GLOSSARY

Progesterone and Thermoregulation
Progesterone contributes to the postovulatory rise in basal body temperature.

A changing reproductive system

Ovarian function integrates follicular development, gonadotropin input, local signaling and changing steroid feedback. Hormone patterns differ across the cycle and life stages. Timing relative to ovulation or menstrual phase is often essential for interpreting a sample.

Interpreting the mechanism

• Temperature is influenced by illness, measurement timing and sleep, so one value does not confirm ovulation.

Health and training

Cycle disturbance has several possible causes and should not be assumed to be a normal training effect. Energy availability, pregnancy, medication use and endocrine conditions require consideration. Physiological cycle differences alone do not establish one universally optimal training schedule.