Low temperature - Thyroid?

[LindsG]

I was wondering if anyone here has a low temperature on a regular basis. I started charting my temperatures because i've started using the fertility awareness method instead of BC pills. Anyway, I noticed my temperature in the morning (and everning for that matter) is significantly lower then what is "normal". It averages around 96.7. Yesterday I took my temperature immediatly after working out and it was 97.5. My husband who had been laying around watching movies took his at the same time and his was 98! That doesn't seem right! I have all of the symptoms of hypothyroid but my doctor told me I was normal as well. I've read that low temperature readings can be sign that you have a thyroid problem so I was just wondering if anyone else here has temperature readings that are low and if that is normal?

[strongchick]

If you took it right after working out, it isn't your basal temperature.

Take it first thing in the morning before you even get up to pee. Track that and see where it is.

[LindsG]

If you took it right after working out, it isn't your basal temperature.

Take it first thing in the morning before you even get up to pee. Track that and see where it is.

Well the past 4 days i've been taking it before getting out of bed the minute my alarm goes off and it was 96.7 on day 1, 97.1 on day 2, 96.7 on day 3, and 96.6 today. Is that normal?

[Inspired]

Well the past 4 days i've been taking it before getting out of bed the minute my alarm goes off and it was 96.7 on day 1, 97.1 on day 2, 96.7 on day 3, and 96.6 today. Is that normal?


It seems low. Have you had your TSH, freeT4 and freeT3 checked?

[LindsG]

I had them checked a year or 2 ago and the doctor said they were normal but I'm going to get another blood test this sat and get them checked again. This time i'll actually ask to see the report but I won't know how to interpret it. I have a lot of the symptoms though - dry skin, fatigue, cold intolerance, depression, low blood sugar, low sex drive, hard time losing weight, fluid retention...I never really thought to tie them all together until I started taking my temperature and saw how low it is.

[Inspired]

When you get your report, post the results (along with the ranges), and we'll be glad to help you interpret them. :)

[LindsG]

When you get your report, post the results (along with the ranges), and we'll be glad to help you interpret them. :)

Thanks so much Paige! I'm clueless about this!

[LindsG]

Ok, so I got my thyroid test results back. The doctor said they were "normal" again so I requested a copy of the report but I don't even know what i'm looking at so i'm going to try to post what it says. If anyone can help me interpret these i'd REALLY appreciate it!!! Thanks!


Test - MCV - 91.9 (range is 80-100)
MCH - 31.9 (range is 27-33)
MCHC - 34.7 (range is 32-36)
RDW - 12.4 (range is 11-15)
Platelet count - 313 (range is 140-400)


TSH w/ reflex to ft4 is 1.12 (range is .4 - 5.5)

That's all I can find on here (??) From what I can see, most things look normal cept maybe tsh is alittle low??? I dunno. I just don't understand how I could be normal if i have so many symptoms and such a low temperature. HELP!!

[Inspired]

I have no idea what those tests are or what they mean. :shrug:

You really need to get the Free T4 and Free T3 and TSH, in order to get an idea of what is going on. If you can't get your doc to order them, you can order them online here:


https://www.healthcheckusa.com/testdetails.asp?productid=22

[LindsG]

Hmmm yeah I have no idea either. I asked them to get my thyroid checked and thats what they have listed on the report. I think i'm switching to a different doctor anyway. Thanks for the website too!

[Inatic]

I consistently have low body temperture even on meds for thyroid.


You really need to get the Free T4 and Free T3 and TSH, in order to get an idea of what is going on. If you can't get your doc to order them, you can order them online here:
https://www.healthcheckusa.com/testd...p?productid=22

I'd also add ferritin if you can get them to do that as well.

Just because your results are "normal" does not mean they are optimal. Get a paper copy of your lab results.

[ariel]

I had a consistently low 35.3-36.4C even with large doses of thyroxine until I worked up to large doses of tertroxin (cytomel). Now I sit at 36.9-37.2C regularly. Hang on, doing convesions:

Before cytomel: 95.5-97.5 F Now: 98.4-99.0 F.

Wilson's Syndrome is a controversial idea about why some people get low body temp and what to do about it.

http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/

from the site:


Classically, Wilson's Temperature Syndrome is

a persistent but reversible slowing of the metabolism often brought on by the stress of illness, injury, or emotional trauma.
often worsened in stages with subsequent stress.
characterized by a low body temperature and classic low-thyroid-like symptoms.
often corrected with a special thyroid treatment even though thyroid blood tests are often in the normal range

A lot of docs dispute this syndrome because of the poor research to back it up. But some people seem to get better from the treatment, so whatever works for them is great. The temporary treatment protocol wouldn't work for me because I do have thyroid disease with abnormal tests...

[LindsG]

Inactic - Do you think it's normal to have low body temperatures or do you think I should look further into it? I did get a paper copy of my results but I can't understand them. It doesnt say that they tested free T3 or Free T4 on there and the only thing on there I sorta understand is the TSH but it says w/ reflex to ft4 so i'm not sure if that's what I needed or not.

