The Barnes Basal Temperature Test is a simple test that anyone can do at home to see if they may have hypothyroidism. All you need is a thermometer. (Make sure it is a thermometer that has mercury in it.) Your body temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which is largely determined by hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.
1. Shake down the thermometer to below 95 degrees the night before you take the test and place it by your bed within easy reach. The idea is to move as little as possible before taking your temperature, while you're calm and almost asleep.
2. After waking up, moving as little as possible and not getting out of bed, place the mercury bulb of the thermometer in the center of your bare armpit and place your arm by your side. Leave the thermometer there for a full 10 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes, record the temperature, time and date.
4. Record the temperature for at least three mornings at the same time each day, if possible. Menstruating women should start recording temperatures on the second day of menstruation.
5. Add up all temperatures and divide by three to get the average temperature.
6. Your basal body temperature should be between 97.6 degrees F and 98.2 degrees F. Anything lower than that can indicate hypothyroidism and anything higher can indicate hyperthyroidism.
Read more!
Showing posts with label hypothyroidism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hypothyroidism. Show all posts
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
What is the Thyroid?
In her book, All Your Health Questions Answered Naturally II
Maureen Kennedy Salaman explains what the thyroid is. See her article below.
The thyroid gland sits at the base of the neck. If you wore a tie, it would be where the knot lies - two lobes on either side of the trachea. Considered a master gland, because of its importance to the body's metabolism, the thyroid's main functions are to create thyroid hormone that forms protein RNA and oxygenates cells. (1)
The gland regulates growth and metabolism, and it releases hormones that affect numerous bodily functions such as heartbeat, temperature, digestion, calorie burning and hair growth.
Thyroid hormones are made from iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. A thyroid hormone deficiency results from a lack of stimulation by the pituitary gland, the master gland located in the brain that secretes the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). (2)
Symptoms run the gamut. They include weight gain, depression, fatigue, cold hands and feet, mental disorders, infertility, miscarriage, poor sex drive, heavy or irregular menstruation, high cholesterol, hair loss, dry skin, pale skin, brittle hair, thin and grooved fingernails, muscle weakness, stiff joints, heart problems, constipation, goiters and kidney problems. Since metabolism breaks down with a thyroid problem, having many different ailments can signal a dysfunction. (3)
An article in the British Medical Journal addressed a study in which "six percent of children with Down's syndrome have thyroid disorders, a rate roughly 28 times that of the general population." (4)
Researchers at the Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, backed this up when they found a significant link between Down's syndrome and autoimmune thyroid disease, usually hypothyroidism. (5)
Even sleep apnea, a situation where breathing stops during sleep, is shown in studies to be caused by hypothyroidism. When the hypothyroidism is treated, not only is sleep apnea alleviated, but overall sleep is improved. Bashir A. Chaudhary, M.D., of the Sleep Disorder Center, Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, suggests it is reasonable to evaluate thyroid function in all sleep apnea patients. (6)
References:
(1) Braverman, Eric, M.D., and Pfeiffer, Carl C., M.D., Ph.D., The Healing Nutrients Within, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1987.
(2) Krampf, Leslie, "Natural Help for Hypothyroidism," Vegetarian Times, n. 207, p. 122, November 1994.
(3) Murray, Michael, M.D., and Pizzorno, Joseph, N.D., Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, p. 388-389, 1991.
(4) Thorpe-Beeston, J.G., et al, "Thyroid Function in Fetuses with Chromosomal Abnormalities," British Medical Journal, v. 302, n. 6777, p. 628, March 16, 1991.
(5) Tambyah P.A. and Cheah J.S., "Hyperthyroidism and Down Syndrome," Annual Academy of Medicine, v. 22, n. 4, p. 603-605, July 1993.
(6) Kittle, William M., M.D., and Chaudhary, Bashir, M.D., "Sleep Apnea and Hypothyroidism," Southern Medical Journal, v. 81, n. 11, p. 1421-1425, November 1988. Read more!
Maureen Kennedy Salaman explains what the thyroid is. See her article below.The thyroid gland sits at the base of the neck. If you wore a tie, it would be where the knot lies - two lobes on either side of the trachea. Considered a master gland, because of its importance to the body's metabolism, the thyroid's main functions are to create thyroid hormone that forms protein RNA and oxygenates cells. (1)
The gland regulates growth and metabolism, and it releases hormones that affect numerous bodily functions such as heartbeat, temperature, digestion, calorie burning and hair growth.
