Basaltemperatuur

Basaltemperatuur refers to the lowest body temperature reached by a woman during her menstrual cycle. This temperature is typically recorded by a woman taking her oral or basal body temperature with a thermometer immediately upon waking up each morning, before any physical activity. The recording is often done in conjunction with tracking ovulation.

The basal body temperature fluctuates slightly throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes, primarily the hormone progesterone. After ovulation, the increase in progesterone causes a slight rise in basal body temperature, usually by about 0.4 to 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 to 0.4 degrees Celsius). The lowest point before this rise is considered the basal temperature for that cycle.

Tracking basal body temperature can be used as a method of natural family planning to identify the fertile window, as ovulation typically occurs around the time of the temperature shift. It can also be a tool to confirm if ovulation has occurred. However, it is not a foolproof method for conception or contraception and requires consistent and accurate daily recording. Factors such as illness, stress, alcohol consumption, and irregular sleep patterns can affect basal body temperature readings, making interpretation more complex.