Persistently Low Temp
Question
I currently practice NFP (symtpto-thermal method) and I have been experiencing some weird stuff (hot flashes and moodiness). Probably the one thing that really puzzles me is that lately for the past 2 1/2 weeks my temperature has not been any higher than 97.2. Most of the time it is 96.7 to 97.0. I have read in some cases that this could be premenopause. Could this be a sign? I am 42 and have had five children. We have practiced NFP off and on for the past 17 years, so I feel like I know my body.
God Bless and thank you for your site.
Ellie
Answer
Last Updated: November 16, 2021
Dear Ellie,
Cycle irregularities, including delayed ovulation and anovulatory cycles, typically are the first signs that you are entering premenopause. The experience of hot flashes is also a common condition. You don’t say during which phase of your cycle you are experiencing low temperatures, or what the typical length of your pre-ovulation phase is. A temperature of 97.2 or lower during the pre-ovulation phase is quite normal, as is a 2-1/2 week time span. However, if you believe from mucus observations that you may have entered the post-ovulation phase, these temperatures would be low and indicate that ovulation has probably not yet occurred.
Andrea and Ron Gronsky
Cycle irregularities, including delayed ovulation and anovulatory cycles, typically are the first signs that you are entering premenopause. The experience of hot flashes is also a common condition. You don’t say during which phase of your cycle you are experiencing low temperatures, or what the typical length of your pre-ovulation phase is. A temperature of 97.2 or lower during the pre-ovulation phase is quite normal, as is a 2-1/2 week time span. However, if you believe from mucus observations that you may have entered the post-ovulation phase, these temperatures would be low and indicate that ovulation has probably not yet occurred.
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.