Thyroid hormones are made from iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. A thyroid hormone deficiency results from a lack of stimulation by the pituitary gland, the master gland located in the brain that secretes the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). (2)
Symptoms run the gamut. They include weight gain, depression, fatigue, cold hands and feet, mental disorders, infertility, miscarriage, poor sex drive, heavy or irregular menstruation, high cholesterol, hair loss, dry skin, pale skin, brittle hair, thin and grooved fingernails, muscle weakness, stiff joints, heart problems, constipation, goiters and kidney problems. Since metabolism breaks down with a thyroid problem, having many different ailments can signal a dysfunction. (3)
An article in the British Medical Journal addressed a study in which "six percent of children with Down's syndrome have thyroid disorders, a rate roughly 28 times that of the general population." (4)
Researchers at the Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, backed this up when they found a significant link between Down's syndrome and autoimmune thyroid disease, usually hypothyroidism. (5)
Even sleep apnea, a situation where breathing stops during sleep, is shown in studies to be caused by hypothyroidism. When the hypothyroidism is treated, not only is sleep apnea alleviated, but overall sleep is improved. Bashir A. Chaudhary, M.D., of the Sleep Disorder Center, Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, suggests it is reasonable to evaluate thyroid function in all sleep apnea patients. (6)
References:
(1) Braverman, Eric, M.D., and Pfeiffer, Carl C., M.D., Ph.D., The Healing Nutrients Within, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1987.
(2) Krampf, Leslie, "Natural Help for Hypothyroidism," Vegetarian Times, n. 207, p. 122, November 1994.
(3) Murray, Michael, M.D., and Pizzorno, Joseph, N.D., Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, p. 388-389, 1991.
(4) Thorpe-Beeston, J.G., et al, "Thyroid Function in Fetuses with Chromosomal Abnormalities," British Medical Journal, v. 302, n. 6777, p. 628, March 16, 1991.
(5) Tambyah P.A. and Cheah J.S., "Hyperthyroidism and Down Syndrome," Annual Academy of Medicine, v. 22, n. 4, p. 603-605, July 1993.
(6) Kittle, William M., M.D., and Chaudhary, Bashir, M.D., "Sleep Apnea and Hypothyroidism," Southern Medical Journal, v. 81, n. 11, p. 1421-1425, November 1988. Read more!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hypothyroidism
Nathan Becker, M.D., F.A.C.E., F.A.C.P, assistant clinical professor of medicine at University of California at San Francisco, says this about hypothyroidism in Thyroid Power: Ten Steps to Total Health
written by Richard L. Shames, M.D., and Karilee Halo Shames, R.N., Ph.D.:
Hypothyroidism is undoubtedly the most common disorder of thyroid function. It affects both sexes and all ages; it may be overt or subclinical; the spectrum of severity is broad. At one extreme are patients who have a few symptoms and signs. At the other extreme are patients in coma. Hypothyroidism can be subclinical for many years, particularly in patients with autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Although we are beginning to understand immune mechanisms, we do not yet fully understand autoimmune thyroid disease. Hashimoto's disease is primarily cell-mediated immune destruction of the thyroid gland. In the less common Graves' disease (also called thyrotoxicosis), a circulating antibody drives the thyroid to hyperfunction, out of the control of pituitary TSH feedback. Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease frequently coexist in families. Although the tendency to develop these autommune disorders is almost certainly inherited, we do not yet know how the malady is inherited.
What frequently confuses the average clinician is that patients often experience other autoimmune endocrinopathies simultaneously. Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent), autoimmune gonadal failure, hypoparathyroidism and pituitary failure are not rare partners. Several years ago, Phyllis Saifer, M.D., and I coined the term APICH Syndrome, which introduced associative non-endocrine maladies with the previously outlined endocrine disorders. While clinically important, these relationships tantalized more than informed us about the basic mechanisms of autoimmunity.
Thyroid disorders are coupled maladies: localized inflammation with generalized flu-like symptoms and resultant hormone excesses or deficiencies. It is no surprise that the patient, as well as the physician, is confused.
Admid this confusion, treatment with thyroid hormone -- to the point of TSH suppression -- is often diagnostic as well as therapeutic. These remarks would be considered heresy by academicians. Physicians and patients should, however, remember that academicians are often passionate, idealistic, eccentric, quarrelsome and self-serving. They often do research, publish, teach, but rarely see or care for thyroid sufferers.
Regarding actual patient care, a trial of thyroid hormone therapy was often used to good advantage in the past. Today, with sensitive laboratory studies, such as TSH assays, our presumed ability to diagnose thyroid disease has encouraged the physician to treat the laboratory data instead of the patient. Consequently, empiric treatment with thyroid hormones has fallen out of favor.
