What does a significant rise in basal body temperature suggest?

A significant rise in basal body temperature indicates that ovulation has occurred. This physiological change is a result of the increase in progesterone that follows the release of an egg from the ovary. After ovulation, the corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone, which raises the body's temperature by about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Monitoring basal body temperature over time can help identify the ovulation phase in a woman’s menstrual cycle. A sustained increase in temperature, lasting for several days, typically suggests that ovulation has taken place. This method of tracking can be valuable for those trying to conceive or for assessing reproductive health.