BBT stands for Basal Body Temperature. It is a term used in reproductive health and fertility tracking. Basal Body Temperature refers to the lowest body temperature recorded during rest, specifically upon waking up in the morning before any physical activity or consuming food or beverages.
BBT is commonly measured by women who are trying to conceive or understand their menstrual cycle patterns. It is observed and recorded to detect subtle changes in body temperature, which can indicate when ovulation occurs.
The process involves regular temperature measurement using a specialized basal thermometer, which is more accurate for tracking slight temperature shifts. By consistently monitoring BBT over the course of several months, patterns may emerge that can help predict fertile times.
Typically, BBT is lower during the first half of the menstrual cycle, called the follicular phase, and increases slightly after ovulation during the luteal phase. This rise in temperature is believed to be caused by an increase in progesterone levels, a hormone released after ovulation.
Tracking BBT can provide valuable insight into a person's menstrual cycle and help identify their most fertile days, aiding in family planning or improving chances of conception. It is often used in conjunction with other fertility tracking methods, such as cervical mucus observation or ovulation predictor kits, to further enhance accuracy and reliability.
