Barnes Temperature Test (to find the Basal Body Temperature)
Blood tests are well known for not picking up hypothyroidism accurately, but there is a simple test you can use called the 'Barnes Temperature Test'. Basal temperatures are taken first thing in the morning, when your body is completely at rest. At night, before you go to bed, shake the thermometer down and leave it on your night table. In the morning, before getting out of bed and with as little movement as possible, place the thermometer under your arm. Leave it in position for 10 minutes. Do not drink alcohol the night before you take your basal temperature. Do this for five consecutive days, and make a note of the three lowest readings.
Use an oral, rectal or basal mercury thermometer only. Do not use a digital thermometer.
Menstruating women must take their temperatures on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th days of their periods only. Non-menstruating women, women who have had hysterectomies and men may take their temperatures any time.
97.8F - 98.2F (36.6 -36.8C) = Euthyroid (normal)
If your temperature falls below 97.8F (36.6C) then you should consult your GP.
This test is a guide only as some temperature variations could be due to infection, virus, etc. This test used in conjunction with the symptoms sheet can be helpful. |
