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Thyroid and Fatigue

Doctors often think “thyroid” when patients complain of fatigue because of the long known relationship between thyroid and fatigue. They also tend to think “thyroid blood tests,” but patients can suffer from low body temperatures and debilitating fatigue even when their thyroid tests are normal.

The thyroid system is supposed to maintain normal body temperatures. Low body temperatures can cause tremendous fatigue!

One major problem, however, is that the body temperature is probably the most important reading doctors rarely check!

Frequently, problems with thyroid and fatigue leave people feeling tired all day with difficulty sleeping at night. Their fatigue is often better when their temperatures are higher (perhaps in the late morning) and worse when their temperatures are lower (perhaps in the late afternoon). Some people with fatigue due to low body temperatures can force themselves to work hard on a project for a day or two, only to “crash and burn” for days afterward. Still others have such severe fatigue they can barely function, if at all.

Often, when thyroid blood tests are normal, patients are told:

  • they’re fine
  • they are imagining their fatigue
  • that they’ll just need to learn to live with getting older
  • or perhaps that they should try an antidepressant.

However, for many, the fatigue is so severe they know something’s wrong.

They know there’s got to be an answer and that it’s just a matter of finding it. For thousands and thousands of people that simple answer has been restoring their low body temperature to normal.

Information on physician training for Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome HERE.

Success Story:

I feel like a miracle has come to me. I am now on my third month of T3 therapy and feeling so good. I have suffered extreme fatigue and low body temps for the past 20 months. I gained 20 pounds in a very short time and could hardly function at all for about 5 days out of 7. Now that I have been taking the T3 I have noticed such a huge difference, words alone could not express. I used to have days when my body temp average was 97 degrees and now I am up there at 98.4 and feeling on top of the world. … I have my life back again. I can now function as a normal person again, which is wonderful. I used to be so fatigued that I hardly had the energy to talk, and now I go around singing all the time. I feel so wonderful, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,
Rae, Tucson, Arizona

When the body temperature is normalized, dozens and dozens of seemingly unrelated symptoms often disappear. What’s really exciting is that the symptoms often remain improved even after the treatment has been discontinued.

Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome is a persistent but reversible drop in body temperature often brought on by stress, injury, or emotional trauma.

When people undergo stress, their bodies can slow down to help them cope with the stress. When their bodies slow down, their body temperatures drop. Unfortunately, most of the chemical reactions that take place in the body are catalyzed by enzymes that depend on normal temperatures for optimal function. That’s why a low temperature can cause so many different symptoms, and why normalizing a low temperature can clear up so many different symptoms.

When the stress has passed the average body temperature usually normalizes and the symptoms resolve. Sometimes, though, the temperature remains low and the symptoms persist, often worsening in stages after each successive stress.

It is more common in women and in people whose ancestors survived famine such as Irish, American Indian, Scot, Welsh.

The social and emotional effects of this condition can be devastating. People often feel as though they are at the end of their ropes, completely overwhelmed by even the smallest things, and living with a condition that is essentially invisible to others, even their spouses and doctors. Fatigue due to low temperatures can put enormous strain on families and careers.

But there is hope! Great hope. If you have fatigue you owe it to yourself to start checking your body temperatures by clicking here: How to measure body temperatures.

You can also use the tabs at the top of this page to look around our web site to learn more about what you or someone you love can do to hopefully recover.

About the Author:

Denis Wilson, MD described Wilson 's Temperature Syndrome in 1988 after observing people with symptoms of low thyroid and low body temperature, yet who had normal blood tests. He found that by normalizing their temperatures with T3 (without T4) their symptoms often remained improved even after the treatment was discontinued. He was the first doctor to use sustained-release T3.

64 Comments

  1. Susan M. Gibson April 15, 2013 at 2:24 pm - Reply

    Good afternoon,
    I have ordered, with regularity, and benefited from your ThyroCare; and occasionally your Adaptagen formula, for a number of years. My clinical nutritionist supports this choice.

    Having visited this new website I do not see the ability to log-in or proceed further. It appears I am now required to utilize one of your providers in order to place an order? I hope this is not the case. I would regret losing this nutritional support..

    Thank you for your attention.
    Susan M. Gibson

  2. J C Strickland November 7, 2013 at 6:53 pm - Reply

    I have fought fatigue, no libedo, hypothyroidism, asthma, easy weight gain, etc for years. I’m on Armor thyroid 1 grain in AM and 1/2 grain in PM. My last test showed my free T3 was high. It’s normally low. Saliva test shows cortisol low at 8am and high at midnight and 4am. I have an average temp of 96.4. Also had TPO antibodies of 120. Any ideas?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson November 13, 2013 at 7:56 am - Reply

      Yes, your symptoms can easily be explained by low body temperature.
      Normalization of body temperature is not guaranteed with normalization of blood tests with Armour. I would not expect you to feel well until your temp is normalized. Many people with low temps also have adrenal fatigue. I’d recommend you see a doctor on our referral list.

