Elevated Ear Temperature Before Menstruation: Causes and Concerns

One week before menstruation, ear temperature is 38°C?

Hello doctor, a few days ago I planned to get vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia at a small clinic.
When I registered, the nurse measured my ear temperature and found it to be 38°C in one ear and 37.9°C in the other.
The nurse then asked me to wait outside.
After about five minutes, she measured my temperature again, and it remained the same.
They measured it three times in total.
However, my appointment was at 2:30 PM, right in the middle of the hot sun, and I had just ridden my bike for about 15-20 minutes.
Additionally, I am due for my menstrual period in a week, and I usually have a higher body temperature; my ear temperature before my period typically ranges from 37.1°C to 37.5°C.
I would like to know if these factors could contribute to my temperature reaching 38°C.
Thank you.

A-Jia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/24

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, if temporary external factors have been ruled out and the body temperature remains elevated, reaching the level of a fever, it is still advisable to first identify the true cause of the fever and take necessary actions.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/09/24

More Info

Elevated ear temperature readings, particularly in the context of premenstrual symptoms, can be influenced by several physiological and environmental factors. In your case, the recorded temperatures of 38°C and 37.9°C in your ears, especially after exposure to heat from the sun and physical exertion, warrant a closer examination of the potential causes.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that normal body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day and can be influenced by various factors, including physical activity, environmental conditions, and hormonal changes. The average normal body temperature is generally accepted to be around 36.5°C to 37.5°C, but it can vary from person to person. During physical activity, such as riding a bike, your body generates heat, which can temporarily elevate your temperature. Additionally, exposure to direct sunlight can also raise your body temperature, particularly if you are dehydrated or overheated.

Moreover, hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle can significantly affect body temperature. In the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs after ovulation and before menstruation, progesterone levels rise. This hormone can cause a slight increase in basal body temperature, typically around 0.5°C to 1°C. Therefore, if you are approaching your menstrual period, it is not uncommon for your body temperature to be slightly elevated, potentially contributing to the readings you observed.

Given that you have previously noted elevated ear temperatures (37.1°C to 37.5°C) before your menstrual period, it is plausible that your current readings of 38°C could be attributed to the combination of physical exertion, environmental heat, and hormonal fluctuations. However, it is crucial to differentiate between a normal physiological response and a potential fever, which is typically defined as a body temperature exceeding 38°C (100.4°F) due to an underlying infection or illness.

If your elevated ear temperature persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, fatigue, or any signs of infection (e.g., sore throat, cough, body aches), it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests to rule out infections or other medical conditions.

In summary, while your elevated ear temperature readings may be influenced by environmental factors and hormonal changes related to your menstrual cycle, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any concerning symptoms or if the elevated temperature persists, seeking medical advice would be prudent to ensure your health and well-being.

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