Encouraged by Dr. Broda Barnes book ‘Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness’. I have been considering this method of monitoring my medication/condition. It can be done every day without additional costs after purchasing the thermometer. In my case a digital thermometer that needs no preparation and works very quickly.
I have picked up a lot of information around the forum but I have found that sometimes I am just not ready to hear/receive it. I almost feel pitted against it sometimes, especially if I think it will be a load of faff! Something to do with trying so hard to cope with undiagnosed hypothyroidism on my own for probably a very large part of my life and coming to trust very few people. I am very aware of some forumites are using this method happily.
Anyway I am familiarising myself with this piece of long held and trusted information and advice. I think it will fit nicely into any regime of treatment/dosing/blood testing - now that I seem to be open to it.
I would like to hear from anyone who has found it to be useful. Tell me what your particular temperature is when you feel good about your meds/life. Just in the short time since I raised this, I can see even this is not the same for everyone. I see that simply, first thing in the morning before getting out of bed is the most reliable time to take it. We seem to be at our warmest then. Similar to trying to get our blood tests taken around 9am to get the most accurate results for reasonable comparison. e.g. my waking temperature is 36 degrees spot on but temperature at other times of day can be 35.2 degrees to about 35.5 even in a stuffy A&E fully clothed!
The range given by Dr. Barnes is not the same as ours in the UK. We are 30 something, so as my thermometer works on this range. I would prefer to hear yours within that range too.
One of the reasons I am looking at this (through an enforced period of no change to my medication) is that my intro to T3 has not been entirely successful and before I try it again, I would like to be more familiar with what is happening with meds daily and not necessarily waiting for blood tests, so perhaps I can take action before hitting problems (e.g. increasing dose too quickly).
Thank you everyone in advance.
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This is something that I haven't ever done consistently, not least as when I really needed it I plain couldn't organise myself to do it!
I know you are beginning to do the Dr Myhill paleo/keto diet. She has a fantastic website that you can dip in and out of for particular bits of information, also a Facebook group that follow her methods and are good for odd questions etc.
This is a page from her website that has some good details about basal temperature.
Right fab Jaydee. This enforced ‘no change to meds’ enforced waiting time between blood tests is having a good effect at the moment - unbelievably! Further to our discussion (and telling off) about my CPAP machine, (anything that seems a faff, as previously mentioned), I have been much more persistent in coming to terms with it. So much so I have been reading the instructions more closely. After a number of discoveries I will try not to bore you with, a recent discovery I found ….. the wee door behind which a humidifier is to be fitted. I think I will ask for one, see if it’s any better than my separate one. However husband says “that door is not shut correctly”. So door now shut, puff and bellows and racket now absent and machine 100 times easier to use. I put it all down to hypo brain, which I happen to think has improved!
I really hope I didn't tell you off, just wanted you to get some more restorative sleep to help you overall. 🤗
Do you feel a bit more rested yet after sleep?
Regrouping after bad experiences is always a good policy. Forces us to try things differently, look at new things and then you hopefully set off again next time on a better footing.
There is quite an art to mastering CPAP therapy it has to be said. If my humidifier isn't rammed into place firmly then it can make all manner of awful noises. I've learnt not to wash certain parts of my mask as if they are still damp by bed time then it will make a terrible racket. It really sounds like you're beginning to conquer the CPAP beast!
I've attached a photo of my APAP machine and it's humidifier. In the picture I haven't pushed it into place so that you can see it better. The fluffy pink thing you can see is actually part of the hose and you can buy covers for that on ebay, Etsy etc Makes it nicer to have next to your skin at night. Just search for 'CPAP hose cover'.
Jaydee I knew it was for my own benefit! I thank you. Honestly without your comments I would still be hating the damn thing. I am trying to keep my own counsel on this at the moment. You know that saying, “One swallow does not a summer make”. So often hopes up, only to be dashed. Will report again after a decent interval.