  3. Ashlee February 22, 2014 at 8:02 am - Reply

    Hi Dr. Wilson,

    I found your site this morning and I’m very intrigued. I used to always have a low temp that was “unexplained”. I’m ordering a thermometer so I can get my readings.

    I came to my computer this morning trying to find the answer to this question:

    At some point when I switched from Levothyroxine to Armour I felt AMAZING (not hyper, just good energy and clear minded) for about 2 weeks and then I went back to feeling crappy. That was about 1.5 years ago. How can I replicate this in a daily protocol so I can feel like that most of the time? I don’t have a great understanding of how that transition would be affecting my T3 so I’m curious if this is a protocol I should be pursuing with my Dr.

    Brief history: After a twin pregnancy my body crashed and I was hospitalized with a heart rate of 34 and BP as low as 62/28 and was frequently fainting. That was 6 years ago. I was never given any medical reason for this crash, but I’ve since realized that It must be adrenal fatigue. I’m much better than I was back then, but not great. 2 years ago my cortisol saliva test showed above normal highs in morning and night and low cortisol in the afternoon.

    Would you mind sharing with me any insight you may have regarding feeling great during that transition from Levo to Armour? Is there typically a correlation between T3 and adrenal fatigue? I know you’re very busy and I appreciate you reading this.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson February 24, 2014 at 1:08 pm - Reply

      Hi Ashlee :)
      When people go through stress, their adrenals can get fatigued and their metabolisms can slow down and their temperatures can drop. The number one stressor for this is childbirth. Twins would doubly qualify. T4 (Levo) commonly doesn’t help this condition known as Wilson’s Syndrome since T4 to T3 conversion is likely part of the problem. T4 can be converted to RT3 which can exacerbate the problem by further downregulating the deiodinase enzyme. Armour may work better for a time since it has some T3, but it might not work after a while (usually doesn’t work after about 2-3 months…but feeling bad in 2 weeks suggests a more severe conversion problem). Sustained-release T3 is often a more elegant and effective solution for this problem. Your doctors can call us at 800 420 5801 for a free discussion of your case.

  4. J Cole March 2, 2014 at 4:43 am - Reply

    I have been through a lot of successive stressful events on the last four or five years, but most specifically following the life-threatening (to me) birth of my daughter. I experienced worsening symptoms of extreme fatigue (put this down to being a single mum), debilitating anxiety and OCD, and recently irregular periods/hormonal interruptions, weight fluctuations (I am naturally quite small) and gradual onset of Raynauds Syndrome which is worsening each year. I am also picking up a lot of viruses, and have had a cold for almost a year now.

    Each traumatic event (there have been a few) has made me feel physically and mentally weaker, I have been ‘cold and numb’ for longer than I can remember. I am also incredibly sensitive to temperature – I get hot easily but minutes later can have numb fingers and toes if in an air conditioned building in summer – for example. I invested in a thermometer a few days ago, and so far when I have been feeling warm and comfortable I average 36.5-36.7c, but when cold with Raynauds symptoms (even just around house) I have dropped to 36.1c. Is this consistent with Wilson’s Syndrome?

    I am only 27 but my symptoms are ruining my social life and personal relationships, my ability to cope with stress, my confidence and my personal motivation. I really want to get better, I am usually an optimistic person but I feel so low and weighed down by my permanent poor health. I have felt embarrassed going to the doctors with my never-ending list of symptoms, and have felt almost too overwhelmed to tackle it. I am trying to change my diet, and also my lifestyle. I work hard to stay fit and possibly do not eat enough (although I feel that if I over ate I would gain weight far too easily) Please advise me! Thank you for your time.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson March 4, 2014 at 3:11 pm - Reply

      Hi Jess :)
      I can’t give medical advice over the internet, but I can say that your story is classic for WTS. I can also discuss your case for free with your doctor.
      Best!

  5. Jess March 8, 2014 at 8:36 am - Reply

    Hi! That would be fantastic. I have an appointment next week – please do let me know how I could arrange for that at some point.

    Kindest Regards,
    Jess

    • Dr. Denis Wilson March 12, 2014 at 2:44 pm - Reply

      Your doctor can call us at 800 420 5801 to set up a time.

