Being able to reliably identify your fertile window, typically the days leading up to ovulation, can significantly improve your chances of conception. Your body gives external clues as to when this window occurs through many changes, such as:
basal body temperature (a slight rise post-ovulation can signal a fertile pattern)
cervical mucus (becomes clear, stretchy and slippery during ovulation)
cervical position (softens, rises and opens when fertile)
mid-cycle symptoms (some women feel ovulation pain or increased libido)
Tracking these signs will empower you and your traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to effectively pinpoint your most fertile days, enhancing your natural (or IVF) conception efforts.
What is a Basal Body Temperature BBT Chart
The basal body temperature (BBT) chart aims to track your waking temperature, providing a snapshot of your body's resting metabolic baseline (your body's temperature when fully relaxed) and how it changes throughout your cycle. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), your BBT chart becomes a powerful diagnostic tool, revealing much more than just whether ovulation has occurred.
By examining patterns in your BBT chart alongside other signs and symptoms (such as your digestion, stress, sleep, the appearance of your tongue, pulse, and menstrual flow) your TCM practitioner can gain deeper insights into your overall health and internal organ function.
Unlike Western approaches, which often focus on lab tests, TCM uses the BBT chart to uncover subtle imbalances related to lifestyle, stress, and other factors, which can then be addressed through acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicines and lifestyle changes.
How to effectively take your BBT
Your chart will commence on day 1 of your cycle (the first day of your bleed). It is important that your temperature is taken around the same time every day, after at least 4hrs of consecutive sleep. There are many types of BBT thermometers in Australia on the market designed for this purpose, but we find that the classic digital oral thermometer does the trick.
If you are finding yourself getting out of bed before taking your temperature, setting an alarm 15-30 minutes before your scheduled wake-up time to take your temperature might be a helpful habit to consider.
Take note of your temperature on a BBT tracking app of your choice (Fertility Friend is a personal favourite, and it's free). Your practitioner will be able to help you understand your hormonal changes through your cycle.
Many things can impact your BBT, such as shift work, alcohol, illness or a poor night's sleep. You can take notes of these events, which will inform you and your practitioner of any imbalances that might have occurred.
If you would like help understanding your cycle, if you're struggling with your fertility and would like to learn more about TCM and acupuncture for boosting fertility, you can book an appointment with Dr Sarah MacDougall or any of our practitioners at Womb to World and we will be delighted to support you on your journey.
Happy charting!
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