Natural Family Planning

      Women are blindly using birth control pills or getting their tubes tied without thinking about the long term affects of their choices. It just doesn't make sense when there is a natural option - natural family planning. One of the effects of an elevated progesterone level is an increase in body temperature. Through the use of a basal thermometer women can accurately monitor their temperature which indicates a rise in progesterone (about a 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit increase) and a fall of progesterone, triggering menstruation, corresponding to a decrease in temperature. The Couple to Couple League has used this information along with mucus and cervical indicators as a viable means of birth control. When desired the same information can be used to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. For more information get a copy of "The Art of Natural Family Planning" published by the Couple to Couple League.

The use of a basal thermometer can also be used to determine if you are progesterone deficient during pre-menopause years. Temperature should rise at ovulation and be high until the end of the cycle and the start of menstruation. Fluctuations may occur due to a "double ovulation" (rare but possible within 3 days of initial ovulation) and due to sickness and a change in the time of the daily temperature measurement. However if the your temperature consistently drops several days after ovulation staying low for days or even to the end of the cycle there is a very good chance that your progesterone levels are not being adequately maintained. Low progesterone levels can contribute to miscarriages and osteoporosis and numerous other estrogen dominance effects. You can verify your findings from home if desired by using saliva hormone testing.

These pages are provided for information only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, sickness or condition. If you require medical assistance please see a nutritionally wise and progesterone friendly health practitioner.