Totally resonate with this, I'm often quite negative in response to a suggestion only to find that with patience and a an enforced mind opening it works ... 😂🙃
I've never done what it suggests - mainly because it looked a bit mind-boggling and my brain wasn't up to it - but a few years ago there were people who reported finding it helpful.
Right it does look interesting. In fact it raises some of the points which could be applicable to kind people who have already replied to me. Need to read it again and again.
I have read about t3 and adrenal problems. I try at least twice a year to split my t3 dose in 2 to take morning and afternoon but I end up floored with no energy after a couple of days. At the moment I'm on 55mcg one dose on waking. I think I'll try taking 40mcg am and 15mcg afternoon and see what happens but know that my second dose needs to be same as morning to work. I cannot just top up after an hour if feel undermedicated it doesn't work.
I cannot just top up after an hour if feel undermedicated it doesn't work.
I suggest that this is because you need the full single dose (currently 55mcg ) to provide a strong enough "push" against the cell walls to allow at least some of the dose to penetrate the cell walls, attach to T3 receptors to reach the nuclei where the T3 becomes active.
The greater the resistance the higher the dose ((force!) required!
It's a bit like forcing open a locked door with a battering ram!!
The aim is to saturate the cells with T3
Low cellular T3 will cause symptoms
The T3 that doesn't enter the cells will be metabolised and eventually excreted....only the T3 that reaches the nuclei of the cells becomes active.
Fortunately you cope on 55mcg T3....I need a much higher dose to raise my cellular T3. Highest dose was 212.5mcg but over time as T3 receptors have reactivated I am currently taking 100mcg.
Unfortunately there are no tests to measure cellular T3....we have to rely on signs and symptoms/ clinical evaluation. Standard lab tests don't adequately show what is going on.
Medics are not clued up regarding this. I had to do my own research when it became clear standard NHS treatment wasn't going to work
I have a form of Thyroid Hormone Resistance and need to take a supraphysiological dose of T3 to ensure I achieve an adequate cellular level.
I was never able to successfully split the dose....like you, I ended up floored.
I take my T3 in a single dose at bedtime....others favour an early morning dose. We are all different.
Suggest you try a single dose, give it time to settle and depending on how you feel after 8 weeks you may need to adjust the dose. Be very patient!
This has been my personal experience, based partly on the work of the late Dr John Lowe...it has allowed me to function again
Very useful article Bean👏 This explains exactly what I have been doing since mid January (36.3C or 97.3F) and the various phases, so I've been a steady 'C' for 3 months now and have just upped my T3 a little so it will be interesting to see if I can get my temperature above 36.7C (98.1F)
thanks, it’s useful to see it like that. I’ve gone from 34.5 to 35.8 roughly, sometimes up to 36.3… so I guess there is a way to go to be optimal. I’ve tried all sorts of combos and can switch now pretty readily but ido find 25 lio is the most I can take without getting migraines. So I’ll try adding another 100 across the week to my daily 100 Levo and see if that makes a difference to my weight and well-being.
I have taken my morning temp for years as I think this is the reason I cannot lose weight and still have all my other symptoms.35.89 is the norm for me on waking up even when boiling hot due to menopause.
I'm exercising, mainly weights and slowly increasing calories to 2000. Want to see if I can kick start metabolism and increase my basal temperature but 4 months in and still the same, no weight lost or increase in temp but body shape toned up a little.
I'd do anything to know how to raise my temp as even being on high dose T3 doesn't change it.
I posted the other day "why hasn't T3 cleared my symptoms" you'd think if I'm on optimal dose as far as ft3 blood results are then surely my temp would be normal and metabolism would be normal too.
I really do think this is my problem as whenever I have temperature if unwell I lose weight even when eating loads more and not moving🤔
I monitor my hr as a guide but not really knowing what an acceptable resting hr should be. I imagine it depends on other factors too
I’m the same and really struggle with weight. Even when my heart rate is uncomfortably high and I’m sweating and showing signs of too much t3 my temperature never gets anywhere near 36 degrees
I have read your post. Thank you. I am going to give this some thought and post again. I hope you don’t mind I really want to collect a few more experiences.
