AFTER THE BABY'S BIRTH, A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO WELLNESS, by Robin Lim (1991). Highly recommended, this book helps women and their families have a healthier, saner postpartum experience.

WILSON'S SYNDROME, THE MIRACLE OF FELLING WELL, by Denis Wilson (Cornerstone Publishing, 1994, call 1-800-621-7006).

WILSON'S SYNDROME, DOCTOR'S MANUAL, by Denis Wilson (Cornerstone Publishing, 1994, call 1-800-621-7006).

Taking Your Basal Temperature

Copyright (c) 1985 Pizzorno and Murray, A Textbook of Natural Medicine.

Your body temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which is largely determined by hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The function of the thyroid gland can be determined by simply measuring your basal body temperature. All that is needed is a thermometer.

Procedure:

1. Shake down the thermometer to below 95F or 35C and place it by your bed before going to sleep at night.

2. On waking, place the thermometer in your armpit for a full ten minutes. It is important to make as little movement as possible. Lying and resting with your eyes closed is best. Do not get up until the ten minute test is completed.

3. After ten minutes, read and record temperature and date.

4. Record the temperature for at least three mornings (preferably at the same time of day) and give the information to your physician. Menstruating women must perform the test on the second, third and fourth days of menstruation. Men and post-menopausal women can perform the test at any time.

Interpretation:

Your basal body temperature should be between 97.6F and 98.2F (36.44C and 36.77C). Low body basal temperatures are quite common and may reflect hypothyroidism.

Common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Depression, Difficulty in losing weight, Dry skin, Headaches, Lethargy or Fatigue, Menstrual problems, Recurrent infections and Sensitivity to cold.

High basal temperatures (above 98.6F or 37C) are less common, but may be evidence of hyperthyroidism.

Common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Bulging eyeballs, Fast pulse, Hyperactivity, Inability to gain weight, Insomnia, Irritability, Menstrual problems and Nervousness.