Can I Still Trust Temp in my 50’s
Question
For 16 years I have been able to rely totally on my basal temperature for effective NFP. As I near 50, I am concerned peri-menopause will cause irregularities in my temperature charting and that I will misread my fertility cues. Will peri-menopause affect the usual .4 degree rise? IF there is no clear rise, and I’m having an anovulatory cycle, it seems too risky to assume I’m not fertile and to have intercourse throughout that month. Any advice you can give me would be most appreciated. Thanks!
Amy
Answer
Last Updated: May 8, 2022
Dear Amy,
You are correct that perimenopause may cause irregularities in your temperature. You may not see a temperature shift at all during this time, or one too weak to satisfy the temperature-only rule. I would advise that you contact your local Couple to Couple League teaching couple to see if they are offering a special Premenopause Class, which is part of the new CCL program. You may also purchase the student guide for this class online at www.ccli.org. Learning all the fertility cues available to you during this time can boost your confidence in avoiding the small chance pregnancy.
Andrea and Ron Gronsky
You are correct that perimenopause may cause irregularities in your temperature. You may not see a temperature shift at all during this time, or one too weak to satisfy the temperature-only rule. I would advise that you contact your local Couple to Couple League teaching couple to see if they are offering a special Premenopause Class, which is part of the new CCL program. You may also purchase the student guide for this class online at www.ccli.org. Learning all the fertility cues available to you during this time can boost your confidence in avoiding the small chance pregnancy.
Andrea and Ron Gronsky
Answered By:
Andrea and Ron Gronsky
Andrea and Ron Gronsky, PhD, Professional Members of CANFP,now retired, taught the Sympto Thermal Method through the Couple to Couple League, in the Oakland Region.