It certainly sounds like your adrenals are struggling and would benefit from some support as maddeningly exercise and T3 can add to the strain on them, which is why many suggest that we need to support the adrenals before starting thyroid meds, envious of your toned bod but overdoing the exercise is likely to hold you back until you get your engine tuned up 🤗 I initially tried to push through but it just left me even more depleted 😕
The low temperature shows that your engine isn't running properly, here is Dr Myhill's explanation
With respect to energy delivery mechanisms I think there are 4 key players namely:
fuel (diet)
mitochondrial (engine)
adrenals (gear box) and
thyroid (accelerator pedal).
My bloods don't look much different but my mitochondrial must be a little happier as I now have 2 functioning gears for the first time in 2 years since starting adrenal cortex and my heart rate variability has started to improve 👏
Thanks Eeyore, Oh I did laugh "envious toned bod" 🤣The exercise and diet plan I'm trying to follow is to help reduce cortisol and insulin resistance. Having been on restricted diet for 10 years + with only maintaining or slight loss I do think I've added to destroying my metabolism
My temps are all over the show during the day so think this is an indication.
I have trouble retaining information and poor memory so trying to understand adrenal problems isn't going to be easy for me
It is a lot to grapple with! I'm thinking my B12 has likely dropped since just taking the thorne basic b as I'm feeling foggier, penny dropped when I took my brother in for a B12 jab and they were resisting doing it until he had an Intrinsic Factor test, googled that!... back to the sublingual which worked well before.
Do you have the Dr Myhill book? I have found this and Dr Peatfield's (second hand copies about £3) very helpful, and easy to dip back into to remind myself what on earth I am supposed to be doing!
I to had ended up on a really restricted diet which didn't help but just trying to avoid triggers to stop the horrible crashes.
I’m a skinny low thyroid sufferer AND I have low body temperature…not that I take my temp though, can only say I’m always cold often to the point of shivering. My husband bought me an infrared cushion this winter which has been a wonderful help, I take it everywhere and often even sleep with it! Btw, I’m not showing off about my skinniness, it’s actually a great concern to me. I started losing weight when I first started taking Levo and gradually lost two and a half stone (15 kg) to the point I now weigh less in my 60’s than I did as a teenager. No matter what I do I can’t gain weight but I don’t think I’m over medicated.
Thanks, not heard of infrared cushion before. Have read infrared red saunas are beneficial fir thyroid issues. Off to Google.I have a heated throw and electric blanket. A few years ago before perimenopause I would have electric blanket on still in August. Only benefit of menopause, being hot at night instead of freezing 🥶
If you read a bit more about temperature, CatsofCatford , you’ll see that feeling cold is not always the same as having a low body temperature - so it would be interesting to know what your actual temperature is.
I’m a bit like you - I lost two stone on Levothyroxine without eating any less. But I think I only started to lose weight when I persuaded the GP to raise my dose and my FT4 went slightly over range. FT3 was high but in range. I lowered the dose soon after this but continued to lose weight. It’s plateaued now, but is lower than at any other time in my adult life. No signs of over medication, unless pooping several times a day counts. My frees are just mid range now. I’ve never taken my temperature but perhaps I should.
thank you Bearo, that’s interesting. Our experience is very similar. I realised after posting that I HAD monitored my temperature back before being diagnosed when it was very low indeed, in fact it was so low the first time I took it I though the thermometer was broken. But when I bought a new one, I got the same result, 32 C. I’m sure it’s much better than that now. Like you, I think I might start monitoring it again, especially as I do wonder sometimes if I might be over- medicated.
That is an interesting point. I do not feel cold almost until it is too late. If I allow this to happen - when distracted by something I have finally got round to doing - I will get so cold it takes me a long time and effort to get warm. I think my body temp has been low as far back as I remember. My Mother had same. I just accepted it. My knowledge of hypothyroidism, until I was diagnosed, was embarrassingly next to nothing. Bare bones. Even more reason to measure temperature I think.
yes, I’ve been cold forever. I remember at primary school when we were confined to the playground during the long lunch break I was always trying to sneak past the ‘dinner ladies’ to get back inside and huddle round a radiator.
