#NoMeds: Your Armpit Temperature & Thyroid
Did you know your body’s temperature is an important body signal for cellular function? In your house, the thermostat is often strategically located to detect an increase or decrease in temperature. When the desired temperature is not occurring, the thermostat sends a message to your furnace to “fire up,” creating heat in the house. If your body temperature feels persistently cold (a common body signal for subpar thyroid function), it would be wise to take your axillary, or armpit temperature several days in a row.
Your armpit temperature does not necessarily share what is “wrong” or necessarily what action steps to take, rather, it is a “marker” allowing you to monitor how your potentially low thyroid is doing. I have my practice members shake downwards a traditional thermometer at night before going to sleep. When waking up, I recommend even before you use the restroom, to measure your temperature in your armpit. I would let it rest there for at least five minutes and record the temperatures for a minimum of three days in a row. You can also use a battery-operated thermometer; regardless of which one you use-be consistent!
I find it in your best interest to see temperatures in the 97.8 F range. A temperature between 96-97.2 or 97.3 might prompt you to have a series of blood tests. I often request a TSH, T3, T4 & TPO and create supplementation recommendations based on subpar thyroid body signals (cold hands, cold feet, thinning hair, wide-spaced teeth, constipation, elevated cholesterol and fatigue), blood test results and your armpit temperature. You can use your axillary temperature readings as a gauge on how your thyroid is responding to care. A consistent temperature above 97.3 is a good base, and can be your goal & marker. A temperature requires special attention.
For more information, you can visit us our two practices in the Cleveland region, read our #NoMeds paper on your thyroid, and browse our TSH, T3, T4 exam.
