Simple Progesterone Test
using a Basal Thermometer

     
When ovulation is occuring the bodies progesterone level will increase at about the time of ovulation and fall just before mentruation begins. These changes in progesterone levels cause a slight change in body temperature. Through the use of a basal thermometer women can accurately monitor their temperature to determine when progesterone rises and falls (The temperature variation is typically 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit increase).

     A basal thermometer may also be valuable in determining if you are progesterone deficient during pre-menopause years. (Post menopause women are not ovulating and menstruating and have mostly low progesterone levels so progesterone level shifts will not follow a pattern.) Temperature should rise at ovulation and be high until a day or two so before the end of the cycle and the start of menstruation. Fluctuations may occur due to a "double ovulation" (rare but possible within 3 days of initial ovulation) and due to sickness and a change in the time of the daily early morning temperature measurement. However if the your temperature never rises (indicating no ovulation) or consistently drops several days after ovulation staying low for days or even to the end of the cycle there is a very good chance that your progesterone levels are not being adequately maintained. Low progesterone levels can contribute to miscarriages and osteoporosis and numerous other estrogen dominance effects. You can verify your findings from home if desired by using saliva hormone testing. Saliva testing is better than blood tests for progesterone although often times your temperature will be just as accurate or more accurage then hormone testing. You can download a free chart for plotting your temperature from Couple-to-Couple League

These pages are provided for information only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, sickness or condition. If you require medical assistance please see a nutritionally wise and progesterone friendly health practitioner.