  6. kaylin March 26, 2014 at 12:54 am - Reply

    I aslo been suffering from symtoms that the dr just cant explain to me whats going on, low body temp, hairloss, severe constipation and fatigue that depresses me to point were I cant even fuction some days! I forgot to mention im only 19 years old and I feel like m 50, plus I just had a baby 7 month ago. but all blood tests are coming back normal for t3, t4, an tsh but im not giving up just yet im still young n I just want my life back. I am confident its my thyroid although tests say otherwise

    • Dr. Denis Wilson March 26, 2014 at 5:46 pm - Reply

      Docs don’t realize that thyroid tests don’t measure the way people feel. Low temperatures correlate much better than thyroid tests when it comes to low thyroid symptoms. People with low temps may feel much better when their temps are better.

  7. Rebecca Hill April 11, 2014 at 10:23 am - Reply

    Hi,
    I am trying to find a doctor who is close to Northeast TN. I live in Kingsport TN.

    I have this syndrome plus no immune system, gut dysbiosis, candida throughout my body, etc…. fibro, the list goes on and on and I think it all stems from the adrenals being just bout dead, and my thyroid.

    Been ill for almost two decades, been to 25 plus docs and 3 out of state!

    None get this or cared.

    Do you know of any nearby?? I saw a nurse on here the other day in Knoxville, TN and now can’t find again. Do you know who this is? Please Please I am desperate, am truly considering suicide daily. ANd have been for so long. Must wait till my dog passes on she is 12 now. Can’t leave her to anybody.

    Well thank you for listening.

    Take care,

    Rebecca

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 16, 2014 at 9:56 am - Reply

      Hi Rebecca,
      Your suicidal feelings can be considered an emergency. We encourage you to call your local police department and tell them how you’re feeling. Your community probably has provisions in place that can keep you safe. I believe this is the nurse practitioner in TN you were looking for: Nancy Sprouse, FNP in Knoxville. 220 Fort Sanders West Blvd Suite 101; Knoxville, TN 37922

  8. Judith M. Cohen April 24, 2014 at 2:23 pm - Reply

    Hi Dr. Wilson,

    I’ve been struggling with my weight for many years, I have hypothyroidism. I’ve been taking triiodotironine for about 7 years now, and if just 1 day I eat a little bit more than I normally do, I can very easily gain 1 lb, and after that it is very slow for me to lose weight. I’ve been taking adaptogens for almost a year, and coconut oil, but I still feel I’m not normal about my thyroid, I live in Mexico city, please I would like to know if there is a physician here in Mexico who works with your system. Or, what do you recommend me of your products? Thanks a lot, take care,

    Judith.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 28, 2014 at 5:42 pm - Reply

      I don’t know of a doctor in Mexico City but most doctors that treat WTS have heard about it from their patients. Here’s some info you can use for that: http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/patients/recruiting-a-doctor/

      If your temperature is still low then your metabolism may not be right yet. You can have the doctor giving you T3 call me at 800 420 5801 and I can discuss your case.

  9. Judith M. Cohen April 24, 2014 at 2:25 pm - Reply

    Another question Dr. Wilson, do you ship to Mexico City? How much does it cost?

    Best regards,

    Judith.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 28, 2014 at 5:33 pm - Reply

      Yes, we ship to Mexico, the rate varies. You can call 800 621 7006 for more information.

  10. Shirley Palmer April 28, 2014 at 8:33 pm - Reply

    I am a 43 year old single mother of two. I am 7 years into Immunoglobulin replacement therapy for PIDD/CVID. I am completely iron depleted and vitamin deficit. This has damaged my gut and leaving my tissue oxygen starved. Could this affect the T4 to T3 transfer.
    I I am sleeping more the 15 hours a day. Constant vertigo and can’t drive any longer. I am FREEZING all the time more like a high fever but low on the thermometer. I have shaken furniture across a floor. My hands and feet go completely numb.
    Yes I was tested for thyroid, negative, even Cat scans on both thyroid gland and pituitary. With ultrasound on lymph nodes. Nothing.
    I know my disease is degenerative and terminal. I just need to feel better enough to care for my boys and my home. I just moved to a different state and am setting up new Drs. Oncology & Hematology is in the works. It’s this who I can discuss this with?
    Lynchburg Va or Roanoke Va if you could refer someone. Thank you. I need some hope here.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 30, 2014 at 7:46 am - Reply

      Hi Shirley, anyone can suffer from the effects of low temperature brought on by physical, mental, or emotional stress. Any kind of stress can decrease T4 to T3 conversion which can result in low temperatures and symptoms. The mental, physical, and emotional stress of your illness could easily qualify as a potential cause of low temperatures. Thyroid tests can be normal, but body temperatures can still be low and treatable, reversible. Mainstream oncology and hematology doctors would probably be less likely to know about or recognize this condition. However, if they are open-minded then they can certainly help you. You can check on the Doctors tab of our website for a doctor near you and you can try calling medaus.com to see if they know of a doctor near you. Best wishes :)

