Elevated basal body temperature can indicate infection, hyperthyroidism, ovulation, or pregnancy. Infections may be obvious or less so, and hyperthyroidism can cause restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Women may use their body temperature to track fertility.
Those who track their basal body temperature each morning may periodically notice a higher-than-usual reading. An elevated basal body temperature can mean different things to different people. For example, it could indicate an infection, often accompanied by inflammation and general malaise. Hyperthyroidism is another cause, and patients with this condition often feel tired and restless and have trouble concentrating. For women of childbearing age, a higher than normal temperature usually indicates ovulation or pregnancy, which is why some women who are trying to achieve or avoid pregnancy keep track of their body temperature.
For many people, a suddenly high temperature means there is an infection. Those who have a cut or other wound may notice that it is red, inflamed, and painful, in which case it can be easy to see the source of the infection. On the other hand, a viral infection may be less obvious, with some of the more common signs being a stuffy nose, fever, cough or blisters, which can be caused by things like a cold or herpes. If these or other infections are suspected, patients are advised to consult a healthcare professional.
Another possible cause of a high basal body temperature is hyperthyroidism, as the thyroid gland’s tendency to release excess hormones results in a higher metabolic rate. Patients suffering from this condition may find it difficult to concentrate and sleep due to restlessness. Increased hunger, excessive sweating and fatigue are also signs of this condition. Patients who notice these symptoms along with a consistently elevated body temperature are encouraged to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Women of childbearing potential may notice that their body temperature is high for about half of their menstrual cycle, because fertility requires a biphasic pattern that results in a mix of high and low temperatures each month. The first two weeks of the cycle are usually marked by a low temperature, because estrogen rules the body during this period. Once ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle, progesterone increases, as does body temperature. If the woman becomes pregnant, the body temperature will remain high for a few months because the progesterone will steadily rise. If not, it will decrease once progesterone levels drop and your period arrives. As a result, some women use their body temperature to give them insights into their fertility, because an elevated basal body temperature that is present for at least 18 days often indicates pregnancy.
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