BASAL TEMPERATURE Meaning and
Definition
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Basal temperature refers to the lowest body temperature attained during rest, usually during sleep or upon waking up in the morning, before any energy-stimulating activities. It is typically measured in order to assess variations that occur due to hormonal changes in the body, specifically related to female reproductive health.
In women, basal temperature is commonly used to track ovulation and identify the fertile period of their menstrual cycle. The basal body temperature (BBT) is affected by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Prior to ovulation, estrogen levels rise, causing a drop in basal temperature. After ovulation, progesterone is released and BBT increases by about 0.4 to 1.0 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 to 0.5 degrees Celsius). This rise in temperature is sustained until the next menstrual period unless pregnancy occurs.
By monitoring changes in BBT over several cycles, women can gain valuable insights into their hormonal patterns, helping them identify ovulatory phases and fertile windows. This information is often used for natural family planning methods or when attempting to conceive. Additionally, healthcare professionals may analyze basal temperature charts to diagnose reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues.
Overall, basal temperature serves as an essential tool for women to track their menstrual cycle, estimate ovulation, and gain insight into hormonal health.
Common Misspellings for BASAL TEMPERATURE
- vasal temperature
- nasal temperature
- hasal temperature
- gasal temperature
- bzsal temperature
- bssal temperature
- bwsal temperature
- bqsal temperature
- baaal temperature
- bazal temperature
- baxal temperature
- badal temperature
- baeal temperature
- bawal temperature
- baszl temperature
- bassl temperature
- baswl temperature
- basql temperature
- basak temperature
- basap temperature
Etymology of BASAL TEMPERATURE
The term "basal temperature" is composed of two parts: "basal" and "temperature".
The word "basal" originated from the Late Latin word "basalis", meaning "pertaining to a base". It entered the English language around the mid-19th century. In medical terminology, "basal" refers to the lowest or fundamental level of a physiological process, such as the body's basic metabolic rate or the basal metabolic rate.
The word "temperature" arrived in Middle English from the Latin word "temperatura", which means "a moderate state". It traces back to the Latin verb "temperare", meaning "to mix in correct proportion". The modern meaning of "temperature" as the degree of heat or coldness is recorded from the late 17th century in English. It is related to the concept of a body's heat balance and its relation to metabolic activity.
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