  11. Suzanna April 30, 2014 at 1:48 pm - Reply

    I have been suffering a constellation of symptoms for the last 12 months. The most troubling is a loss of muscle mass, facial puffiness, swelling of the hands and feet, extreme fatigue, constipation, joint pain, and extreme brain fog. I have seen numerous specialists over this time including several endocrinologists who ruled out GH excess as a cause of the facial changes. The only abnormal labwork to date (and I have had hundreds of vials taken) has been an abnormal CK level. Each specialist has considered myxedema, hypothyroid myopathy as potential diagnoses but of course my TSH, free T3 and T4 are normal. I must also add that these changes occurred 6-8 weeks after a very stressful life event. My temperature is 36.7 on average. I am seriously considering SRT3 but am wondering if you have seen a case like this before with such sudden onset and especially with the myxedema (which is everywhere but most apparent in the face). I must add that liver, renal and heart function are all normal. Although I do now (new) suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson May 7, 2014 at 7:07 am - Reply

      Yes, I have seen such rapid onset before and swelling is a very common symptom. Good luck!

  12. Karen May 1, 2014 at 8:07 am - Reply

    Hi Dr. Wilson:) I am 42, I have Rheumatoid arthritis, and was told i have Hashimoto’s. But recently my labs for thyroid have shown Low T3 (TSH is 2.550, Free T3 is 2.3, T4 is 5.8, Microsomal Antibody 4.2). My Dr. doesn’t want to put me on anything for my symptoms. My biggest complaints are COLD! (hands/feet too) and fatigue (which some of which may be R.A. related) thinning hair!, dry skin, depression (etc) I wanted to take raw thyroid gland but I wonder about your product for body temperature. Can you give me some insight? I appreciate your time.
    Karen

    • Dr. Denis Wilson May 7, 2014 at 7:13 am - Reply

      Low body temperature could explain some of your symptoms. Our supplements are designed to support normal body temperatures. I can’t say, however, what you should do in your specific case, but I can discuss your case for free with your doctor (800 420 5801)

  13. Judith M. Cohen May 7, 2014 at 5:50 pm - Reply

    Hi Dr. Wilson,

    I still don’t have a doctor in Mexico. Could I discuss my case with you directly by e-mail? Please give me an e-mail address. My hands are invariably always cold, and I can’t lose weight of fat. I would like to buy the treatment from you, Do you recommend me only the T3? Or something else? Thank you in advance.

  14. Patsy. R. Ford July 5, 2014 at 4:13 pm - Reply

    For the last 10 years or so I have had low body temp. Usually around 97.5. I have hypertension and fibromyalgia. My feet stay freezing 95% of the time and numbness occurs on the toes. I feel hot inside a lot and then chills . If I am outside in hot weather my pulse starts beating inside my head loudly .I get dizzy and usually end up with a sick stomack. I feel weak most of the time but heat seems to make it worse. I am also light headed a lot.. I have been thru some very stressful family problems. All test ran on me has been negative on thyroid problems. I also had a MR I done to rule out MS. Neg. Please please do you think u can help me. Is there a Dr. In or near Florence S.C. that you can recommend.? I have to also add that I stay very depressed and emotional almost all the time.
    Thanking, you I am.

  15. Apelila August 31, 2014 at 4:55 pm - Reply

    Dr. Wilson,

    I saw a comment from you that Armour might work for 2-3 months in some people.
    Is it your belief that T3 should be used long term? As in longer than it take for the RT3 to clear?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson September 7, 2014 at 6:56 am - Reply

      Yes, T3 can sometimes be helpful in some cases long term. However, many people can maintain temperatures on their own when they wean off T3 therapy.

  16. Bridget September 12, 2014 at 10:57 am - Reply

    Hi. Dr. Wilson,
    I am interested in your protocol after a recent fever from a kidney infection left 8 lbs lighter after a week. Life most hyothyroids there was nothing that was making my weight budge. I’m gluten free (no weight loss) dairy free (no weight loss) extreme reduction in sugar (no weight loss). And while my recent 8 lb victory could be the result of not eating much while i was sick, I also wasn’t burning much and if I understand the mechanisms of the body, I should have been producing rT3 naturally which would have reduced my ability to loose weight.
    So my question is, when dealing with conventional endo’s, to persuade them to look at alt treatments, they need some clinical studies or some published studies rather to convince them to look into. Could you tell me where I could find those type of studies so I can bring them with me to my next appt?
    Also, I would like to know, for a Hashimoto’s patient (which I am), do I need to make sure my antibodies are within normal reference ranges before using your protocol? It seems that if I don’t them my immune system will continue to attack my thyroid and continue to reduce my T4 production which effects my T3 production. I hoping that going gluten free and adding quality probiotics to my regime has resulted in the reduction of antibodies but it seems like if I don’t get that under control that I will need T4 and T3 hormones. It wasn’t clear to me if your theory is that normalizing the body temp automatically reduces antibodies.
    Thank for your time to clarify.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson September 14, 2014 at 8:11 pm - Reply

      My new book, sold on the website, “Evidence Based Approach to Restoring Thyroid Health” contains the references you’re looking for, hundreds of them. People with high TPO antibodies can be started on T3. Sometimes the antibody levels decrease with T3 therapy.

