thyroid self test

Thyroid Self-Test:
To test yourself for an under active Thyroid, keep an Electronic Thermometer by your bed at night. When you wake up in the morning, place the thermometer in your armpit and hold it there for about 10 minutes. Keep still and quiet. Any movement of the body can upset your temperature reading. Temperature of the Body rises when you begin moving around. A temperature of 97.5°F / 36.39 deg or lower is indicative of an under active Thyroid. Keep a Temperature log for five days. Menstruating women should perform test on 2nd, 3rd & 4th day of menstruation. Menopausal women or women with irregular periods can check on any day.


Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Insufficient Thyroid Hormone causes bodily functions to slow down. The symptoms of Hypothyroidism are subtle and gradual and may be mistaken for Depression. Facial expressions become dull, the voice hoarse and the speech slow, eyelids droop and the eyes and face become puffy and swollen. Many people with Hypothyroidism gain weight, become constipated and are unable to tolerate cold. The hair becomes sparse, coarse, dry, scaly and thick. Many people develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which makes the hands tingle or hurt. The pulse may slow, the palms and soles appear slightly orange (carotenemia) and the side part of the eyebrows slowly falls out. Some people, especially older people may appear confused, forgetful, or demented - signs that can easily be mistaken for Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia.