Thyroid and temperature

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 8:02 pm

I've started tracking my temperature anticipating the worst news from my doctor. I'm still waiting to hear back about my ultrasound I had done on Monday and the labs taken last week. I seem to be low in the mornings and fairly normal in the afternoon. I'm not sure how long a history must be gathered but do I have a case for thyroid issues based on my temperature if my bloodwork comes back "normal?" (And it will)

I've been taking my temp about 5:15 AM and 3 PM daily as follows:

97.6/98.4
97.6/98.8
97.2/98.1
97.2/99.4
97.1/100.4
97.2/98.4
97.6/98.8
97.6/98.6

I have yet to wear short sleeves. When I try I am always too cold. I generally do best with light cotton long sleeve shirts. Yet at times I get overheated but can never keep short sleeves on for long. I was told I am not premenopausal because my periods are still like clockwork. It's very frustrating and only a very small part of my very long list of complaints. I was encouraged when my doctor pointed out my thinning to non existant eye brows to her intern.
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gluten · Post by **gluten** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:26 pm

Hi, I have never taken made a history of my temperature. I never wear short sleeve shirts or shorts unless I am sitting in the sun during the summer or the temperature is 90 degrees or higher and the dewpoint is above 60. My temperature when checked is always approx 97. Jon

Post by **tex** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 4:15 pm

DebE,

I'm not sure whether those temps are going to gain you any traction with your doc, or not. Actually, they appear to me to be pretty good.

My average temp about 7 am is 96.7

My average temp about 4 pm is 98.2

And I'm taking 60 mg of Armour. I need to increase my dosage.

Your corresponding average temps appear to be:

97.4

98.6

Tex

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 6:58 pm

My doctor called me back today. I have to request. A copy of my records since I did nt get all my numbers. I took the call at work so was limited in what I could say. She asked me if I was willing to get a second opinion if she referred me to an endo. My iron is on the low side of normal(15). Normal is 8 - 252. My cortisol, hemoglobin, and lipids are normal. Cholesterol is excellent (197). Who says red meat is bad for you!

My TSH is normal and Free T 3 is normal. Will have to get the numbers. My Free T 4 is slightly high at 1.5. Normal is .7 - 1.4

She said I am making antibodies against my thyroid tissue and asked if I was taking a thyroid supplement or iodine. I was taking one but stopped about a month before I saw her. This was recommended by my accupuncturist and now I wonder if I caused more problems.

I have a mixed nodule (not a plain cyst) that has solid components. It is .9mm They. Dont do biopsys unless it is 1cm or more. That concerns me because my neck is always sore and stiff. My thyroid is not enlarged but there is increased blood flow and activity throughout the whole gland. Inflammation was mentioned.

Basically I have a lot going on but nothing bad enough to treat??? She said with my blood tests being normal she cant account for the thinning hair and loss of eyebrows. Not sure what to. . think but will wait for a call to get a second opinion.

Post by **tex** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 9:03 pm

If you have a nodule, that shifts the concern to possible hyperthyroidism, which could explain the high Free T4. And with thyroid antibodies, that changes the rules of the game. The inflammation is due to the antibodies, and when antibodies are present, symptoms can fluctuate between hyper and hypothyroidism (or a combination of both). That would also account for the hair and eyebrow changes. And it could also explain your inability to achieve stable remission from MC symptoms.

Finally, some useful clues have come to light.

Tex

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Sat Jun 22, 2013 9:11 am

I can't address the thyroid question, but Tex seems to be on the right track. My temps are lower then both of you. I rarely get into the 97 area. My doctor , however, won't run any test but the TSH and give me levo to keep my TSH below 3 ( eye roll). When it comes to wearing short sleeves, I live in an area where the temperature almost all year round is about 60-65. Not very warm. I live in layers. I have many button up shirts in all weights, that I wear over my tanks and Ts.

Oh, and you can definitely be in peri-menopause when you still have clock work periods. I started having symptoms about four years ago and only very recently have started skipping periods.

leah

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Sat Jun 22, 2013 9:38 am

Jon, it seems more common than what I thought. It's odd because I always ran hot prior to MC. All the tank tops in my drawers havent been worn in years. I used to show off my muscles and felt pretty good about it but I dont have those anymore either.

Leah, my mom says the same thing. Its hard to separate what symtom belongs to what malady. I'm nit ready for menopause yet. Haha

Tex, I am satisfied that I'm moving in some direction. I am bitter that for three years I've been trying to get help only to be turned away or offered prednisone for life or depression meds as my options. I'm trying to let that go since the hostility will not help me heal. It just reinforces the advise offered here that if one doctor is not a good fit, we just have to keep trying with another. I am frustrated that it will most likely take all summer to get something going since I have to wait for the referral, get an appountment, then schedule whatever the next step will be but at least I'm moving forward.

gluten · Post by **gluten** » Sat Jun 22, 2013 2:57 pm

Hi DebE, I am the same with my arm muscles and it has also effected my leg muscles as well. The MC has effected my ability to absorb the nutrients and proteins needed to maintain the muscles and provide energy to fight the inflammation. So, the body catabolizes the muscle for the energy it needs. To help I have two protein shakes a day that provides 54 grams of protein plus try to consume 108 grams of high quality carbs a day. That is based on a 2000 calories/day. On active days the calories increase to 3000/day and the protein and carbs increase the same. Also, eat three meals /day. This I have to follow for the next three months and then have a new hair test. Jon

MBombardier · Post by **MBombardier** » Sat Jun 22, 2013 8:13 pm

Deb, I strongly suggest you get STOP the Thyroid Madness by Janie Bowthorpe. I have spent a lot of time on the STTM website, but having the book in my hands has been of great benefit.

A couple of tidbits that may apply to you: temperatures bouncing all over the place like yours indicate a possible adrenal problem, and you may want to do a saliva test to see what your cortisol and other adrenal hormones look like over the course of a day.

TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone. Good TSH levels only mean your pituitary gland is performing well. It doesn't reveal anything about your thyroid.

This may not apply to you but it was an eye-opener to me--very low TSH in the presence of hypothyroidism symptoms means that your pituitary gland is not performing well. It doesn't say anything about your thyroid and how it's performing.