Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Tracking

Naturopathic MedicineWomen's HealthHormone HealthMenstrual Health
Written By Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht

We can track our body temperature to help understand when we are ovulating in our cycle. It serves as one more "piece of the puzzle" to understanding your menstrual cycle as a whole.

What You’ll Need:

1. Oral Thermometer - you can find a oral thermometer at a drug store or in the health section of a grocery store. Most thermometers will give readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.

2. Menstrual Cycle App - this is so you can record your temperatures along with other information about your cycle all in one location. If you don’t have an app that’s ok, just jot down your temperature readings on your phone or a piece of paper.

How To Track:

1. Leave your thermometer on your nightstand so it is easy to reach in the morning.

2. Take your body temperature daily upon waking. This should be done before getting out of bed or moving around too much. This allows us to see your natural set-point. If you get up in the early morning to use the washroom and don’t take your temperature, you will need to lay back down in bed for at least 1 hour before taking your temperature.

3. Try to take your temperature at the same time every day.

4. Be aware of anything that many affect your temperature.

ex: feeling sick, working night shifts, alcohol the night before.

What To Look For:

1. Prior to ovulation - body temperature should be lower (ex: 36.2 C, 36.5 C, etc). After ovulation - body temperature should be higher (ex: 37.0 C, 37.2 C)

2. Temperature increase of 0.4 C or higher.

3. Sustained body temperature increase for at least 3 consecutive days, ideally until your menstrual period. If you are trying to get pregnant, your body temperature should stay elevated after a missed period.

4. Ovulation occurs 24 hours before the body temperature increases.

 

Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht, BSc, ND

Naturopathic Doctor

 
Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht

Dr. Stephanie Liebrecht, BSc, ND is a licensed, board-certified Naturopathic Doctor. She received her Doctorate of Naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, to which she was medically trained in standards of practice, clinical diagnosis, physical examination, and naturopathic modalities. Her interest in the functioning of the human body drove her to first receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Anatomy & Cell Biology, and to study other sciences such as physiology, biochemistry, etc. while at the University of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Liebrecht, ND has a general family practice treating a variety of health concerns including women’s health, thyroid disorders, digestive concerns, mood support, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. She is passionate about hormones, and her professional interests include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, fertility, menopause, hypothyroid, and fatigue. She aims to establish health in patients by providing the knowledge and tools to empower people, and take control of their health.

To stay up to date with current medical research and naturopathic treatments, Dr. Liebrecht, ND attends continuing education events and conferences throughout the year. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (SANP). Dr. Liebrecht, ND serves as Vice President of the SANP.

https://www.sasknaturopath.com
Previous

Self Love through Movement
Next

Tips for Staying Healthy over the Holidays