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Has Anyone Ever Been Told to Take Their Temperature to Check Their Thyroid?

By Expert HERWriter April 27, 2008 - 4:01pm
 
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I was just told today by a very close friend of mine to take my temperature in the morning before I get out of bed.
She said it would help me detect a thyroid disorder.
Has anyone ever heard of this?
Did did it work for you?

Thanks so much,

Michelle

Add a Comment13 Comments

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an auto immune version of hypothyroidism, and my temperature seems to be
a rather constant 97.3 over the years. I mentioned it to my endocrinologist and she just referred back to my blood work
and liked the numbers and sort of discarded my low body temp as "my normal". Unfortunately, what raises a flag to one
doctor is not even on another's radar, so I take it all with a grain of salt. Dealing with thyroid seems to be, in my opinion,
more of an art than a science, constantly balancing meds in the hope that it gives optimal function.

March 20, 2010 - 5:04am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Michelle:
You can read about taking the basal temperature as it relates to hypothyroidism in the book Hypothyroidism The Unsuspected Illness by Broda Barnes. It's an execellent book. I highly recommend it.

August 2, 2009 - 9:19am

Hi Michelle
Thanks again for your response. I don't know the name of the fasting blood sugar test I had done... but it was a 4 hour test. I had to drink something then I believe the DR tested my blood at least 4 times over the next few hours. Sorry I don't know the name of the test.
As far as my thyroid, I had him test it again (T3 T4 and TSH). We have ruled out thyroid problems. He told me we could take a 24 hormone (urine) test and see if that is what is causing the problem. If those are off it could even point to an adrenal problem.
I know a lot of my symptoms could very well be due to hormone fluctuations and imbalance, which might make sense after getting off the birth control pill that I was on for over 10 years.
There are so many if's and so many tests that could possibly be run. It gets really costly and very frustrating. But at this point, I know it is nothing SERIOUS. It may just be something I have to live with?
Thanks again for your response... let me know if you find any other info.

August 18, 2008 - 5:16pm
Expert HERWriter

Thanks for sharing this information with me. I am unfamiliar with Wilson's Syndrome. I'm going to do some research on this and see what I can find out.

I'm now going to take my temperature for the next week. I'm almost positive, I am still having thyroid issues. My metabolism is so slow. All the more reason for me to look at Wilson's Syndrome.

I really appreciate you posting this information. This information may be very valuable for many women....including me!

Best in health,
Michelle

August 18, 2008 - 12:33pm
Expert HERWriter

I'm going to see if I can get Dr. Theo Friedman to come on here and read all of these amazing posts! He is a leading expert in thyroid disease. I don't know anybody who has done more research on all kinds of thyroid disorders than Dr. Friedman. Here is a link to some of his articles and videos that he's done for us on the thyroid:

https://www.empowher.com/search/node/friedman,+thyroid

It's amazing the different approaches that one can take with his or her thyroid. I find Kristin Mills' response to be most fascinating, particularly all of the symptoms of iodine deficiency. And it's so interesting that you can actually check yourself to see if you are iodine deficient.

I'm also looking at Maria8's post and her follow up post about how her blood sugar is normal...as a good friend of mine found out, just because a fasting blood work result is normal (is that the test that you had?), it does not necessarily mean that a 2-hour glucose test will be normal. You might want to follow up with your physician to have this done to hopefully rule out blood sugar issues. Also, have you had your T3, T4, and TSH test done? It's important to have all 3 of these tests done. I have written several blogs about my own experience with thyroid issues that are on this site as well. Thank you to everyone who has read and posted on this topic! Best in health, Michelle

August 18, 2008 - 6:21am

Hey Maria8, have you talked with your doctor about these symptoms? Or have you worn a heart monitor?

I have forwarded your question to a leading expert in the world of thyroid to find out if he has any more to say about what you're experiencing or if he recommends visiting a doctor from another specialty. I can't imagine how frustrated you are.

July 29, 2008 - 11:21am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Tina Tran)

Hello Tina T,
Thanks for your response. I actually took mylsef to the hospital one morning when upon waking my pulse was about 130-135. They had no idea and discharged me with ANXIETY. They fit me with a 24 hour heart monitor and all it showed was that yes, my pulse was going up from time to time, but all looked normal.
I went to a cardiologist, and had a chest x-ray, EKG, and an ultrasound done and everything is fine. He mentioned perhaps putting me on a beta-blocker but it wasn't neccessary.
None of my DR's seem to have an idea, my OBGYN thought it could perhaps be from hormone fluctuations due to getting off of the birth control pill and my body trying to regulate itself.
Like I said, the blood tests show nothing in the way of thyroid, though my general practicioner said my symptoms are very similar to a thyroid problem.
I also seem to feel tired after eating pretty often, though I have no blood sugar problems.
Yes it is all very frustrating, and costly...
It really would help if I could narrow down where to look for answers.
I have had DR's tell me that it is maybe something I just have to get used to.
I know there must be an answer somewhere...

