Why I Love BBT Charting (and Why You Might Love It Too)

How wearable tech + temperature tracking can offer powerful insights into hormone health, fertility, and Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns

As a fertility acupuncturist, I’ve looked at hundreds—maybe thousands—of basal body temperature (BBT) charts. And I’ll be honest: I absolutely love them. Seriously. Each one is a window into what’s happening inside the body—far beyond simply confirming whether or not ovulation has occurred.

BBT charting, especially when supported by wearable temperature tracking tools like the Oura Ring, TempDrop, or WHOOP, has become easier and more accurate than ever before. These wearables sync with your phone, eliminate user error from early morning thermometer readings, and allow for a more seamless integration of fertility awareness into daily life.

But here’s where it gets even more fascinating:
A properly charted BBT can give me clues not just about ovulation—but about egg development, hormone balance, stress levels, and even potential endocrine disorders. When interpreted through both a biomedical and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) lens, BBT becomes one of the most powerful tools in fertility care.

What I Can Learn From Your Chart

Follicular Phase Patterns

BBT during the follicular phase gives insight into egg development and metabolic health. If temperatures rise later than expected—or rise in an erratic, inconsistent way—it may suggest suboptimal follicular growth, often linked to deficiency or stagnation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. If temps are consistently low, it may reflect a more longstanding pattern of deficiency.

Point of Transition Into Ovulation

Ovulation marks the energetic shift from yin to yang. A sharp, sustained rise in BBT typically confirms this transition. If the temperature takes more than a few days to rise after ovulation, it may indicate sluggish yang activation or qi not moving freely.

Luteal Phase Patterns

In the luteal phase, BBT should remain elevated. If the temperature rises slowly, the phase is short, or the temps drop too early, it may suggest a luteal phase defect or corpus luteum insufficiency. In TCM, this is often associated with Spleen Qi Deficiency or Kidney Yang Deficiency, meaning the body lacks either the stability or warmth needed to sustain progesterone levels.

Temperature Trends

Consistently low temperatures throughout the entire cycle may point toward hypothyroidism, yang deficiency, or sluggish metabolic function. Chronically high temperatures can reflect internal heat, inflammation, or even hyperthyroidism from a Western perspective—and may be seen as Liver Fire or Heart Fire in TCM.

Unstable Temperatures

Occasional dips and spikes may be triggered by poor sleep, stress, alcohol, or coming down with a cold. However, if your chart shows frequent, unexplained fluctuations—or a “saw-tooth” pattern across multiple cycles—it can indicate Liver Qi Stagnation, Heart Fire, or general yang disharmony.

PCOS Patterns

With PCOS, I often see long or irregular cycles, multiple attempts at ovulation with no clear thermal shift, or charts that lack a distinct biphasic pattern. This reflects disrupted ovulation and is often associated with Phlegm-Damp Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, and Liver Qi Stagnation in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Endometriosis Patterns

In cases of endometriosis, BBT charts may show a late decline in temperature at the start of menstruation. Rather than dropping as the period begins, temps may remain elevated or briefly rise again before falling. This may reflect inflammation, Blood Stasis, or difficulty transforming yang into yin, which we often see in endometriosis-related TCM patterns.

Why It Matters

BBT charting helps patients connect deeply with their own cycle. It's empowering to see how subtle shifts in temperature mirror internal shifts in physiology. It builds awareness, body literacy, and a sense of rhythm—something often lost in the noise of modern life.

From a clinical standpoint, a well-charted BBT allows me to tailor treatments more precisely and efficiently. Whether I’m choosing an acupuncture protocol, selecting herbs, or ordering additional labs, the BBT gives me a roadmap.

When I Don’t Recommend Charting

That said, BBT isn’t for everyone. If tracking becomes a source of stress or anxiety, it may be counterproductive—especially when stress itself can alter the cycle. In those cases, I gently suggest letting it go. Your body will still give us the information we need.

Final Thoughts

BBT charting is more than just a fertility tool—it’s a window into the body’s internal rhythm. Whether you're trying to conceive, managing a hormone imbalance, or simply curious about your cycle, BBT charting (especially with modern wearable tech) can be an invaluable part of your wellness journey.

If you’re curious about how BBT charting could support your fertility or hormone health, I’d love to help you interpret your chart through both a functional medicine and TCM lens.