Self-Testing for Thyroid Disease
This is a very simple but effective test, which will help individuals determine how their thyroid is functioning without the need for blood tests. Men can take this test anytime during the course of a month. Women who are experiencing a menstrual cycle are best served if they take the test beginning on second or third day of their period.
How to take the test
• Place a digital thermometer at your bedside.
• Immediately upon waking, keeping movement to a minimum, reach for the thermometer, and place under the armpit until temperature reading is completed. (If you forget to do it first thing and get out of bed, don’t take your temperature that morning, as it will be an incorrect reading.)
• Create a record your body temperature.
• Repeat this test, always under the same arm, and record the information for 4-7 mornings.
It has been medically established that normal values for underarm temperatures are in the range of 97.8-98.2 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature below 97.8 indicates Hypothyroidism and above 98.2 indicates Hyperthyroidism (are these number correct with digital thermometers?).
*This test is not perfect, and should be seen as a starting point only. Underlying adrenal or pituitary issues can effect body temperature and skew the range indicating thyroid disorder.
Maggie’s advocacy address
Chuck advising viewers
Why synthetic thyroid doesn’t work/why lab results don’t diagnose