About Basal Temperature
Basal body temperature is the lowest temperature attained by the body during rest. Typically, it is measured immediately after waking up and before any physical activity is undertaken, thus reflecting the body's true resting temperature. It is an important physiological parameter used, for example, in tracking ovulation when assessing female fertility, as well as in detecting thyroid function abnormalities.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
36.5 - 37.0 °C
Elite Value
37.0 °C
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate an ongoing infection such as a cold or flu, or could be a sign of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid is overactive.
Low
Low levels may be associated with hypothyroidism, where the thyroid is underactive, or could suggest adrenal insufficiency, affecting the body's hormone production.
Symptoms
{'high': 'May include sweating, fever, flushed skin, and increased heart rate.', 'low': 'Can include feeling cold, shivering, pale skin, and slurred speech.'}
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- u TY, Rothenbühler M, Hamvas G, Hofmann A, Welter J, Kahr M, Kimmich N, Shilaih M, Leeners B. (2021). The Accuracy of Wrist Skin Temperature in Detecting Ovulation Compared to Basal Body Temperature: Prospective Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(6), e20710.
- rron ML, Fehring RJ. (2005). Basal body temperature assessment: is it useful to couples seeking pregnancy? MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, 30(5), 290-297.
- uman JE. (1981). Basal body temperature: unreliable method of ovulation detection. Fertility and Sterility, 36(6), 729-733.
- Moghissi KS. (1976). Accuracy of basal body temperature for ovulation detection. Fertility and Sterility, 27(12), 1415-1421.
- Marshall J. (1968). A field trial of the basal-body-temperature method of regulating births. The Lancet, 2(7558), 8-10.