Ovulation: Temperature Changes and Progesterone Effects

Is ovulation occurring in this case?

I would like to ask, on the first day of my menstrual cycle (MC) on July 27, I took ovulation medication for five consecutive days.
After an ultrasound on July 14, the doctor suggested intercourse on July 22 and July 24.
Due to the previous use of ovulation medication that caused me to miss my period for two months, I used ovulation test strips for assurance.
On July 19, the temperature was TOn July 20, T=C with a body temperature of 36.08°C (had intercourse).
On July 21, T>C with a body temperature of 36.40°C.
On July 22, T=C with a body temperature of 36.32°C, and the doctor advised intercourse.
On July 23, TOn July 24, TOn July 25, TOn July 26, TOn July 27, TOn July 28, TOn July 29, TI want to ask, does body temperature always rise after ovulation? Or does a rise in body temperature indicate that ovulation has occurred? Also, does taking progesterone affect the darkness of the test line on the ovulation test strips after ovulation? Because since the 21st, I had a strong positive, on the 22nd T=C, but starting from the 23rd, the test line has been only slightly lighter than the control line, and it gradually became fainter until the 27th when it was noticeably lighter.
Should I stop testing for ovulation after starting progesterone as per the doctor's instructions? Since last year until February this year, I have been diagnosed with habitual miscarriage (having miscarried three times), should I buy small white pills from the pharmacy to supplement after finishing the five days of progesterone? Please help me with these questions, thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/29

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
After ovulation, body temperature typically rises.

2.
An increase in body temperature usually indicates that ovulation has occurred.

3.
A strong positive result on the 21st indicates that ovulation is imminent, and further ovulation testing is not necessary.

4.
For recurrent miscarriages, please consult a gynecologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Respectfully, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/07/29

More Info

Understanding ovulation and the hormonal changes that accompany it is crucial for anyone trying to conceive or manage their reproductive health. Your question touches on several important aspects of this process, including basal body temperature (BBT) changes, the role of progesterone, and the interpretation of ovulation test results.

Temperature Changes and Ovulation
Typically, after ovulation occurs, there is a rise in basal body temperature due to increased progesterone levels. Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum, which forms from the follicle that released the egg. This temperature rise is usually about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.3 to 0.6 degrees Celsius) and can last until the onset of menstruation. Therefore, a sustained increase in temperature after ovulation is a good indicator that ovulation has occurred.

From the data you provided, it appears that your temperature began to rise around July 23rd, which aligns with the timing of ovulation. The temperatures you recorded before this date were lower, indicating that you were likely in the follicular phase of your cycle. The rise in temperature following ovulation is a normal physiological response and is primarily due to the effects of progesterone.

Progesterone and Ovulation Tests
Regarding your question about the effect of progesterone on ovulation test results, it is important to note that ovulation tests typically measure the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH), which surges just before ovulation. After ovulation, progesterone levels increase, but this does not directly affect the LH levels that the ovulation tests measure.
However, if you are taking exogenous progesterone (like the progesterone supplement you mentioned), it can potentially influence the results of the ovulation tests. This is because the presence of progesterone can sometimes lead to a decrease in LH levels, which may cause the test line to appear lighter than it would otherwise. Therefore, it is not uncommon for the test line to fade after ovulation, especially if you are supplementing with progesterone.

Should You Continue Testing?
Given your situation, especially considering your history of recurrent pregnancy loss, it is advisable to follow your doctor's instructions closely. If your doctor has advised you to stop testing for ovulation after starting progesterone, it is likely because they want to focus on the hormonal support you are receiving rather than the results of the ovulation tests.

Next Steps
After completing the five days of progesterone, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider regarding the next steps. They may recommend monitoring for pregnancy or further testing based on your individual situation. If you are considering taking additional supplements like "小白球" (likely referring to a type of supplement), it is best to consult with your doctor first to ensure it is appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Conclusion
In summary, a rise in basal body temperature typically indicates that ovulation has occurred, and the subsequent progesterone supplementation can influence ovulation test results. It is crucial to adhere to your healthcare provider's recommendations, especially given your history of recurrent pregnancy loss. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication or supplement regimen.

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