  17. Mindy November 17, 2014 at 12:09 pm - Reply

    I just had my thyroid blood test done and it came back as normal at 1.39. I am taking Synthroid of 1.25 mcg (1 time per day) and Cytomel of 5 mcg (3 times a day); however, I do not think my blood test is in the normal range. I am fatigued, sweating profusely, having occasional cold intolerance and most recently have started having muscle aches and pains.

    Does this sound normal? What would you suggest? My doctor says my thyroid is normal at this range, but I feel terrible!

    Thanks.

  18. Berenice January 22, 2015 at 1:49 pm - Reply

    Hi dr Wilson. I was daignose with thyroids more than 10 years ago. I go 4 checkups an blood tests. I’m on eltroxin 150grams per day. Most of my days I’m so tired, headaches, bloated constipated an pick up weight. I hardly feel well. Dr daignose me with hypertention too. I use tht medication as well. But still feel sick. Wht can I do 2 feel better? As this is effecting me big time. 57 years old an feel there have (o be a reason me feeling this way. I read all patients comments an I can really relate too some of them. Do u think I suffer the above .. Pls help me. Thk U so much . God bless.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson January 25, 2015 at 7:56 pm - Reply

      Hi Berenice :) I do agree that your story sounds very similar to those of the other people on the web site. I recommend that you visit a doctor on our list of medical practitioners. God bless.

  19. D A Rudi January 24, 2015 at 3:27 am - Reply

    6 year old has severe night sweats, low temp (as low as 95.5), tiredness throughout the day, allergies (major inhaled allergens, mold, dust, dust mite, dog, cat, mouse), heat intolerant…can this be WTS??? Suggestions on what tests would benefit would greatly be appreciated as I am the type who will ask questions, inquire, suggest, etc…I am logical so just call me Dr. MOM. Please advise.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson January 25, 2015 at 7:37 pm - Reply

      Hello Dr. MOM, Yes, low temperatures could account for all those symptoms. DNA is the code for life. Purpose of thyroid is to determine the SPEED that DNA is transcribed into life. The speed of the body is best measured with a thermometer. You’ve already done the tests. You can get any other tests you and the doctor would like to get to rule out any other possible illnesses you can think of. TSH would be a good test to get to see if there is primary hypothyroidism or not. If TSH is high, doctor could consider Antithyroid antibodies looking for Hashimoto’s.

  20. Kim January 31, 2015 at 3:04 pm - Reply

    Dr. Wilson,
    I am 10 months post hysterectomy, which put me into surgical menopause at the age of 46 (both ovaries removed) Had a saliva test that indicated my AM cortisol was the high end 11 and Cortisol HS low end 0.42. (other hormones in the tank too) My pharmacist has been helping me with a compounding Hormone cream. He had me monitoring my temperature as he thought it could be impacting my severe symptoms. My temperature is regularly 96.4. I have been seeing a nature-path who had my thyroid checked all in the normal range TSH 1.2, T4 FREE 11.1, T3 Free 4.1, Thyroperoxidase Ab 7. Both have said I have adrenal fatigue. Have been taking an adrenal supplement, Vitamin D, B12, omega 3. I have been experiencing aching body, fatigue, hot flashes both day and night, disturbed sleep, constipation, No libido, difficulty with concentration (retrieving basic nouns). How do I know if this is “normal” surgical menopause symptoms or Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome. Would it be harmful to try the Wilson’s protocol? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Kim

    • Dr. Denis Wilson February 3, 2015 at 3:42 pm - Reply

      The Wilson’s protocol is designed to help people with low temperatures to achieve normal body temperature’s. I I feel that the potential benefits of this protocol often outweigh the risks. Body aches, fatigue,trouble sleeping, constipation, low libido, trouble concentrating, are all symptoms of low body temperature. If you normalize your temperature and all those symptoms go away that would be the best indication that you were suffering from WTS.

