One of the effects of an elevated progesterone level is an increase in body temperature - a thermal shift. 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.
A basal thermometer may also be valuable in determining if you are progesterone deficient during pre-menopause years. (Post menopause women are not ovulating and menstruating and have constantly low progesterone levels so progesterone level shifts will not occur.) Temperature should rise at ovulation and be high until a day or two so before 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 early morning temperature measurement. However if the your temperature never rises (indicating no ovulation) or 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.
See also
By Age 35 The Typical Women Is Already Deficient In Progesterone
Progesterone Deficiency due to Petrochemical Damage
Estrogen Dominance / PMS - Signs Of Low Progesterone And Estrogen Excess
Estrogen Dominance - What to do
Much More on Progesterone
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.