Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome

One complaint I see a lot in practice is that despite having normal blood work, my patients still don’t feel well. They struggle to lose weight and have noticed that their hair is thinning or shedding; they are exhausted, have anxiety and depression. Often these concerns began after a significant stressor or chronic stress and even after that stress has passed they still feel awful. They are convinced that their thyroid isn’t working properly and despite what the blood work says, they are often right. What they are experiencing is known as Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome and is the suboptimal functioning of the thyroid gland. I recently attended a conference about this concern and am excited to help these patients really achieve their health goals.

Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion; and the best method to identify it is through a therapeutic trial. In a therapeutic trial, we begin treatment on a patient and monitor their response. To assess for Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome you can also assess the average body temperature of the patient. Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome is characterized by oral body temperatures averaging below 98.6°F or 37°C.

Since most patients complain of symptoms that they experience during the day, it is recommended that temperatures be measured throughout the day.

Recommendations for monitoring temperature:

• By mouth with a thermometer
• Every 3 hours
• 3 times a day, starting 3 hours after waking
• For several days (not the 3 days prior to the period in women since its higher then) for diagnosis.
• Every day during treatment.

Patient Resources:

Temperature Log

Dr. Jen Newell is passionate about helping people embrace health, feel amazing and easily incorporate “real” food into their busy lives. Her mission is to make health accessible and achievable, and to inspire patients to live an active, vibrant and healthy life.

Jen has a clinical focus on digestive health, food sensitivities and healthy nutrition; mental health and stress-related illness; women’s health, hormone balance and fertility; optimal aging; and dermatology. She focuses on integrating healthy foods into one’s diet in a medicinal and therapeutic capacity and providing individuals with nutritional support that is easy to incorporate into a busy day. Dr. Newell practices at the Integrative Health Institute in Downtown Toronto.
Photo Credit: JD Hancock via Compfight cc