Basal Body Temperature Test

Broda O. Barnes, M.D., author of Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness offers a method for getting an idea of how well the thyroid might be functioning. The test is based on body temperature readings. His instructions basically are as follows: At night set your thermometer next to your bed so it's ready to go. A mercury or 'mercury-substitute' type thermometer is recommended. These are more accurate than the digital type. When you first wake up, while still in bed, before you start moving around, place the thermometer under your armpit for 10 minutes, continue to lie in bed. According to Dr. Barnes temperature should be between 97.8 and 98.2. This is refereed to as 'Basal Temperature', which is different than normal waking temperature of 98.6. Temps below 97.8 are an indication of possible low thyroid function.

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