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The Basal Temperature Chart

This document provides instructions for tracking and charting basal body temperature over a period of at least 15 days. It explains that basal temperature can indicate metabolic function and notes some conditions like low thyroid function that could cause low temperature. It lists five simple steps to accurately measure and record basal temperature each morning upon waking and continue charting for at least 15 days to monitor for variations and identify patterns related to menstrual cycle or other health factors.

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ElenaMatsneva
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129 views

The Basal Temperature Chart

This document provides instructions for tracking and charting basal body temperature over a period of at least 15 days. It explains that basal temperature can indicate metabolic function and notes some conditions like low thyroid function that could cause low temperature. It lists five simple steps to accurately measure and record basal temperature each morning upon waking and continue charting for at least 15 days to monitor for variations and identify patterns related to menstrual cycle or other health factors.

Uploaded by

ElenaMatsneva
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basal Temperature Chart

Name: ________________________________________ Date: ____________________

1. Please takeyour temperature in your armpit for 10 minutes first thing in the morning before you get up.
2. Record the temperature on your chart with a dot (?).
3. Indicate the first day of your menstrual period by circling the temperature on the chart with a circle and a dot (?).
4. Indicate the last day of your menstrual period by making an X through the temperature on the chart.

Date
99.0 37.2
98.9
98.8
98.7
98.6
98.5
98.4
98.3
98.2
98.1
98.0
97.9
97.8
97.7
97.6
97.5
97.4
97.3
97.2
97.1
97.0
96.9
96.8
96.7
96.6
96.5
96.4
96.3
96.2
96.1
96.0
95.9
95.8
95.8
95.7
95.6
95.5
95.4
95.3
Basal Body Temperature Chart

Your body temperature gives an indication of your body’s metabolism (the rate at which each
cell in the body converts food into energy. A low temperature indicates a sluggish metabolism
or “hypometabolism.” Most of the time, low body temperature occur because the body cannot maintain a
normal temperature even though the body thermostat may call for more heat.

A number of conditions can be responsible for low body temperature. Low thyroid function may be the cause.
Thyroid blood tests are helpful, but they do not always give the information needed for treatment. Other causes
include deficiency of vitamins, minerals or calories and chronic allergies.

Since most infections or even cancer can elevate basal body temperatures, a normal reading does not rule out
a sluggish metabolism. On the other hand, it is an easily-performed procedure which you can do at home and
may help an overall management of health. It is up to you to do it right. Please do not use an electric blanket; it
can artificially elevate body temperature.

The basal body temperature can indicate improvement or lack of progression in treatment. Get to know your
body temperature like a friend. Follow your temperature as an index of how well you are doing.

Five simple steps

1. Obtain a thermometer to record your body temperature. Before retiring to bed the night before you
do this test, thoroughly shake down the thermometer and place it on your bedside table. To remain in a
basal state, you should avoid any unnecessary movements when taking your temperature. It should be
easily reached with a minimum of effort.

2. Take your temperature first thing in the A.M. upon awakening. The temperature is taken by placing the
thermometer snugly in the armpit. It must be kept there for at least 10 minutes. This must be done by
watching the clock to make sure it is a full 10 minutes.

3. Repeat this procedure for at least 15 days. As there may be some daily variation, it is best to get a
series of readings for more accuracy.

4. Enter each day’s temperature on the graph provided by placing him a dot on the appropriate spot.
Join the dots to make a curve. Make extra sheets to continue the graph if you wish.

5. Enter comments on the graph to indicate days of menstruation if applicable. Such as M1 for the first
day, M2 for the second, etc. Other notable events may be listed.

In women, particularly, there may be a variation in temperature during different phases of the menstrual
cycle. It is ordinarily slightly higher at mid-cycle during ovulation (10 - 13 days prior to an expected
period). Reading obtained 2nd, 3rd, and 4th day of a menstrual period would most reveal a sub-normal
body temperature.

If accurately measured, basal body temperatures, which consistently run below 97.8 degrees are
highly suggestive of a hypo-metabolic state. The normal range is 97.8 to 98.2. Temperatures that
vary widely from day to day, are indicative of the need for thyroid as a general rule. This is helpful
once treatment is started since dosage is best titrated to the individual to keep it within that range.
If it goes over that range and is not due to other causes, a reduction in dosage may be indicated.

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