Nevertheless, sensible, cost-effective treatments of widespread thyroid disorders remain an important concern of the physician, not least because the patient often presents with vague complaints that easily can be misdiagnosed. Patients who present with fatigue, depression and subtle cognitive defects are frequently dismissed, discouraged and mistreated. I've spent many years treating these patients with thyroxine (T-4) and more recently with concomitant triiodothyronine (T-3) with much success. Read more!
written by Richard L. Shames, M.D., and Karilee Halo Shames, R.N., Ph.D.:Hypothyroidism is undoubtedly the most common disorder of thyroid function. It affects both sexes and all ages; it may be overt or subclinical; the spectrum of severity is broad. At one extreme are patients who have a few symptoms and signs. At the other extreme are patients in coma. Hypothyroidism can be subclinical for many years, particularly in patients with autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Although we are beginning to understand immune mechanisms, we do not yet fully understand autoimmune thyroid disease. Hashimoto's disease is primarily cell-mediated immune destruction of the thyroid gland. In the less common Graves' disease (also called thyrotoxicosis), a circulating antibody drives the thyroid to hyperfunction, out of the control of pituitary TSH feedback. Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease frequently coexist in families. Although the tendency to develop these autommune disorders is almost certainly inherited, we do not yet know how the malady is inherited.
What frequently confuses the average clinician is that patients often experience other autoimmune endocrinopathies simultaneously. Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent), autoimmune gonadal failure, hypoparathyroidism and pituitary failure are not rare partners. Several years ago, Phyllis Saifer, M.D., and I coined the term APICH Syndrome, which introduced associative non-endocrine maladies with the previously outlined endocrine disorders. While clinically important, these relationships tantalized more than informed us about the basic mechanisms of autoimmunity.
Thyroid disorders are coupled maladies: localized inflammation with generalized flu-like symptoms and resultant hormone excesses or deficiencies. It is no surprise that the patient, as well as the physician, is confused.
Admid this confusion, treatment with thyroid hormone -- to the point of TSH suppression -- is often diagnostic as well as therapeutic. These remarks would be considered heresy by academicians. Physicians and patients should, however, remember that academicians are often passionate, idealistic, eccentric, quarrelsome and self-serving. They often do research, publish, teach, but rarely see or care for thyroid sufferers.
Regarding actual patient care, a trial of thyroid hormone therapy was often used to good advantage in the past. Today, with sensitive laboratory studies, such as TSH assays, our presumed ability to diagnose thyroid disease has encouraged the physician to treat the laboratory data instead of the patient. Consequently, empiric treatment with thyroid hormones has fallen out of favor.
Nevertheless, sensible, cost-effective treatments of widespread thyroid disorders remain an important concern of the physician, not least because the patient often presents with vague complaints that easily can be misdiagnosed. Patients who present with fatigue, depression and subtle cognitive defects are frequently dismissed, discouraged and mistreated. I've spent many years treating these patients with thyroxine (T-4) and more recently with concomitant triiodothyronine (T-3) with much success. Read more!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Is Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil beneficial for your health?
I've heard that coconut oil (the good kind) is supposed to be good for the thyroid, and now I'm starting to believe it. I've been using about 3 Tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil in my smoothies, not every day but probably at least 4 to 5 times a week, and I'm not feeling as tired as I was. In fact, I've had some trouble going to sleep for the past two nights because I have my smoothie late in the evening, and then I'm not tired when I go to bed. I guess I should change my smoothie times.
I've also noticed I'm not feeling as cold as I was, and I think I'm actually gaining some fat underneath my skin on my face. This is a good thing for me because I was looking kind of gaunt, and my chiropractor said he could use me as his skeleton since I am so skinny. A symptom of hypothyroidism is supposed to be weight gain but this has never been the case for me.
I'm anxious to see if my hair stops falling out in the shower and if my skin is dry this winter. In the meantime, I think I'll keep using the coconut oil because I think it's having a positive impact on my health. Read more!
I've also noticed I'm not feeling as cold as I was, and I think I'm actually gaining some fat underneath my skin on my face. This is a good thing for me because I was looking kind of gaunt, and my chiropractor said he could use me as his skeleton since I am so skinny. A symptom of hypothyroidism is supposed to be weight gain but this has never been the case for me.
I'm anxious to see if my hair stops falling out in the shower and if my skin is dry this winter. In the meantime, I think I'll keep using the coconut oil because I think it's having a positive impact on my health. Read more!
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