  21. Lori April 22, 2015 at 6:36 pm - Reply

    I am still very confused about T3, T4, T3 uptake and what each do. I have Hashimoto’s and am currently taking Cytomel and Synthroid. Isn’t Cytomel a T3 hormone? My thyroid panel has been in a “good” range with the Cytomel and 100mg Synthroid, however my symptoms still persist. Mainly fatigue in the AM and PM (have to come home from work and take a long nap and then can still sleep all night and have difficulty waking up), but also brain fog and uncontrollable weight gain no matter my diet. I am not positive I run a low body temperature, but I always run a low blood pressure (not sure if they correlate?). I am seeing my physician next week. Is there anything I can ask her to look for in regards to WTS?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 26, 2015 at 7:46 pm - Reply

      Yes, Cytomel is T3. Thyroid medicine doesn’t correct symptoms until they normalize the temperature. There is no way for your doctors to know if your thyroid medicines are effective if they are not monitoring your body temperature. You can get a thermometer at the store and start measuring your body temperatures.

  22. Pam May 6, 2015 at 7:34 pm - Reply

    I’ve had Hashimotos for 30+ years. Ill and very poorly controlled until 2008 when I got a new Dr and she got my TSH down to 1-1.5. A new life!!i I felt great! Only nagging symptom was low body temp and cold all the time.I had to switch Drs. In Novof 2013 I was started on T3 and tittered up to 90 mcg bid, settling back to 75 bid. Felt ok for the most part. Definitely jittery at tines. No longer cold all the time. Early Last fall I started to feel very hyper. Jittery, ringing in ears, feeling weak. At the sane time I had a traumatic family event. Called my Dr who doesn’t do labs but muscle tests. He said to stay on 75. Mid Dec I asked my gyn who to run labs. TSH was .02, FT3 6.6, FT4 .07, RT3<5. Sent labs to Dr. He said to stay on 75 bid. Mid February I am unable to play tennis at all ( I am a 4.0 player) I don't have enough strength to hang onto the racket. Tripping while running. Muscke loss in arms, biceps, forearms, grip and calves and neck. I can't move my neck. Can't see dr he's on vaca and booked for 2 months. I lower my own dose to 45 bid. I feel like my life has changed forever. Weak, sore stiff muscles, tired. How do I heal from this? Help me please!

  23. Zach June 3, 2015 at 8:08 am - Reply

    What would your opinion be on symptoms that include fatigue, lack of focus but excessive sweating?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson June 7, 2015 at 8:32 am - Reply

      Yes, people with low temperatures can suffer from excessive sweating.

  24. Cindy July 2, 2015 at 3:47 pm - Reply

    13yrs ago I was diagnosed with Graves Diease. I was put on Tapazol and I felt better I was like a new person. After one year my doctor took me off of meds. Said graves Diease was in remission. Since than I have had hypo thyroid than hyper thyroid than thyroiditis. Last time was thyroidits 3 years ago. I have been struggling now for at least 8 months of fitigue now it is so bad I can hardly stand it. I must nap everyday. My arms feel like I can hardly move them and my legs. I’m having severe headachs and achy body. My everyday life is horrible. I have NO energy I feel like I’m slowly dieing I really do. I just got back from my doctor today and was told to take ibuprofen 800mg three times a day and go see endo doctor. How can a blood test say normal when you can’t even function. In ever day life and must lay down half of the day cause you can’t move. I’m so desperate for help and answers. I can’t take it anymore I swear it is so SEVERE!!! I have even lost my appetite from fitigue. Is there any hope for me?? Please can anyone help me?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson July 7, 2015 at 5:04 am - Reply

      Hi Cindy! Yes, there certainly is hope, and a very simple explanation. The whole purpose of thyroid hormone is to enter into the cells of your body and determine how fast they transcribe DNA, the “code of life”. Thyroid determines how fast you live. Thermometers measure how fast molecules are moving. Body temperature is an exact measurement of your metabolic rate. If your temp is low that can easily explain your symptoms no matter what your blood tests say. Blood tests measure thyroid hormone supply, but body temperature measures thyroid hormone expression…two very different things. You can go to a doctor listed here to help you out: http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/patients/medical-providers/

  25. Nasser November 2, 2015 at 9:39 am - Reply

    Hello,
    I became sick about 2 months ago with a fever and bad sore throat. It took me about 4 days to feel better. I am on a track team and took a few extra days off before I started running again. Ever since I became sick I have felt horrible running despite easing back in. I could usually run 6:30 mile pace easily for an hour run but now even 10 minute miles feel challenging. It was impossible for me to hit times in the workouts that I could hit with only slight effort before. After finishing easy runs I feel more exhausted than usual and sometimes get very lightheaded/dizzy. I took some time off (about a week) and am now only jogging for 20 minutes a day. All of the blood work I got done came back normal, but I still feel overly fatigued when doing what were typically easy things before. After reading this article some things sounded very similar so I took my temperature and it was 97.0 (not sure if that is low or normal), I just really want to feel better so I can feel good and train like I used to. I know I do not feel normal even though the blood tests are indicating it, any ideas on what might be up?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson November 9, 2015 at 6:49 pm - Reply

      Hi Nasser, low temperatures can explain your symptoms and the stress of an illness can bring on low temperatures, so you might consider visiting a doctor on our list of treating physicians.

