High Basal Body Temperature After Menstruation: What Does It Mean?

Q: High Basal Body Temperature After Menstruation: What Does It Mean?

Hello： Your menstrual cycle has not arrived on time this week, and you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy. <br>It is recommended that you visit a gynecologist again. <br>The doctor will provide appropriate explanations and treatment based on the examination results.

Suspected menstruation has ended, but the basal body temperature remains in the high-temperature phase?

Hello, Doctor.
My menstrual cycle is approximately 30 to 45 days, with my last period starting on September 18 and lasting about seven days.
I have been tracking my basal body temperature for two years.
I did not use protection on October 9 and October 13, and by October 28, my period had not arrived.
I consulted a doctor, who did not detect pregnancy and prescribed Premarin and Provera for five days.
After taking the medication for about three days, I started to notice brown discharge and a small amount of bright red blood.
This entire process lasted about seven days.
The doctor instructed me to stop taking the medication once my period started, so I only took three days' worth.
As of today, there is no more blood or brown discharge, but my basal body temperature remains elevated, around 36.6 to 37 degrees Celsius.
Typically, my temperature drops after my period ends, and this is the first time in two years that I have experienced this situation.
I took a pregnancy test this morning, but it was negative.
I would like to ask what might be happening in this situation.
Is this a normal occurrence? Was the bleeding after taking the medication considered a period? If so, is there still a possibility of pregnancy, or could it be too early to detect? Should I wait longer?

Hua Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/11/11

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Your menstrual cycle has not arrived on time this week, and you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.
It is recommended that you visit a gynecologist again.
The doctor will provide appropriate explanations and treatment based on the examination results.
As for whether you are pregnant, it should be determined based on the test results; the more irregular your cycle is, the less you can speculate about the outcome.
It is best for you to consult a gynecologist.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2013/11/11

More Info

High basal body temperature (BBT) after menstruation can be a source of confusion, especially when it deviates from your usual patterns. In your case, you have a history of tracking your BBT for two years, and you noted that your cycle typically ranges from 30 to 45 days. After your last menstrual period (which started on September 18), you experienced some unusual symptoms and took medications (Premarin and Provera) as prescribed by your doctor.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that BBT is influenced by hormonal changes throughout your menstrual cycle. After ovulation, which typically occurs about 14 days before your next period, progesterone levels rise, leading to an increase in BBT. This elevated temperature usually lasts until the onset of menstruation. If your BBT remains elevated beyond the expected time for your next period, it could indicate several possibilities.

1. Ovulation Confirmation: The sustained high BBT you are experiencing (36.6–37 degrees Celsius) may suggest that you have indeed ovulated. However, since you mentioned that this is the first time you have observed such a pattern after your period, it could also indicate a hormonal imbalance or other underlying issues.

2. Hormonal Influence of Medications: The medications you took (Premarin and Provera) are hormonal treatments that can affect your menstrual cycle and BBT. These medications are often prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles or manage symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. The bleeding you experienced after taking the medication could be a withdrawal bleed rather than a true menstrual period, especially if it was lighter than your usual flow.

3. Pregnancy Consideration: You mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on October 9 and 13, and you have since taken a pregnancy test that returned negative. It’s important to note that if you ovulated later than expected or if implantation occurred after your test, it might not yet be detectable. If your BBT remains elevated and you continue to miss your period, it would be advisable to repeat the pregnancy test after a week or consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

4. Other Factors: Stress, illness, changes in routine, or even changes in your environment can also affect your BBT. If you have been under stress or have experienced any significant lifestyle changes, these could contribute to the hormonal fluctuations you are experiencing.

In summary, while a high BBT after menstruation can be normal for some women, in your case, it may warrant further investigation due to the unusual circumstances surrounding your cycle and the medications you have taken. It is advisable to keep monitoring your BBT and consult your healthcare provider if the elevated temperature persists or if you have any other concerning symptoms. They may recommend additional tests or evaluations to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and to rule out any potential issues, including pregnancy or hormonal imbalances.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Elevated Basal Body Temperature During Menstruation and Fertility Concerns

Hello, Doctor! Before my menstrual period arrives, my basal body temperature is elevated, but after my period starts, my basal body temperature does not decrease. For several days during my period, my basal body temperature remains above 36.75°C. Could you please explain why this...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, your body temperature will gradually decrease, just observe it. You can still try to conceive. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Menstrual Cycle Temperature Fluctuations: Is It Normal?

I would like to ask why the basal body temperature was relatively high during menstruation, with the first day at 36.79°C, the second day at 36.26°C, the third day at 36.69°C, the fourth day at 36.85°C, the fifth day at 36.88°C, the sixth day at 36.69°C, and the seventh day at 36...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, basal body temperature should be monitored over a period of time and not just a single measurement; it should still be considered normal. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Basal Body Temperature Changes During Menstruation

During menstruation, is it true that the basal body temperature decreases? However, on the first day of my period, my basal body temperature was 36.85°C, on the second day it was 36.75°C, and on the third day it was 36.80°C. What could be the reason for this? Is there any abnorma...

Dr. Cai Yonglong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
During menstruation, body temperature may slightly decrease, but this is not always the case. If there are no discomforts, it is generally okay. If you have any concerns, please visit a gynecologist.

Understanding Basal Body Temperature: Signs of Ovulation and Menstruation

Hello doctor, I have been measuring my basal body temperature for three months. Since giving birth and breastfeeding for almost a year and a half, I have not had my period. My temperature has been consistently low, around 36.4 or 36.3. However, from November 28 until today, my te...

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Basal body temperature must be charted in order to interpret it. If menstruation has not returned for an extended period postpartum, a blood test is necessary. Please consult with your physician.