Posted 10\/28\/2007<\/p>\n
If your basal temperature (armpit temperature, taken when you awaken in the morning) is below 97.6, you might benefit from a small dose of natural thyroid replacement, usually in the range of one half grain to 1 grain daily, available by prescription, to improve your energy.<\/p>\n
The blood test for thyroid function–TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)–actually measures levels of a hormone produced by the pituitary, the \u201cmaster\u201d gland in your body. High TSH levels mean low thyroid function. For years, a TSH of up to 5.0 meant the thyroid was functioning normally. Recently, this number was dropped to 2.5. This means that thousands of people who originally were told their thyroid functions were normal most likely have a mildly underactive thyroid.<\/p>\n
How to take your basal body temperature<\/strong> What is a basal body temperature? \u201cBasal\u201d means \u201cbase,\u201d and your basal temperature is your body temperature taken the very first thing in the morning before you\u2019ve moved out of your sleeping position.<\/p>\n Once you get out of bed, the movement of your muscles heats up your body, so it\u2019s essential that you follow these instructions closely to get an accurate reading.<\/p>\n Instructions:<\/strong> 2.)\u00a0\u00a0 If using a Basal Digital Thermometer<\/strong>, in the morning, as soon as you wake up, place it under your tongue until it beeps. Do this before you get out of bed, have anything to eat or drink, or engage in any activity. This will measure your lowest temperature of the day, which correlates with thyroid gland function.<\/p>\n 3.)\u00a0\u00a0 The normal basal temperature averages 97.8-98.2<\/strong> degrees F. We frequently recommend treatment if the temperature averages 97.6 or less. <\/strong>The temperature should be taken for five days. However if the temperature is 97.0 degrees or less for three consecutive days, you do not need to take the last two temperatures.<\/p>\n 4.)\u00a0\u00a0 For pre-menopausal women, the temperature should be taken starting the second day of menstruation. That is because considerable temperature rise may occur around the time of ovulation and give incorrect results.<\/p>\n 5.)\u00a0\u00a0 Do not perform the test when you have an infection or any other condition which would raise your temperature.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DAY 1 _____ DAY 2 _____ DAY 3 _____ DAY 4 _____ DAY 5 _____<\/p>\n Please bring in this completed form at the time of your next visit.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If your basal temperature (armpit temperature, taken when you awaken in the morning) is below 97.6, you might benefit from a small dose of natural thyroid replacement, usually in the range of one half grain to 1 grain daily, available by prescription, to improve your energy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2087,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[204,2,3,62,246],"tags":[471,429,472],"class_list":["post-2800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-b","category-blog","category-knowledge-base","category-t","category-thyroid-adrenal-sex-hormone-issues","tag-basal-body-temperature","tag-thyroid","tag-tsh"],"yoast_head":"\r\n
\n1.)\u00a0\u00a0 If using a Mercury Thermometer<\/strong>, shake it down to 96 degrees or less before going to bed. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, put the thermometer deep in your armpit for 10 minutes and record the temperature.\u00a0 Lie back and relax, keeping your armpit closed over the thermometer.<\/p>\n