient quantities, since CO2 levels are optimized.

Basal body temperature refers to the temperature at which the body must be in order to use the minimum energy needed to survive. When the body reaches its base body temperature during sleep, it is impossible to measure the actual basal temperature level. The most accurate measurement of body temperature can be taken immediately after you wake up in the morning, while your body is at rest. You can use a regular thermometer or a basal thermometer to measure your temperature early in the morning. Even getting out of bed, standing can raise your body temperature, so you should measure it immediately after waking up. Also, at night, your basal temperature may be lower than in the morning.

Basal thermometers show slight differences. Basal body temperature chart can help women know when ovulation has occurred. A woman can avoid pregnancy or a woman can get pregnant soon by observing the record body temperature during the menstrual cycle.

Before ovulation, there is only a small amount of progesterone in your body, and your basal body temperatures (your resting temperatures) are in the lower range. After ovulation, when there is increased progesterone released from the corpus luteum, your temperature rises. The temperature rise that occurs after ovulation is enough to be measured with a thermometer. After ovulation, your basal body temperature rises so much that you can see the difference between your ovulation and post-ovulation temperatures when they are plotted on a chart. A fertility chart will show lower temperatures before ovulation, a rise (thermal shift), and then higher temperatures after ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs on the last day of lower temperatures.

A decrease in basal temperature can occur for various reasons.

Reasons for a decrease in basal temperature

The causes of low basal temperature range from normal individual characteristics of a woman to serious pathology.

Low basal body temperature generally indicates slow enzymatic processes. The thyroid gland plays an important role in the body's metabolism. An underactive (slowly functioning) thyroid gland can be the cause of low basal body temperature. Iodine deficiency, use of certain medications, pituitary disorders, thyroid surgery, pregnancy, radiation therapy can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition requires proper medical care.

Low basal body temperature can also be a potential symptom of the following diseases and disorders:

• Addison's disease;
• Diabetes;
• Drug or alcohol abuse;
• Infectious disease;
• Renal failure;
• Liver failure;
• Sepsis;
• Side effects of drugs;
• Bronchial asthma;
• Stress;
• Insomnia.

Since women's basal temperature changes according to the menstrual cycle, there will be a low temperature phase from the beginning of the menstrual cycle until ovulation. A high temperature phase occurs in the period after ovulation until menstruation. A basal temperature below 37 can be observed in the first phase of the cycle. A low basal temperature after ovulation may indicate a hormonal imbalance, which often occurs in women under stress or fatigue.

It is necessary to measure the basal temperature to see the differences between the low and high temperature phases - this is especially recommended if you have a low basal body temperature. If you see a difference of less than 0.3 ℃, or if you do not see an increase in basal body temperature, this may mean that your corpus luteum is not working properly. It is important to understand that a low basal temperature in the first phase of the cycle is normal, but a low basal temperature in the second phase of the cycle indicates a violation of hormone secretion. A low basal temperature throughout the cycle may be due to corpus luteum insufficiency or a violation of progesterone secretion by the central mechanism. In such cases, you need to be examined to determine the level of these hormones.

Even if you have a low basal body temperature, there are no physical symptoms that are easy to detect. However, since the blood circulation in the body is impaired, sufficient nutrients and oxygen are not transported to the organs. This can make you feel lethargic and more susceptible to illness.

Poor circulation can also lead to swelling and lower back pain or other chronic pain or illness. You may have simply dismissed these symptoms as a sign of poor physical condition, but if you have a low basal body temperature, know that low basal body temperature and symptoms such as lower back pain may have a more direct relationship.

Can there be a low basal temperature during pregnancy? This is quite possible, since during pregnancy the corpus luteum is in an active state and secretes hormones. But there may be an imbalance, which explains such changes in basal temperature. It should be noted that a low basal temperature in the early stages of pregnancy may still be a normal value, but in later stages it may indicate a lack of progesterone and circulatory disorders, respectively.

How does taking medication affect basal temperature? Any contraceptives disrupt ovulation, so basal temperature may not increase. When a woman takes a certain hormone replacement therapy, the level of changes in basal temperature may indicate hormonal levels and the effectiveness of treatment. For example, a low basal temperature when taking Duphaston may indicate an insufficient dose of the drug. Since Duphaston is a progesterone drug, the level of progesterone should be sufficient for a peak increase in basal temperature while taking it.

Low basal temperature during menopause is sometimes a sign of the need for hormone replacement therapy for a woman, regardless of age. Since only estrogens should decrease during menopause, a decreased basal temperature indicates that progesterone is also decreased. And this aggravates all the symptoms and manifestations of menopause. Therefore, such changes in women during menopause may indicate a serious hormonal imbalance.

You may be concerned that your low basal body temperature is affecting your ability to have a baby. Don’t worry – even if your basal body temperature is low, it doesn’t mean you won’t ovulate or can’t get pregnant. However, your uterus and other reproductive organs don’t have enough blood flowing through them due to poor circulation, so this can affect ovulation. Additionally, the endometrium may not become thick enough for a fertilized egg to implant in it.

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How to increase low basal body temperature?

Exercise for women can be a great choice. When you exercise, you can expect your body temperature to increase. Blood is also pumped through your body faster, and you will also feel the heat coming from your core. There is no need for a tiring workout. Even if you do not have time for a proper workout, you can give your body a little boost by making sure you take the stairs when you can. To improve your overall fitness and boost your low core body temperature, you may have tried various methods to no avail.

Low basal body temperature may be noticed suddenly, or it may be persistent. Chronically low basal body temperature can lead to several health complications, such as excessive fatigue, headaches, dry skin and hair, irregular or absent menstrual periods. The right medications to treat the underlying condition and identify the cause can help bring the temperature back to normal levels.