Keeping track of the basal body temperature (BBT) is one technique used by women who practice natural family planning methods. The temperature is taken first thing in the morning. A drop in temperature will occur one day prior to ovulation while a rise in temperature is noted the day after ovulation. A shift in progesterone levels can account for this temperature swing. A woman who conceives will note that the temperature remains elevated after ovulation. If she is not pregnant, the temperature goes down and she begins to menstruate. This method is not always reliable because there are some cases when BBT goes up before ovulation.
The luteal phase is the fourth in the cycle and marks the beginning of the second half of each cycle. The egg erupts from the follicle and large amounts of luteotropic hormone (LTH) are secreted by the pituitary gland. The reaction between the follicle and LTH transforms the ruptured mass into the corpus luteum. This results in less estrogen and more progesterone in the body. This combination helps the uterus remain spongy and prepares it for the embryo.
The estrogen and progesterone work together to get the body ready to carry a baby. Estrogen levels remain higher than usual after ovulation even though the overall amount of estrogen decreases in the second half of the cycle. The uterine muscles are exposed to more blood flow and the breasts are prepared for nursing. Premature labor is prevented by the presence of progesterone which acts to relax the womb. The intestines and stomach are also calmed. This makes it possible for the body to absorb more nutrients to help the fetus grow.
The hormones have opposite effects but work in conjunction with each other. They work in harmony and each needs the other to do its job effectively.
These higher progesterone levels inhibit pituitary production of LTH. As LTH falls off, the corpus luteum breaks down. Without sufficient amounts of progesterone to maintain the uterine lining, the corpus luteum (now called corpus albicans or white body) dries up and stops making hormones. The egg joins the soon-to-be menstrual fluids in your uterus. Then, your menstrual cycle occurs all over again.
Women who suffer from symptoms of menopause will understand them better if they are educated about the menstrual cycle.
Woman seeking a natural alternative to undergoing hormone replacement therapy utilizing synthetic substances have used progesterone cream since the middle part of the 20th century. The cream can provide relief from PMS and menopause symptoms and help restore hormonal balance in the body.
Please note that there can be other causes. This is for education only. It is not intended to treat, prevent or cure a medical disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult a health care professional.
Learn more about natural Progesterone and how to chart your cycle for natural family planning now in our guide to the signs-nutritional-deficiencye-book.