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Hypothyroid Test ( Basal Axillary Temperature )
Information contained in this article was taken in part from the book entitled
"Hypothyroidism: the Unsuspected Illness " by Broda O. Barnes, M.D.
Symptoms
Fatigue, cold hands and feet, loss of hair, constipation, fluid retention, dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, infertility (male or female), high cholesterol, painful or irregular menstrual periods, excessive menstrual bleeding, fibrocystic breast disease, and ovarian cysts, poor equilibrium, muscle aches and weakness, some hearing disturbances, and nervous system changes leading to burning and prickling sensations according to some Mayo Clinic physicians. Also the University of North Carolina School of Medicine has found in its studies that varied mental disturbances, including depression, memory loss, and difficulties in concentrating can be associated with hypothyroidism.
Iodine
The average iodine intake on an ordinary diet is about 0.03 milligrams a day. This is only about one-seventh of what is needed for daily thyroid hormone production. In goiter regions, (generally the mountainous and inland areas of the globe) not even 0.03 milligrams per day is available. One important discovery in relation to goiter was that iodine could be taken in the form of iodized salt, and thus prevent goiters. However it is important to know that hypothyroid can be present in the absence of goiter. This would suggest that the amount of iodine received in table salt is just enough to prevent the goiter symptom. This, combined with the fact that people are using less table salt in an effort to reduce sodium because of high blood pressure, would certainly raise the question as to whether people are receiving adequate iodine to meet the needs of the thyroid.
Blood Testing
These commonly used tests for thyroid function are not accurate particularly when it comes to mild and even some moderate forms of hypothyroidism. This is because ideally we need to measure the amount of thyroid hormone on the inside of each cell in the body where it controls the rate of oxidation of burning within the cell. Since blood testing only measures the amount of thyroid percent in the blood the results can often be misleading.
A Simple Test
Use any oral thermometer,( if you are using a mercury thermometer, shake it down to at least 96 degrees) and put it by your bedside the night before. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, put the thermometer deep in your armpit, (if you are using a mercury thermometer leave it in your armpit for at least ten minutes), and record the temperature. 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 function. The normal axillary temperature is 97.8-98.2 degrees F . Record the temperature in a notebook with the dates for five days. The axillary (underarm) temperature is used because oral (mouth) temperature does not correlate closely with thyroid function.
Additional information
The basal axillary temperature can be taken by a man any given day. However, for women, the temperature should be taken starting the second day of menstruation. This is because a considerable temperature rise may occur around the time of ovulation and give incorrect results. For women who are premenstrual or who are postmenopausal, it makes no difference when the temperatures are taken. However, do not do the test when you have an infection or any other condition which would raise your temperature
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