I used to take morning temps for Doctor P who gave out graphs in his consultations. I found within the innumerable symptom chaos we suffer as a result from years of undiagnosed hypo Hashi hell, taking temps was a useful guide to monitor progress both for Dr P and myself.
Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better and sometimes we can’t see the wood for the trees but taking temps easily slotted into my morning routine and gave me confidence things were heading the right way.
Adequate and effective thyroid hormones regulate heat production in the thermogenic tissues (as well as other mechanisms). I remember internal shivering with cold in a hot bath many times, and that type of coldness can never be controlled until thyroid hormones are adequate and working effectively. I really believe I was near hypothermia a few times as suffered tremendous confusion and drowsiness.
Research shows hypothalamic T3 to influence sympathetic stimulation of BAT and thermogenesis. I know the day I started medicating T3 I experienced a wonderful inner warmth but it took another 5 years of medicating T3 before completely normalised temps returned, eg control of both hot and cold, and endurance of fatigue, etc.
I think taking your temps is an excellent idea. Beware temps will rise with progesterone rises if you are still having periods.
thanks for the post. I do have a lot of faith in temp as a measure here. I’d felt happy to have gone up from 34.5 to 35.8 but Ill try to get it a bit higher having read this thread.
I did it religiously for a few years before I was diagnosed it was always low about 35-36 I felt freezing cold all the time. Warming up was one of the first improvements I had even on Levothyroxine but the perennial coldness only went on NDT.
I recently noticed my temperature is still quite low 35-36 as before but I never feel cold anymore, this year gone are the fingerless mitts except on the most bitterly cold sub zero days. So I don’t know what to make of it.
I was thinking of one of those new Apple Watches that measures ones temperature might be an easy way of recording it albeit an expensive one. I don’t trust the digital thermometer I have it’s really tricky to use and hard to get any reading at all in a reliable manner, tho it seems to dump readings in the memory. These seem a bit variable. I should get a new one, it should be easy to work.
This is all brilliant information. If nothing else it certainly beefs up what is always being said, “We are so individual”! If we stick to the guidelines of the NHS I wonder any of us get to feel well at all.
I am thinking that Hashi’s (in particular) and its nature of ‘up and down’ levels of energy might almost be keeping some of us going for years without diagnosis. Thankful when ‘hyper’ and maybe even thankful sometimes when hypo, thinking we can take time and space to recover our energy. (ha!) However over the years one eventually just gets left with the exhaustion bit and other symptoms which become more and more difficult to overcome. It’s the moments in which I have no confidence in which direction I am going (because this can happen at any moment with this damn condition) and when attempting dose changes that my confidence takes a battering.
For me, I think I can be more confident in that Basal Temperature is a useful tool, from the info fed back to me. I admit that before it was just another ‘faff’.
Our temperature is in fact unique to us. It is our very own personal piece of information and acquired by us, ourselves. We do not have to depend solely on blood tests being done by some stranger who does not know or care. I did not think this before I asked. I feel privileged that you have given me insight into yours. I wonder if many of us modern hypothyroids are paying enough attention to it?
If we are able to have this information about our own bodies we may feel in more control of what happens. More information means more informed decision making and more sound judgements about our treatment may be more easily made. I might be able to differentiate between ‘side effects’ of dose changes and feel more confident about working through them.
Broda Barnes seems very confident that Basal Temperature can be addressed. It can be fixed! He seems to have no concerns with dosage (apart from in the hands of other doctors) as long as it is worked up slowly.
Well I think the forum advice is clear on that - very. Hat off to @DippyDame and others here who suffer a Thyroid Resistance issue. How could we know the breadth of issues without her contribution?
Thanks again everyone for your information. No doubt I will be reporting any wins or otherwise, as I go along.
