Barnes Temperature Test

Testing Metabolic Rate

A very useful tool when trying to diagnose low thyroid especially when medical tests have shown a normal range

The Barnes Temperature Test is a simple test you can do at home to help indicate thyroid function. Your body’s temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which is largely controlled by hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.

Who should do the test and when?

• Women should perform this test during menstruation when female hormones (oestrogen & progesterone) are at their lowest level. Women need to start the test on the second day of their menstrual period.
• Men and post-menopausal women may start the test on any day.
• People with colds or conditions that would raise their temperature (e.g. fever) should wait until it subsides.
• It is best to take your temperature over 30 days for best results

How to do the test

• Before retiring to bed, place your thermometer by your bedside. Please read and follow instructions on package.
• Immediately upon waking take your temperature. It is important to remain still and quiet during the reading.
• Record the temperature and plot on graph. Keep a record for 5 days, preferably at the same time each day. Or, 30 days is good as there is more information available.

What do the results mean?

• Temperatures averaging below 36.3 C may reflect a low thyroid status. (hypothyroidism)

• Temperatures averaging above 36.8 C may reflect elevated thyroid status. (hyperthyroidism)

Conditions associated with hypothyroidism are:

• or lethargy
• Intolerance to cold
• facial swelling general edema
• Weight gain/loss
• Depression, irritability, anxiety
• Poor memory & concentration
• Dry skin & hair
• Headaches
• Menstrual problems/PMS
• Constipation, poor digestion
• Hoarseness or slow speech
• Recurrent infections.

Conditions associated with hyperthyroidism are:

• Bulging eyes (Graves Disease)
• Hyperactivity – fast pulse
• Difficulty in gaining weight/weight loss
• Insomnia, sleeping problems, nervousness/anxiety, irritability, palpitations
• Menstrual problems
• Increased sweating/perspiration
• Hyperactivity of the bowels

It is often not easy to detect a thyroid problem despite having the symptoms associated with this as there are so many other factors surrounding this such as stress, poor diet, other sickness or disease. By completing the chart it will indicate that something is not quite right so treatment can begin.

See other associated articles and complete the online health profile for further help or book a consultation with Trisha at her UK clinic. If you need further help please contact me.