Do You Know Your Temperature?
With cholesterol and blood pressure campaigns telling us to "know our numbers," one of the simplest and most accurate number games we can play is our body temperature.
Using a thermometer, there are two separate tests that can be performed. The first one is simply to take the temperature, easiest done under the tongue. The normal oral temperature, of course, should be 98.6† F—there is really no "range of normal, although some say a couple of tenths (.2) above or below is not concerning. Another test, and perhaps a more appropriate method of checking the body temperature is under the arm. Termed "axillary temperature," this method has a narrow range of normal: 97.8 to 98.2† F.
However, many people find they don't fall into this normal range. High temperatures typically indicate an infection. Sometimes the temperature is normal for most of the day and elevates only at night. Sometimes the temperature will only rise for an hour or two during the day and then return to normal. If you suspect an unusual problem like this, check your temperature hourly if necessary, until you see a pattern.
A higher than normal temperature means you should rest. With your body working much harder than usual, the need for water also increases dramatically. Under no circumstances should you exercise with an elevated temperature. Even a temperature of 99† F is indicative that something is wrong and the body is working hard to correct it. Some people think they can "sweat it out" by exercising even harder than their normal level. This barbaric idea is obviously unhealthy.
Most abnormal temperatures are below normal. Although this is not usually life threatening, it can be a clue as to why other health problems exist. For most people, low temperatures reflect a low or sluggish metabolism. The axillary temperature Is usually the best method of evaluating this problem.
The axillary temperature is best measured in the morning, before getting out of bed. The thermometer should remain under the arm for a full 10 minutes. For accuracy, the axillary temperature should be measured every day for at least a week, and for some women, for a full menstrual cycle. Occasionally, a low temperature appears only on certain days, and can vary with certain hormonal levels. In these situations, it's well worth the effort to check the axillary temperature every morning for one full menstrual cycle. In men, or in post-menopausal women, there is still a subtle body cycle. Even in these individuals, the temperature may need to be taken for a whole month because of influence from other areas of the body.
Temperatures below the normal range may relate to low functioning of the thyroid gland. According to many doctors, it's very possible to have a "normal" thyroid blood test and still have a low functioning thyroid gland. One reason is that the so-called "normal" ranges are so wide is that in order to be out of that range, you'd almost have to be in a diseased state.
Fatigue, depression, crying spells, swelling of the upper eyelid, weight gain and loss of the outer portion of the eyebrow are all common signs of an under-active thyroid. (Thinness, bulging eyeballs, and over-activity often indicate an overactive thyroid case.) Many people, however, do not show any of the classical signs of thyroid problems, but will usually show the temperature changes described above. In this instance, it may be indicative of a very minor, or sub-clinical, thyroid problem.
Most people know how simple it is to use a thermometer. Be sure to leave it under the tongue for at least one minute, and when taken under the arm, for 10 minutes. Also, some thermometers easily loose their accuracy. To be sure, put two thermometers in a glass of warm (90 to 100ƒF) water to make sure they both show the same temperature.