My waking temp with a scanner doobry is usually 36.2 (weirdly so is hubby's) last week when discovering I was over medicated (FT4 27) it was 33 stubbornly... I did have a bit of a cold sweat on waking, tried forehead, armpit, knee pit, behind ear - all the same. I am going to monitor now I've dropped my T4 dose a bit and see. Could be user error of course 🙃
”Could be user error”. So far I have found this likely. I am not best oriented/orientated on waking. Unfortunately there is nothing left but to take the temperature again the next day more carefully. Observation over a few days would provide a more accurate picture. Obviously do not know your precise circumstances right now but possible.
I was interested in Barnes last page of the book where he covers three scenarios of dosing ‘issues’. His warnings are - too much too soon - giving up too soon (limited time) - stopping therapy. These scenarios are exactly what modern thyroid treatment, endo driven, is all about, most especially T3 trials! I assume all this advice covers abrupt dose changes e.g. due to fear or feeling unwell and putting it down to treatment and not therefore allowing treatment to bed down. Often we are in the scenario of attempting self help. When he wrote his book he would have had no notion of the fiasco thyroid treatment by medics would become. His experience is of course ‘doctor guided’. PLUS his patients were on NDT not levo mono therapy.
I found when I was first treated I was far more ‘forgiving’ of so-called side effects but as treatment continued I became very annoyed, impatient and expecting better results. Humane help felt non-existent. Until finding the forum.
However I had already become the victim of my own fearful thinking which has continued, despite my best efforts. This negative pattern has been ably aided from sources: NHS website, GP, written medical advice provided with my blood test results and a particularly spectacular experience with a private endo. It all fed into the more fearful stuff I had previously vaguely understood from my remarkably little knowledge about the condition. I reluctantly agree that I may be HSP (common amongst hypothyroids apparently) which is a modern term for - a highly sensitive person. Perhaps Highly Suggestive Person might be more accurate in my case.
It seems from Broda Barnes view ‘normal’ Basal Temperature (BT) always indicates optimal. This may be a challenge alone, amongst “How do you feel?” I am unsure if I felt good but my BT was subnormal whether it would bother me. However BT seems to indicate and offer the power of choice (esp. the with weight issues I imagine which remain a knotty problem for many, me included). Some of us with long term undiagnosed hypothyroidism may even be unfamiliar with ‘normal’ but we do recognise feeling better.
I wish I had kept better quality records of my whole experience. Unfortunately (in my hurry, concerns about faff and brain fog) I had no idea what would be really important to look back on. Blood tests. Changes to dose etc. Yes. However a better log containing Basal Temperature could have added to my knowledge and more importantly control over my own condition. It starts now.
i believe temp & pulse is an easier, more accurate way of testing over blood tests, because you can actually get a strong idea of how much hormone your CELLS are actually using, providing no external factors are affecting your temps. i would only recommend testing orally though, with an ACCURATE thermometer. underarm tends to be 0.2c cooler for me. dr barnes, ray peat and others say your temp should be around 36.5-36.7c when you wake up if you are healthy. mine is 36.2c and despite my blood t3 being in the normal range, i am very much symptomatic. and my tsh is at the top of the range. so i think its useful to know
Right this is I think what I am hoping for. A daily ritual which contributes to our knowledge about ourselves. The blood tests have their role but this gives us access to info that may be equally important and no waiting - less surprises. Just a note on the thermometer; I think it’s important that you just do the same ritual each time. If the thermometer is not absolutely accurate (and how would we know) using it regularly wherever you put it, should not affect the overall results. It’s a useful tool I am convinced. Thank you for your info.
Adrenavive but it gives me wind as I don't really tolerate beef so need to take with food to lessen the effect 😬... but couldn't find a porcine version
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Query Basal Body Temperature Results 
Consistent low morning basal temperature with hyperthyroid symptoms
Can someone help me out who knows about basal body temperature and how it translates to symptoms?
Question about how to take basal temperature
