What if I only took my temperature 1 or 2 times during the day? Are there are times I shouldn’t be taking my temp? My temperature dipped way down. Is there a problem? I don’t understand how to get my average temperature. What is all the space at the top of the chart for? What if I miss a day? How long should I do the charting?
What if I only took my temperature 1 or 2 times during the day?
Simply do your best. Some people will set an alarm on their phone or computer as a reminder to take their temperature. It's better to take your temperature even if it's not at the exact three-hour interval. So, if you end up taking it an hour too early or too late, the information is still helpful. Also, remember to divide by the number of times you took your temperature when you are determining your average for the day.
Are there are times I shouldn't be taking my temp?
You do not want to take your temperature immediately after eating or drinking anything. The temperature of the foods, as well as just the muscle activity of the tongue and jaw, chewing gum, can alter your temperatures.
My temperature dipped way down. Is there a problem?
How much your temperatures change is what the charting tool is designed to measure. Whenever we see a sudden average daily temperature dip down, it usually means your adrenals overworked, and ofter patients will state low temperatures are associated with low energy days. It is helpful to jot down any stress, food or activity you feel may have played a role in the fluctuation.
I don't understand how to get my average temperature.
Add up the temperatures you took during one day (there should be 3 of them) and divide by the number of temperatures taken. For example, 98.4 + 98.7 + 97.3 = 294.4 divided by 3 = 98.1 (your average temperature that day).
What is all the space at the top of the chart for?
Once you determine your average temperature for a given day, make an X in the corresponding box above your total. This charting of your temperature over time will reveal a general pattern that can be easily seen from the chart. Some patients find it helpful to use a number instead of an X on the chart. The number equals the total number of times the temperature was actually taken: a 3 means all three temperatures were taken while a two indicates only two of the three temperatures were successfully taken on any given day.
What if I miss a day?
Simply do your best and start again as soon as you remember. The more consistent you are, however, the more accurate your results.
How long should I do the charting?
The very first day provides a lot of information. Within a week, we can review the data and start a strategy for treatment and recovery. Each patient is unique and you will be taught how you can best take advantage of this tool, both in the beginning stages and later on during the maintenance stage.
Just for interest, I have been taking my temp when I first get up and am shocked at how low it is relative to the rest of the day. Is that normal basal body temp first thing in the a.m.? Also I am on armour thyroid and even with that it is rare that my temp approaches 98. Obviously that appears to be a problem.