Here is a situation where a clinical sign -- low body temperature, has been turned into a "one size fits all" diagnostic tool that simply doesn't work. It's medically known that thyroid hormones have a direct effect on the basal, or resting, metabolic rate. And while hypothermia, or lowered body temperature, is a known and medically accepted symptom of hypothyroidism, some practitioners believe that body temperature is an infallible diagnostic tool. The late Broda Barnes, M.D., made the public more widely aware of the use of axillary (underarm) basal body temperature (BBT) as a symptom and diagnostic tool for hypothyroidism. It is a diagnostic and monitoring method still used by some complementary and alternative practitioners.
To measure your BBT, use an older oral glass/Mercury thermometer, or a special BBT thermometer available at some pharmacies. For glass thermometers, shake it down before going to bed, and leave it close by and within reach. As soon as you awake, with minimal movement, put the thermometer in your armpit, next to the skin, and leave it for ten minutes. Record the readings for three to five consecutive days. Women who still have their menstrual period should not test on the first five days of their period but can begin on day 5. Men, and girls and women who are not menstruating can test any time of the month.
If the average BBT is below 97.6 Fahrenheit, some complementary practitioners would consider a diagnosis of an underfunctioning thyroid or insufficient thyroid hormone replacement. An average BBT between 97.8 and 98.2 is considered normal. Temperatures from 97.6 to 98.0 degrees Fahrenheit are considered evidence of possible hypothyroidism, and temperatures less than 97.6 degrees can be even more indicative of hypothyroidism. Some practitioners, however, consider any temperature under 98 degrees to be indicative of hypothyroidism.
Use of basal body temperature is controversial, however, and even those practitioners who use the test caution that it should be part of an overall approach, and not solely relied upon. Holistic thyroid expert Dr. Richard Shames has said: [blockquote]For those who have already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the basal temperature test is an additional piece of observational measurement that helps determine whether a person is on the right medicine and/or the right dose, along with considering the response to medication, physical signs (especially ankle reflexes and skin temperature), and blood test results…Temperature testing, however, is not infallible, and -- like any other test -- should never be used alone to rule in or rule out a thyroid condition, or to dictate therapy. This is simply a good piece of information that should be used wisely.[/blockquote]
1. The Only Treatment for Hypothyroidism is Synthroid
Perhaps one of the most common fallacies doctors regularly repeat is that Synthroid is the only treatment for hypothyroidism. Actually, Synthroid is a brand name for the drug "levothyroxine" -- a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, also known as T4.
Synthroid happens to be the top-selling levothyroxine drug -- primarily due to its marketing influence on physicians and their organizations, as well as relationships with distributors and insurers. Synthroid, however, is almost always the most expensive levothyroxine. Other brands, considered equally effective by many practitioners, and almost always less expensive, include Levoxyl, Levothroid, and Unithroid. Some patients find that they respond best to a one brand -- not necessarily Synthroid -- due to the way that brand dissolves and is absorbed, or the fillers and dyes used by the different manufacturers.
In addition to the levothyroxine drugs, there is also liotrix, the generic name for the brand name drug Thyrolar. Thyrolar is levothyroxine and liothyronine (the synthetic form of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine, or T3). The addition of the T3 to this drug makes it an optimal drug for some thyroid patients who need that additional hormone in order to resolve symptoms and feel well. Liothyronine is also available as a separate prescription pill, known by its brand name Cytomel.
Finally, there is the category of prescription drugs known as natural thyroid. Don't mistake these with over-the-counter glandular thyroid supplements -- they are not the same. Prescription natural desiccated thyroid -- the primary brand being Armour Thyroid, but also available are Biotech and Nature-throid -- is made from the dried thyroid gland of pigs. It includes natural T4 and T3, plus other less understood thyroid hormones including T2, T1. Some practitioners, and in particular holistic, integrative and natural health experts, find that natural thyroid is optimal for some patients.
