how do u read a chart????

everyone keeps posting charts and i have no clue how to read it.

Re: how do u read a chart????

That is a great question!! I have the same problem!! I am lucky I can read my own!

For example, I see a lot of women with post-ovulation dips - I thought that was bad - but maybe it can be good??

Re: how do u read a chart????

Honestly it takes practice. The more charts you see and discuss the easier it gets. I spent a lot of time on www.fertilityfriend.com chat..., the women there post their charts for a chat room ...and you can learn from the analysis. They also have a chart gallery where you can view tons of charts....

However, a great book is Taking Charge of Your Fertility..the author Toni Weschler explains how to evaluate and interpret a bbt chart.

If you would like you can share your chart and I can try to shed some light....

Basically there are two phases...the follicular phase, where your lead follicule will mature. This occurs because the estradoil levels start to increase....and causes the Lutenzing hormone to surge...when the LH surges, it causes the lead or mature follicule or possibly follicules to rupture. When it ruptures , ovulation occurs...and out comes the 'egg".

When the egg is released, there is a part of the follicule left...that's called the 'corpus luteum' almost like the shell...the corpus luteum produces progesterone. Progesterone increases your temperature...and then you enter the Luteal Phase...(LP).

Estrogen surges can cause dips....and progesterone's increase causes the thermal shift.

Dips can occur all the time during the LP...however, an imaginary line...which is called your coverline...marks the temperature in which the temperature shouldn't really fall below. However, sometimes during the middle of the LP the temp falls below this line and comes right back up....(some people feel that this can be a sign of implantation but it also could just be estrogen surging mid lp like it's supposed to). Dips are known as fallback rises....

It's all pretty interesting...

Re: how do u read a chart????

Re: how do u read a chart????

Redstar is very helpful in interpreting charts and helped me learn how to read them. If you post them, so of the other posters can help you read them.

Re: how do u read a chart????

I HIGHLY reccomned the " Taking Charge of your Fertility" book...It explained soooo much to me that I never knew or understood and all of this , charting, temping, TTC in general will make sooo much more sense if you read it.