Ariel- Your before temperatures are right around what mine are now. I have read about wilson's syndrome but i'm not sure how to get a doctor to take me seriously. Is it harmful for them to try giving treatment to see if it helps with symptoms? It seems like doctors are so quick to prescribe things for everything in the world and yet they refuse to help me with this.

I just really feel like my body is not right and I just can't seem to figure out what it is that is wrong with me! I guess i'll just have to keep pushing.

[Inatic]

I just really feel like my body is not right and I just can't seem to figure out what it is that is wrong with me! I guess i'll just have to keep pushing.

If this is how you feel, then yes, you should look into in.

[Inatic]

Editting to add:

Wilsons syndrome is full of malarky. No reputable endo has any respect for his protocol. It doesnt work.

[ariel]

I think the website has a section on how to find a sympathetic local doctor. Assuming your thyroid panel is normal (but just a TSH reading isn't enough to tell), then a doctor following the Wilson Treatment Protocol would probably trial you on the protocol anyway because of your symptoms.

The clinic that I consulted with (www.drlowe.com) also recommend treatment based on sypmtoms rather than just blood tests. They call it a 'clinical trial of treatment'. If you feel better, then the treatment was right. If you get symptoms of thyroid hormone overstimulation that persist, but you don't feel better, then something else is going on...if supervised properly, a short trial of T3 thyroid hormone is safe and can give a fairly quick indication of whether it will help you or not.

But, yeah, finding a sympathetic doc can be a hassle. I'm in Oz and I had to talk to a clinic in the US before my GP would let me try it. Couldn't find an endo here that would help me at the time. :(

[ariel]

Editting to add:

Wilsons syndrome is full of malarky. No reputable endo has any respect for his protocol. It doesnt work.

Yeah, I said that it's poorly backed up by research.

But the bits that are refuted are that there is a "syndrome" as such and that a temporary cycling treatment of T3 can permanently "restore" a metabolism. If you wade through their info, even they say that some patients have to stay on the T3 supplementation all their lives.

What is worth exploring is that T3 therapy does work to make a lot of people feel better even if their thyroid panel read as 'normal'.

[Inatic]

What is worth exploring is that T3 therapy does work to make a lot of people feel better even if their thyroid panel read as 'normal'.

That is in conjunction with T4 therapy.

[ariel]

That is in conjunction with T4 therapy.

LAC241 asked "Is it harmful for them to try giving treatment to see if it helps with symptoms?" A supervised short trial of T3 is safe and will give you an indication of whether it will help you or not.

You can't do a useful short trial with T4 therapy because of the long time it takes to build up in the body. T4 might help some people and might be on the table for long term treatment, but also it doesn't elevate body temperature directly.

The main thinking behind T3 therapy in people with 'normal' thyroid panels but hypothyroid symptoms is that these patients have either peripheral conversion problems or problems transporting the T3 into the cells. Supplementing with T4 doesn't help these situations.

[radgirl]

When taking body temps, when and how is it taken to get an accurate reading?

[LindsG]

Thanks for the help, you girls really seem to know what you are talking about. I'm considering printing out this thread and taking it to my doctor!

I take my temperature every morning the minute I wake up at the same time every day. I've been doing that for a few weeks now because I started using the fertility awareness method so I could get off the pill. I also tried taking it throughout the day just to check and I have not once yet in the past 2 weeks gotten a temperature into the 98's. I think the highest I saw was 97.5 and that was right after I ovulated. I've tried 2 different thermometers too to make sure I didn't have a faulty thermometer. Oh, I take it orally but I might try under the arm for this week. Also i've been using a digital so i'm gonna go buy a mercury one and see if that changes the readings i'm getting.

[Inatic]

I dont want to turn this into a dispute.

Treating thyroid disease is not something that happens in a quick trial. It takes time. Resetting a metobolism takes time too.

There are no patients that do well on T3 therapy long term. WHy would you trial something that you wouldnt continue on?

My friend (aka known as Nonstickpam on some Bb's) is a the patient thyroid advocate has delt with over 12,000 patients. Not one of them lasted on T3 only therapy. Some as a matter of fact nearly had heart attacks tho for taking T3 only therapy. Just happened to a friend of mine on another BB.

Here is a quote from her re your statement about T3/Wilsons


It very PLAINLY says that 'Wilson's syndrome is NOT hypothyroidism, therefore if you have anti TPO antibodies (Hashimoto's), than you have autoimmune hypothyroidism'. A quote from Wilson's "If the patient has an elevated anti TPO, OR has clinical hypothyroidism, this is NOT Wilson's and that patient will not benefit from this treatment".

See? He like takes out 99% of all patients right there.. ??

T4 is needed by almost ALL of us as well as T3 incoming...NO ONE I HAVE SEEN/KNOWN/Heard from
(female) has done well on T3. NO ONE. Some of them have really unbalanced all their sex hormones doing that. One needs to have anti TPO, TSI, all sex hormones panel, adrenal panel, etc. cuz that's all 'required' by Wilson for his 'protocol'. Keeping in mind that 98% of all hypothyroid women are Hashi's. year.