Thanks for forwarding that along, I appreciate your help!

July 30, 2008 - 2:54pm

I am a 32 year old femal (120 lbs) who just got off birth control pills in January. Since then I have heart palpitations that sometimes reach 130 bpm, they happen often after eating, but occur even when resting. I also feel hot ALL the time.(I used to be a cold hands, cold feet person.) My body temperature stays in the range of 99.0-99.8 most of the month, but I feel most hot the week before my period. I feel like I am radiating heat and others can feel it to touch.
My hair used to be very healthy, now it breaks and seems like it won't grow.
I have irritabilty and fatigue, and sometimes trouble concentrating (some forgetfulness too.)
I have had blood tests done and everything looks normal.
Is it possible to have thyroid problems and not have it show up in blood tests?
Does anyone have any OTHER ideas besides a thyroid issue it could be?
I am so frustrated and at a loss!
Thanks in advance!

July 28, 2008 - 8:20pm

Hi Michelle,
I've never heard of this before. I believe I have some type of thyroid disorder. This is a different approach I can take while waiting on results from my doctor. Please pass along any information -- I'm willing to give it a try. Besides a blood test, what other exams can help detect a thyroid disorder?
Thanks!

April 30, 2008 - 6:31pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to angmares)

One common way Hypothyroidism can occur is when we've been stressed to the point where our adrenals and liver may be overloaded. It could also mean a lack of iodine. Iodine primarily works in the thyroid gland to produce a hormone called thyroxin which helps regulate growth, metabolism and energy. Foods grown in demineralized soils can create iodine deficiencies. Some other possible symptoms of iodine deficiency are:
• excess belly fat (jelly belly, not a hard belly)
• chronic sinus problems
• poor reading comprehension
• nervous tension
• overweight for no apparent reason
• lack of endurance
• cold hands and feet
• low body temperature
• unhealthy hair, nails, teeth, skin
• depression
• suicidal tendencies
• periodic hair loss (particularly after childbirth)
• constipation

It is suggested we avoid refined salt products (table salt), which are not a good source of iodine and can make us store fluid and may cause symptoms. Sea salt is better, as long as it's not bleached, bromated or iodized. Celtic, Himalayan and Red Salts are good choices for salt food additives. But the best sources of iodine are in Kelp (think the green roll part of a sushi roll), Dulse, Irish Moss and Black Walnut. I use Kelp tincture as an herbal supplement in my practice because it's efficacious, easy to use and affordable.

• Good nutritional choices for iodine are seeds, pineapple, onion, seafood, radishes and cabbage.
• Fluoride inhibits iodine, so be aware of your use of dental products and quality of tap water (you may want to invest in faucet filters or a home water filtration system).

Self-Tests for iodine deficiency:
• You can check yourself for tenderness at the test point on the center of the neck at the soft notch between the collar bones above the breastbone.
• There may also be two lines across the neck, and the neck may be a little puffy.
• Another test is to stand in front of a mirror with your hands at your sides; there could be an iodine deficiency if the backs of the hands have a tendency to roll forward or the elbows have a tendency to point outward.

I mentioned the liver earlier. The liver is incredibly self-generating, and there are tinctures and compounds to help tonify (milk thistle, etc.). As for any stress, it's good to journal your day---time, activities, food consumption, exercise, emotions, etc. Document what's really going on in your life. We think we know, but life takes on a whole other reality when we see it in print---especially a few days later! My clients groan when I first ask them to do this, but then they love doing it and have had amazing results because we can track the details of their daily lifestyle habits and together we can make adjustments to their personal Health Blueprint.

Address those things that are stressful in your life by sharing responsibilities for chores (women tend to 'do it all'---don't!), using EFA's (essential fatty acids), doing FSA's (fun, sweaty activities), laugh, tap into your spiritual side (meditate/pray)...really take a look at what's happening in all aspects of your life. Create balance. Thyroid issues can be a combination of things, so it's best to look at the complete picture of how you're living to address the concern mind, body and spirit.
Best to you,
Kristin Mills, CNHP
Traditional Naturopath

May 12, 2008 - 3:08pm
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