AT HOME THYROID TESTING
Getting an accurate test from a physician for hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) can be difficult for a number of reasons. The range that a physician uses to determine whether your thyroid is functioning optimally is quite large. If you are on the lower or higher end of the scale, you may still be in the “normal range”. However you may be showing signs of dysfunction. It is common for someone with hypothyroidism to have a completely normal thyroid test reading. Another reason for a misdiagnosis can be due to having excess copper in your system which may throw your thyroid test out.
According to the Mayo clinic in America, up to 10% of the population may suffer from thyroid problems and it appears to be on the increase.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Decreased libido
- Weakness
- Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
- Depression
- Coarse, dry hair
- Cold intolerance (can’t tolerate the cold like those around you)
- Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
- Constipation
- Dry, rough pale skin
- Hair loss
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Plus many more
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Heat intolerance
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Breathlessness
- Increase bowel movements
- Light or absent menstrual periods
- Fast heart rate
- Trembling hands
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Warm moist skin
- Hair loss
- Staring gaze
Testing Basal Body Temperature for Thyroid Function
- Shake down a thermometer to below 35 degrees and place it next to your bed before going to sleep at night
- Immediately upon waking, and with as little movement as possible place the thermometer under your armpit or in your mouth for a full 10 minutes.
- Try to move as little as possible; lying with your eyes closed or at least relaxed for the full 10 minutes.
- After the 10 minutes read and record the temperature
- It is important to record the temperature for at least three consecutive mornings (ideally do four consecutive mornings, all at a similar time of day)
- Menstruating women must preform the test on day 2, 3, 4 and 5 of their cycle (day 1 is the 1st day the flow starts)
- Men and postmenopausal women can perform the test on any days of the month.
The optimum basal body temperature on waking should be between 36.4 – 36.7 Anything below this may indicate an under active thyroid function.
A temperature above 37 degrees may indicate an over active thyroid function.
