Doctors Don’t Understand Thyroid Function

Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is both rampant and underdiagnosed. The reason it goes undetected is because laboratory tests measure only the presence of thyroid hormone in the blood but cannot tell us how much active hormone reaches the bodily cells that require it for their metabolism.

The main function of the thyroid gland is to regulate metabolism. The primary hormone secreted by the thyroid gland is thyroxine (T4), which is physiologically inactive. T4 has to be converted into its active form, triiodothyronine (T3), before it can exert its effects. This conversion is catalyzed by the action of deiodinase enzymes that are widely distributed throughout most tissues of the body. If insufficient T3 reaches bodily cells, the result is diminished basal metabolism and concomitant hypothyroidism.

Low thyroid function is a physiological issue that often escapes detection by hormone blood tests. There is, however, a basal temperature test (BTT) that is 100% reliable in detecting hypothyroidism.

Body basal temperature measures how efficiently the thyroid gland is performing – compared to thyroid blood testing which measures only how much hormone is present in the blood but not how active said hormone is. Every metabolic function in the entire body is completely dependent on enzyme function. In turn, enzyme function is highly dependent on bodily temperature. If basal body temperature is below normal, then all enzymes in every cell of the body are under-functioning, thus having a detrimental effect on how efficiently the entire body functions and resulting in many diverse symptoms.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism: low body temperature, especially at bed rest; muscles stiff in morning, need to limber up; fail to feel rested, even after sleeping long hours; start slowly in morning, gain speed in afternoon; gain weight easily, fail to lose on diets; increased blood cholesterol level; physical sluggishness; facial puffiness; dry skin; dry hair or hair loss; poor short-term memory, forgetfulness; yellowish tint to skin on palms and soles (carotenemia); constipation; menstrual irregularity; these worse at night: coughing, hoarseness, muscle cramps.

Basal Temperature Test: The basal temperature test (BTT) is an accurate self-test for measuring thyroid function. This is because it measures the actual result of the most critical thyroid activity, i.e., the maintenance of bodily temperature. Bodily temperature is directly related to thyroid activity. 370C (98.60F) is the ideal temperature at which all biochemical reactions function most efficiently.

The BTT requires taking an underarm (axillary) temperature reading first thing in the morning while the body is at complete rest. Men, prepubescent and postmenopausal women can take this test at any time. Menstruating women need to do the BTT on the second and third mornings after their flow starts.

To do the BTT, place an axillary thermometer under the armpit immediately upon awakening and before stirring from bed. Record the reading on two consecutive days. A range of from 36.60C to 36.80C (97.80F to 98.20F) indicates normal thyroid function. Temperatures below 36.60C (97.80F) indicate low thyroid function.

An approximation to the BTT can be made by taking oral temperature reading three times per day between the hours of 10 AM and 5 PM. At the end of the day, average these three readings. Average readings below 370C (98.60F) indicate hypothyroidism.

Reference: Rowland D. Endocrine Harmony: The Mind-Body Nutrient Interface. Seattle, 2018: Amazon.com Inc., pp 21-40.