  26. Debbie November 28, 2015 at 8:53 pm - Reply

    Hi Doctor,
    I sent a question in a while ago, but perhaps I sent it to the wrong web site (never got a response) I have Adrenal Fatigue (pretty severe), Hashimotos;, Fibromyalgia, and more. I have also had RAI about 15 years ago to treat hyperactive thyroid rage at that time (didn’t know there were other options). In any case, extensive thyroid labs show that my body does not convert the T4 (I take 2 grains of WP Thyroid per day) to T3 – it does not reach my cells as my RT3 is quite high. My doctor, Dr. Irina Lelchuk, recently attended your conference in Washington and became certified in your treatments. She believes it might be helpful foe me. My original and current question is – is it appropriate to use on someone who has had RAI? I ask because I read about eventually getting off the medication using your method and I believe I must take thyroid hormone in some form forever as my own thyroid function was destroyed. Please advise. I am not doing very well and look forward to the help.
    Thanks,
    Debbie

    • Dr. Denis Wilson December 5, 2015 at 5:52 pm - Reply

      Hi Debbie :)
      Yes, patients treated with RAI often do quite well with T3 therapy. Yes, patients with RAI will usually need to take some form of thyroid medicine for life. Several months of T3 therapy can often help patients have normal temperatures on less T4 containing medicine (like WP) after T3 therapy than they had on more T4-containing medicine before T3 therapy. Please say hi to Dr. Lelchuk for me :)

  27. Gloria Greene December 15, 2015 at 7:12 pm - Reply

    A year and half ago I had my thyroid taken out because of nodules. And I’ve been sick for a year and a half my doctor keep tell me it’s other problems but I know its not. I’m always tired and sometimes can’t sleep but when I do sleep it feel like I’ve never been asleep.I’m cold a lot legs and hips hurt my vision is blurry some day I feel better than others. I can’t Focus well on hot day I feel really bad. In my sleep my heart be pounding and wake me up. I just feel funny a lot my breathing is funny please help me out. I done been to every doctor and they can’t find nothing wrong with me. I’m on two pills a 175 and 150 levothyroxine and still feel the same help please. I be tired all day but at night it gets better today was a good day for me I have bad mood changes. I’ve seen you talking about temp mines today was98.1 is that’s why I felt better today. Should I stay on levthyroxine or go to amour I can’t spell it but it the real levthyroxine not the genetic kind

    • Dr. Denis Wilson December 20, 2015 at 3:50 pm - Reply

      Hi Gloria! A lot of people that had their thyroid glands removed that now have normal blood tests on levothyroxine still have low temperatures and still don’t feel well. The purpose of thyroid medicine is to give you a normal metabolic rate or body temperature. If your body temperature is not normal then your thyroid medicine is not adjusted properly. I’ll be happy to discuss your case with your doctor for free or you can see a doctor on our list.

  28. Tim Ely January 12, 2016 at 8:14 am - Reply

    Hello. I just stumbled upon your article trying to figure out why I still feel horrible. I am always tired and some days I just can’t function. I am a 45 year old male that was diagnosed hypo in 2006. The end of 2014 things started going bad for my body so my PCP sent me for a load of tests. Everything was normal with the exception of my thyroid. It was determined I have Hashimoto’s and nodules. I have been seeing my ENT every few months now to monitor the nodules and the last time I saw him one of the nodules had grown considerably so much so I will be having a biopsy in two weeks. On top of it my temperature is always low. Last time I had it checked it was 97.1. I have also started seeing an endocrinologist who switched me from levothyroxine to Tirosint. I started at 75MCG of Tirosint and my dose has gone up twice to 88 and now 100MCG. My PCP last week said my low temperature is nothing to worry about but I wasn’t satisfied hearing that since I feel terrible most of the time. He did take blood from me and I requested he check both Free T3 and Free T4. Thank you for your article. It is something I will bring up with my doctors when I see them next.

  29. Stephanie Brudzinski February 19, 2016 at 12:44 pm - Reply

    Hi, I have all the symptoms of hypothyroid and tests confirm it, but I have an average oral temperature of 99 degrees daily. I am weak and hot temperatures make me very weak. What explains my above average temp plus heat intolerance if I’m hypothyroid? Thanks!

    • Dr. Denis Wilson February 21, 2016 at 1:16 pm - Reply

      Possibly your thermometer is inaccurate. Possibly you have some form of chronic infection.

