THE USE OF BASAL TEMPERATURE GRAPHS IN DETERMINING THE DATE OF OVULATION

Abstract

A simple method for determining the time of ovulation has been discovered but unfortunately has not been brought to the attention of clinicians at large. It is based on variations in body temperature during phases of the menstrual cycle. My purpose in this presentation is to describe the technic of securing graphic records of daily basal temperatures, to discuss the interpretation of these records and to demonstrate their usefulness in indicating the date of ovulation by showing graphs submitted by patients under treatment at the present time. In 1904 van de Velde¹ discussed the variations in body temperature during phases of the menstrual cycle. Since that time at least a score of excellent papers have dealt with the subject, particular emphasis being placed on the correlation of temperature changes and ovulation. Barton² gave a historical review and correlated temperature and electrical potential variations due to ovulation. D'Amour³