Most people cant even get their doc's to properly test their thyroid, how can they even consider that type of treatement.

I'll hush now.

[LindsG]

Wow this sounds extremely complicated. No wonder doctors don't like dealing with it. I'm thinking maybe i'll bypass my normal doctor altogether and head straight for an endo. How common is this for younger women and how bad is it to leave an unbalanced thyroid untreated?

[Inatic]

Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. All our systems are affected.

Fertility is also affected by thyroid hormones IF that is your issue.

It's more common than most people believe.

There are others areas/hormones that also cross over and can mimic thyroid disease. One being low iron/ferritin.

I hope you find some answers and a dr that will at the very least properly test your thyroid.

There is a list at www.thyroid.about.com for TOP doctors. They are not the best there but a start. Also i you check with your state thyroid advocate group, they can also make a recommendation.

[strongchick]

Inatic, can you talk a little more about the ferritin?

I have NO symptoms of hypothyroidism, yet my TSH levels are high, T3 low, and my ferritin was also off (although I don't remember the numbers). I have a history of an ED, which I know can inhibit thyroid function. I'm on 20 mg of generic synthroid, and since I was asymptomatic before I honestly don't feel anything. My TSH levels have gone back down.

I am amenorrheaic, and working on restoring my fertility...gaining weight, etc. My endo also recommended upping my synthroid dose once a week because although my levels are now in the normal range, he thinks they are still a bit high for conception/pregnancy...

[Inatic]

Sarah one shouldnt change the amt of meds every week. Once you make an adjustment your supposed to wait 6 wks for the blood levels to rise and detect the levels.

20mg of synthoid. That is nothing. You need to raise the T4/synthoid enough and then see IF your converting it to T3. You might indeed need some T3 as well.

If dr isnt testing Free T3 and free t4, make sure he's doing so. If you want post your labs with ranges.

"Normal ranges" dont mean OPTIMAL especially if your body isnt functioning right or you dont feel well.

Did he test the TPO (indicates Hashi's) and AG (Graves) Antibodies?

Your other hormones might also be affecting your fertility and your cycle. Im an not versed in the other hormones and cannot comment about them.

Here is some good info on Ferritin. It didnt have reference to Pregnancy tho. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ferritin

[Inatic]

Sarah

I was wanted to add that "Atlee" Over at BLC had trouble with infertility and is hypothyroid. She is well versed on the hormone issues and has recently given birth to beautiful twin girls (two months ago) Perhaps give her a pm. Maybe she has some direction for you as well?

[strongchick]

Thanks, Ileen. :)

The doc DID test free T3 and T4. I've been on meds for months now, and fee absolutely fine. But I was feeling fine before; we only found out about the issue through a general blood test when we were trying to figure out why I wasn't getting my period. I've been diagnosed with hypothalamic amennorhea: lack of periods due to low bodyfat/high activity. It often runs comorbid with hypothyroid: eating disorders suppress the pituitary AND thyroid, and I think that's really what the problem is: an effect of a shitty lifestyle past.

I'm seeing a new GP next week and I'm sure she'll run all the standard tests again. When I get the values I'll post them up. But as I recall, my TSH decreased from around 5 to 2 since I've been on meds, although I don't remember what the T3 was...

[Inatic]

Most doc's want TSH under 1.

[Inatic]

I just Checked some info on Atlee. She was also Hypothalamic amenorrhea
with some other issues.

Pm me :)

[radgirl]

Most doc's want TSH under 1.
Ileen, that is very interesting. I've never ONCE had a doc tell me to get my TSH under 1 (and Lord only know how often it's been tested). They see that it's under 2 and think that everything is perfectly fine regardless of how I'm feeling. In fact, I get told it's more hyper than hypo. Why are docs so hesitant to give a thyroid diagnosis, prescribe thyroid meds, and see a patient through when they are having so many issues and dismiss it as something else, e.g. depression, eating too much, anxiety, etc...? I don't understand. :shrug:

[jmrut22]

I too use charting for ovulation and BC. My pre-ov temps are usually 96.7-97.1 and post ov are 97.5-97.8. I usually temp between 4-5 am I have found that the later I temp say 6-6:30 pre ovulatory I am 97.1 to 97.4 any later than 6:30 I usually discard it because it really goes up. I am very consistent between 4-5:30 AM

[LindsG]

I too use charting for ovulation and BC. My pre-ov temps are usually 96.7-97.1 and post ov are 97.5-97.8. I usually temp between 4-5 am I have found that the later I temp say 6-6:30 pre ovulatory I am 97.1 to 97.4 any later than 6:30 I usually discard it because it really goes up. I am very consistent between 4-5:30 AM

Hmm thats pretty much what mine is too. I usually take my temp between 5:45 and 6:00. Is your basal temp in the morning supposed to be highest at that time or is that when your temp is lowest? Maybe i'm not so abnormal. Cool to see other people using FAM for BC. How long have you been charting? (off topic)