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Thyroid Assessment - Measuring Basal Body Temperature

Basal body temperature, which is controlled by the thyroid and can be a better indicator of how much T3 is active inside cells than blood tests, is a good way of assessing basal metabolic rate and the progress of therapy.

Procedure:

  1. Shake down the thermometer to below 35 degree celcius and place it by the bed before going to sleep

  2. Upon waking, place the thermometer under the armpit for a full 10 minutes

  3. Remain as still as possible, resting with the eyes closed

  4. Record the temperature for at least three consecutive mornings, preferably at the same time of day. Menstruating women must check basal body temperature on the second, third and fourth days of menstruation. Men and post-menopausal women can check on any three consecutive days.

Adapted from: Jones DS (Ed). Textbook of functional medicine. Gig Harbor, WA: Institute for Functional Medicine, 2005.