The effect of endogenous progesterone on basal body temperature in stimulated ovarian cycles

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) 1987-11, Vol.2 (8), p.631-634
• Main Authors: Forman, R.G., Chapman, M.C., Steptoe, P.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: body temperature; Body Temperature - drug effects; Body Temperature Regulation; Chorionic Gonadotropin - pharmacology; Clomiphene - pharmacology; Female; Fertility Agents, Female - pharmacology; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; IVF; Menotropins - pharmacology; Menstrual Cycle - drug effects; ovarian cycles; progesterone; Progesterone - blood; Tamoxifen - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a136605

Whilst it is well recognized that progesterone is involved in the elevation of body temperature following ovulation, the mechanism for this process has not been determined. In this study 87 patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization recorded their basal body temperature during one treatment cycle. Exogenous gonadotrophin therapy administered to induce multiple folliculogenesis considerably elevated periovulatory oestrogen levels and early luteal phase progesterone. Body temperature rapidly rase to plateau 48 h after follicular aspiration in all patients. The amplitude of the temperature rise was independent of the progesterone concentration and the type of hormonal stimulation. There was no correlation between the degree of elevation of progesterone and the amplitude of the rise in body temperature over the first 4 days of the luteal phase. It is postdated that serum progesterone levels do not directly control body temperature, but that an oestrogen—progesterone synergism may be involved.