  30. Mary Garza March 8, 2016 at 4:10 pm - Reply

    I have to the best of my knowledge always run a lower body temperature 96.5. I’ve always struggled with my weight and other issues. And went into full menopause after my second child at 42. In June of 2013 I had some kind of cardiac event that no one can explain that put me in critical cardiac care for 4 days and took me 3 months to recover from. Afterwards my weight has gone up a little and makes sense considering I couldn’t do anything. It came back down to normal by early Jan ’14. I’m five six and a half and I typically weigh 145 to 147 without issue and I’m 46 years old with two children. But all of the sudden in February of 2014 my weight started to climb and it is continue to do so no matter what I eat or don’t eat or how much I exercise or don’t exercise or if I drink or if I don’t drink its been horrible I weigh over 180 pounds now. I just saw my ARNP. She said well there’s nothing wrong all of your tests are normal you just need to understand that as you get older you gain weight. Maybe you just need to see a GP. But everything is fine. I don’t understand why nobody thinks that how I feel and how I look matters. There is something seriously wrong with my body. As I read over the other statements and things that you have said Dr and it all really makes sense. At least I know that I’m not crazy and that I am correct. You reference t3 often in your statements does the thyrocare address this? I would be interested to have further communication with you in regards to this I really would love to not weigh in the 180 anymore when my typical average weight is 140 s. I would love to feel healthy and not sick feel like I have energy and not be exhausted feel happy and not depressed my vision has gotten so blurry over the last few years I can hardly see and it all happened all around the same time none of it really makes sense to me but everybody just says oh its just getting old I don’t believe that. I own a personal training business I’ve been in health and wellness for over 20 years I teach yoga I teach nutrition I can’t figure it out? I would be interested I have further communication with you in regards to this I really would love to not weigh in the 1 eighty’s anymore when my typical average weight is 140’s. I would love to feel healthy and not sick but after reading this I have finally a glimmer of hope. You are welcome to contact me directly via my email. Thank you so much for your time and for the research that you put into this. All the best I’m looking forward to your response. Mary

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 10, 2016 at 3:58 pm - Reply

      Hi, Absolutely, low body temperatures can contribute to easy weight gain. It’s not the only factor but it’s definitely A factor. If you had any extra stress in Feb then that could explain your body being pushed over the edge into gaining a lot of weight. Any of the doctors on our list would be a good consideration for you.

  31. Mrs Donna March 29, 2016 at 6:40 pm - Reply

    So with a thyroid disorder and on meds for 7 years and blood test say normal with same meds but memory lost and always tired and sometimes angry and don’t wanna leave the house …..are theses side effects …Also weight gain ..hard to lose weight

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 10, 2016 at 2:41 pm - Reply

      Low temperatures can explain these symptoms and most doctors aren’t focused on using medicines to normalize the temperatures. Using medicines to make tests normal will not always make temperatures normal.

  32. Linda March 30, 2016 at 5:33 pm - Reply

    I find hair loss, tiredness, blurred vision, swelling of legs and hands still ocurring after iodine treatment, yet I’ve been discharged from hospital, how can this be when I don’t receive treatment for it, I know I don’t feel right, but doctors at hospital don’t seem to care.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 10, 2016 at 2:39 pm - Reply

      These days, doctors are trained to treat the tests more than the patients. They are not familiar with low body temperatures as a sign of dysfunction. A low body temperature can easily explain a lot of your symptoms. Some people with normal iodine can still have low body temperatures..

  33. Daniel April 3, 2016 at 10:06 am - Reply

    Dear Dr Wilson . My mother is 61 years old . She always feeling cold specially in her hand and foot even though she wears warm clothing sucks and cover herself with few blankets she still feel very cold even when it’s summer and pretty hot She can not sleep for more than 4-5 hrs and she does wake up in between like every hour or so. She is skinny even though she does eat a lot . Her skin is always pale and always have muscle joint and bone pain in her shoulder knees and arms. She did blood test and thyroid gland test and they all came back normal. Any advice for any specific test or any information that can help her would be much appreciate it .

  34. Lia April 26, 2016 at 5:24 pm - Reply

    I am hoping to receive some clarification on the topic of body temperature. My morning basal temperature is usually between 97.3-97.9. I’ve had many fT3 and fT4 tests done and they all come back considered normal but definitely on the low end of the normal spectrum. I have many strange symptoms that could be described as hpothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism , but usually in the late afternoon/evening my temperature will rise to 98.8-99.1. Is this consistent with Wilsons or hypothyroidism? Everywhere I have looked they say it could be adrenal issues but my cortisol is normal-high, not low and I’ve even done a trial small dose hydrocortisone with no symptome improvement noted. Thanks for any inside you can offer!

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