Symptoms of Thyroid Disease:

Take the Test:
Take this simple test and find out if this might be a possibility.

      Yes         No
    __4__    __0__ Low energy?
    __4__    __0__ Easily chilled, especially hands and feet?
    __4__    __0__ Other family members have thyroid problems?
    __4__    __0__ Hard to lose excess weight, can gain weight
                                without overeating?
    __3__    __0__ Find it difficult to do even moderate exercise?
    __4__    __0__ Find it hard to get going in the morning?
    __3__    __0__ Have high cholesterol?
    __3__    __0__ Have low blood pressure?
    __4__    __0__ Weight gain started at the beginning of menses,
                                pregnancy, or menopause?
    __3__    __0__ Suffer chronic headaches?
    __3__    __0__ Use food, caffeine, tobacco, and/or other
                                stimulants to get going?

    _____ Add, If total is >15, you may have low thyroid.....so read on.

           The thyroid is the master metabolic gland in our bodies.  It is associated with many dysfunctions of the body, and when there is a question to it's functioning, it should be tested.  Individuals as they age, have a tendency for their thyroids to function less well.  This seems to be the case for women more than men.  It is now advised as a preventive measure to yearly check the thyroid function in all women over the age of 64....men should be checked if they have complaints.

Evaluation of Thyroid Disease - In order to determine any degree of dysfunction of the thyroid:
    Allopathic physicians will use lab testing. They recognize thyroid disease states as a lab value that falls outside a specific normal range for a particular test. The individual usually is seen as being separate from the disease.
    Alternative physicians will evaluate the individual and their Basal Body Temperature (BBT) revealing those persons with abnormally functioning thyroids, including those that may be missed on traditional lab testing. These missed persons will have normal lab values but sub-normal temperatures.
   Functional physicians, will focus on the "individual-environment-system" and do both lab testing and BBT’s.

It is common medical knowledge, that:
    1) a person’s "body temperature at rest" reflects their metabolic rate
    2) this metabolic rate is largely determined by hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.

The function of the thyroid gland can then be determined by:
    1) testing the levels of thyroid hormones
    2) measuring a person’s resting temperature/BBT.

To evaluate the different thyroid hormone levels, you need a doctor.  But measuring your BBT you do yourself in your own home.  All that you need do is purchase a Basal Body Thermometer and take your temperature as instructed below.

Procedure:
    1)  Shake down the mercury Basal Body Thermometer (do not use a digital thermometer) to below 95 F and place it by your bed before going to sleep at night.
    2)  On waking, place the thermometer under your arm for a full 10 minutes. It is important to make as little movement as possible. Lying and resting with your eyes closed is best. Do not get up until the ten minute test is complete.
    3)  After 10 minutes, read and record the temperature and date.
    4)  Record the temperature for at least three days every 3 hours, 4 times a day, (preferably at the same time of day each day) and give the information to your physician. For example, if one wakes at 7am, then take your temperature and continue taking your temperature at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm.
    5)  IF your morning temperature is between 97.6 and 98.2 degrees F you can be assured that your thyroid is properly functioning.  
    6)your morning temperature is below 97.6 or above 98.2 degrees F on each day, add the remaining three temperatures together and divide by 3 to get the average.

                    Date / Temp***             Average Temperature for all three days
**Day 1  ____ ____ ____ ____           [10am]+[11pm]+[3pm]/3 = _______

**Day 2  ____ ____ ____ ____           [10am]+[11pm]+[3pm]/3 =_______  

**Day 3  ____ ____ ____ ____           [10am]+[11pm]+[3pm]/3 =________

**Menstruating women must perform the test on the second, third, and fourth days of menstruation. 
Men and postmenopausal women can perform the test at any time.
***You can go to the Temperature Log and obtain a free graph on which to record your temperatures.

Interpretation:

* Your basal body temperature should be between 97.6 - 98.2 degrees F.
* If you have followed the above directions and your temperature falls between the above values, you can be assured that your thyroid is properly functioning.  
* If however, your temperature is below 97.6 or above 98.2 degrees F, then you should see your HealthCare provider for further evaluation.
* Low basal body temperatures are quite common and may reflect hypothyroidism or Wilson's Syndrome when the Averaged Temperature during the daytime is also below 98.2 degrees F.
* Common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism or Wilson's Syndrome Symptoms are:
---- Abnormal Swallowing Sensations
---- Bad Breath
---- Brittle Nails
---- Depression
---- Difficulty in losing weight
---- Dry skin & hair
---- Dry Eyes/Blurred Vision
---- Headaches
---- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
---- Lethargy or fatigue
---- Low Sex Drive
---- Menstrual problems
---- Migraines
---- Sensitivity to cold
---- Slow Healing
---- Sweating Abnormalities
---- Raynaud's Phenomenon
---- Recurrent infections
* High basal body temperatures (above 98.6 )are less common.  These temperatures  may be evidence of hyperthyroidism.
Common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
---- Bulging eyes
---- Fast pulse
---- Hyperactivity
---- Inability to gain weight
---- Insomnia
---- Irritability
---- Menstrual problems
---- Nervousness
* Iodine Deficiency may be one of the other problems with thyroid function.
* Remember!  If you get a temperature below 97.6 or above 98.6 degrees F, see a doctor for further evaluation!  Any improperly functioning thyroid can be detrimental to you health.