There is considerable evidence that the current tests for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) are insensitive and somewhat lacking in accuracy.

Broda Barnes, M.D., an Endocrinologist and thyroid specialist, in his book, "Hypothyroidism, an Unsuspected Illness," explains his thoughts and theories about this matter. He proposes that the most sensitive and accurate test for determining low thyroid function is to check the most basic function of the thyroid, i.e., its ability to regulate the metabolic furnace -- creating heat and controlling temperature. Dr. Barnes states that recording the basal body temperature daily for ten days is the most simple and accurate means of doing this. For accuracy he insists that the client/patient be totally relaxed with no movement during the axillary temperature testing.

INSTRUCTIONS: Do the following for 10 consecutive days. If you skip a day, you must begin again.

1. Use an oral thermometer which has been shaken down the night before and put on your bedside stand.

2. Put the thermometer in your armpit (for ten minutes) and record below a temperature each morning for ten days. Do this before you get out of bed. This means do it while lying prone and before you have urinated, had any beverage or food or done anything either mentally or physically. Dr. Barnes suggests using the axillary (armpit) temperature rather than the mouth because many people have low grade unsuspected sinus infections which generate heat only in that area, thereby, falsely raising the oral temperature.

3. For women, additional consideration is needed during ovulation which elevates temperature somewhat. Because of this, women who menstruate should start the recording on the second or third day of their cycle. For men and women who are menopausal, it makes no difference which day you begin.

This temperature recording data will be correlated by your Clinical Nutritionist along with your thyroid hormone level through serum blood analysis, and your thyroid history questionnaires. This is a common and easily reversed dysfunction. Dr. Barnes estimates that approximately 40% of the adult population have this problem and it can be associated with hypoglycemia, allergies, psoriasis, acne, undiagnosed skin problems, hypertension, obesity, depression and many other ailments. If you have any unusual response or if there is anything you wish to share, please indicate this in the Comments section of this questionnaire.

Comments:

KEY: 97.8F OR 36.5C or below is considered abnormal. If the majority of temperature data is low, it suggests possible low thyroid function. To improve thyroid function, order our Clinical and Sports Nutrition Comprehensive Analysis, click here to order.