02/08/2026
Want to know if you’ve actually ovulated? Your basal body temperature (BBT) can be one of the simplest and most affordable tools to help.
BBT is your body’s resting temperature, taken first thing every morning before getting out of bed, talking, eating or drinking. To track it accurately, you’ll need a basal body thermometer, which measures to two decimal places.
Here’s what you’re looking for:
Before ovulation (follicular phase):
Your temperatures are generally lower, often sitting around 36.1–36.5°C (this varies between women, so don’t compare your chart to someone else’s).
Around ovulation:
You may notice a slight dip (not everyone does), followed by a sustained rise of around 0.2–0.5°C after ovulation. This increase is caused by progesterone, which is released after the egg has been ovulated.
After ovulation (luteal phase):
Your temperatures should remain elevated for the rest of your cycle. If they stay higher for around 12–14 days, that’s a good sign you’re producing progesterone and have likely ovulated.
Before your period:
If you’re not pregnant, progesterone falls and your temperatures usually drop back down before or at the start of your next bleed.
A few things to remember:
• BBT confirms ovulation after it has happened, it doesn’t predict it.
• Aim for at least 3 months of tracking to identify your unique pattern.
• Poor sleep, illness, alcohol, shift work and travel can all affect your temperatures, so don’t panic over one unusual reading.
I love combining BBT with cervical mucus observations and ovulation testing to get an even clearer picture of the menstrual cycle and fertility.
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This information is for education only and should not replace personalised medical advice.