How to Check In With Your Thyroid
A Must for Women's Metabolic Health
On the latest episode of The Cosmic Conceptions Podcast I covered one of the hottest topics in women’s wellness right now—thyroid health.
According to the American Thyroid Association, one in eight women in America will develop a thyroid condition at some point in her life.
Why is this? Is it true that the cause of these conditions is “unknown”? Is pharmaceutical management the only option? Does an active thyroid expression (or synthetic hormones) really not matter during preconception or pregnancy?
You’ll have to tune in to the podcast to hear my take on it, but in the meantime, let’s talk about how you can check in on your thyroid health from the comfort of your home with a simple thermometer.
WHY USE AN AT-HOME TEST?
Although medical testing is a very personal decision, and is always optional, here’s why I don’t press for it:
Testing of any kind is always subject to inaccuracies, and many forms of testing come with known flaws and limitations.
Testing can come back with “negative” results even though you may feel fine, which can deliver emotional and psychological impacts that cause harm, or influence unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions.
Testing can come back with “positive” results even though you may feel terrible, which may influence you to ignore what your body is communicating since everything is “fine”.
Both “positive” or “negative” results can mean very little to the experiences a woman has within her own body, and may even provide information you were never meant to know (for your own good).
If you do decide to get blood work done, make sure to listen to the podcast so you know which markers will make a “complete panel” and give you the most accurate picture for you own assessment.
THE BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE
This form of temperature-taking is designed to detect your “basal” or baseline body temperature, which will give you a glimpse at your metabolic health, and therefore your thyroid health. Note: This is the same technique used for the Fertility Awareness Method.
Step One.
Get at least 5 consecutive hours of sleep.
Step Two.
Take your temperature as soon as you wake, before getting out of bed (ideally at the same time each morning).
Step Three.
Choose where you’d prefer to take your temperature and stick with it—this can be orally, under the armpit, or vaginally. Keep the thermometer in place for up to 10 minutes for accuracy (you’ll have to get to know your thermometer for this one.)
🌡 An ideal range is: 97.4°F to 98.6°F (36.3° to 37°C)1
Menstruating women will have lower temps during their bleed and up until ovulation, which should trigger a temperature spike that lasts throughout the luteal phase.
The ideal range for a pregnant woman will be slightly higher: 97.9°F to 98.7°F (36.65°C to 37.05°C) except between 9 and 12 weeks gestation.2
My favorite thermometer to use is the Geratherm Mercury-Free Glass Thermometer (°F & °C)
WHEN IT’S NOT YOUR THYROID
It’s important to consider that low temperatures aren’t always related to your thyroid’s performance. Below are some potential root causes:
Your thermometer is broken or inaccurate.
You’re not taking your temperature correctly.
You skip breakfast or practice Intermittent Fasting.
You’re not eating enough overall.
You’re not sleeping long enough or well enough.
You’re not in right-relationship with light (waking and sleeping cycles are not properly regulated).
You’re taking medications that lower body temperature (primarily beta-blockers and some ADHD medications.)
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have low temperatures and are struggling with some of the other markers for an underperforming metabolism or thyroid—or already know you have a fully active thyroid expression—it’s important to remember:
You can heal your thyroid!
You’re not “broken” and nothing is “wrong” with you. Your body is simply adapting to your life in the best way it can to keep you alive—wow thank you, body!
Consider working with practitioners who understand the natural principles of the body’s healing capabilities. You’re welcome to get in touch with me directly for 1:1 sessions or referrals.
And don’t forget to join us on Sunday for…
THE METAPHYSICS OF THE THYROID
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024
8 AM PT / 10 AM CT / 11AM ET
IN THIS CIRCLE WE’LL EXPLORE:
Astrological Correspondences of the Throat and Thyroid
Root Causes of Thyroid Conditions in the Natal Chart
The Throat Center in the Traditional 7-Chakra System & the Human Design 9-Chakra System
The Emotional Signatures of Thyroid Dysfunction
Skills for Empowered Self-Expression That Go Beyond “Speaking Your Truth”
THIS GATHERING IS FOR YOU IF:
You have a thyroid condition that you’re interested in healing (in preconception or any season of life).
You have completed healing your thyroid and would like to see if these teachings resonate for long-term well care.
You want to be informed about this topic in service to yourself and others.
You just love a good reason to be in a Zoom room with other women!
See you then,
Athena
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to give medical advice or instruction, nor is it a suggestion to stop or start taking any medications or supplements. Any information shared is for education and entertainment purposes only.
The range I’ve settled on based on slightly different numbers given between prominent fertility practitioners, midwives, and herbalists.