Have you ever thought that there has to be a REASON that you are suffering from anxiety when others do not? Are you looking for answers?
Here’s a really good answer for a lot of people that suffer needlessly from anxiety and panic attacks: Low body temperatures are more than enough to explain anxiety and panic attacks. Low temperatures are often reversible, and when corrected, people often remain improved on their own (without drugs) free of anxiety and panic attacks.
The connection between thyroid and anxiety is that low thyroid can lead to low temperatures and low temperatures can lead to anxiety. However, most people with low temperatures and symptoms have normal thyroid blood tests. Many of them suffer from a reversible condition known as Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome. Wilsons Temperature Syndrome can be treated with a special thyroid protocol known as the WT3 protocol, and sometimes people can normalize their temperatures on their own with proper diet, exercise, stress reduction, and rest.
Success Story:
In 1998 after my first daughter was born I began experiencing Wilsons Temperature Syndrome symptoms. I have MS, so everyone, including myself, just thought the extreme fatigue was due to my illness and having a baby. Then I began experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia and panic attacks after another stressful event when my baby was 18 months old. I then began to think that there was something else besides the MS.
Texas
The body temperature is probably the most important reading doctors rarely check!
People’s bodies and body temperatures can slow down in response to severe stress such as childbirth, divorce, or the death of a loved one. After the stress has passed they are supposed to return to normal but sometimes they don’t. Nevertheless, with proper support and encouragement they often can return to normal.
If you have anxiety and/or panic attacks you owe it to yourself to start checking your body temperatures by clicking here: How to measure body temperatures. You can track your temperatures on our free temperature log which you can print.
You can also use the tabs at the top of this page to learn more.
And be sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter for success stories, news, encouragement, tips, and questions and answers.
Dr. Wilson:
Is it possible that a person has normal temperature but still suffer from hypothyroidism?
HN
Yes, because there is a possibility that something else could be making the temperature artificially high. However, if a person has symptoms of hypothyroidism and has a normal body temperature, a more likely explanation would be that the thermometer is wrong and the person should check with other thermometers. Even some glass thermometers are inaccurate so it’s best to check with more than one.
Hi, Dr. Wilson.
I am a great example of a hypothyroid patient with normal body temperatures. I When I take my temperature with a GeraTherm thermometer, it is CONSISTENTLY 98.6. Here is a sampling of my symptoms:
Hair loss and breakage
Short hairs all around face
Constipation
No libido
Debilitating menstrual cramps
PMDD
Fatigue
Dry, cracking skin
Depression
Severe anxiety & OCD
Coldness
Bladder problems (Especially terrible urgency)
Acne
Puffy eyelids
Thinning outer brows
Over 60 days I have started and increased my T3 dosage to about 40 mcg. Lots of benefits already, but still room for improvement. Do you think that someone like me could do Wilson’s protocol? I would be concerned that I’d hit hyperthyroid without having temperature as a guide.
I am interesed in the previous comments about anxiety and OCD. …I have an onagoing OCDbut only recently noticed anxiety.
I am interested indealing with the OCD but just thought it was from some trauma in childhood.
If you have info on te OCD and how to determine if it comes from thyroid disorder let me know
thanks
If the OCD gets worse when other symptoms of low temperature gets worse, it is more likely to be related.
My BP is so out of control I am on 7 different meds , have had heart issues and my body temp is 96 I can’t sleep I get the shakes like I have a 104 fever . My BP shoots up to 240/140 could this be my issue. I have gone to the ER a number of times and they start throwing around panic attack or anxiety and I’m not on any meds for that. I feel like I am being dismissed , but clearly feel like there is something wrong with me. This always happens at night before I fall asleep. I am at my wits end.
When a person falls asleep their BP can drop and the body can compensate by pumping out a lot of adrenal. Some people have night time panic episodes that can diminish with T3 therapy. It seems that the T3 supports the temp which supports the vessels, which supports normal BP without the person having to pump out alot of epinephrine.
Some people are able to wean off their BP medicine once their temperatures are normalized.
Thanks for the answer I never make it to the sleep cycle in the last 4 days I have slept 5 hours . Again tested for adrenal issues but negative. A couple of my doctors have told me they would never be able to get an accurate reading because the BP meds I am on block some of my hormones. Just been very frustrating and I feel horrible for my family having to deal with this stuff .
Hi Dr. Wilson I’ve had anxiety & depression W/ panic attacks since the early 90s. I have been on many meds I have a great psyciatrist. I take 200 mg. Limogatrine & Lexapro but I still feel low grade anxiety & depression. I took my temperature on a glass & digital thermometer & both are 96.1 is this enough to cause these problems?
Absolutely, absolutely.
Dr. Denis,
I’ve suffered over the past 10 years with anxiety/depression and prescribed antidepressants.
Throughout these 10 years, whenever I was not taking the AD’s (I’ve gone off of them by
myself when I feel good) and have a high stress life event, the anxiety/depression comes back.
I’ve just experiences this situation again in March-2013 and the AD’s don’t work anymore and
my pdoc has me on a ton of other medication. Also, I just had my TSH, T3 & T4 checked and
it’s low. My Biomedical doctor has me on T3 now.
I logged my temperature over the course of 3 weeks and my temperature ranged between
97.1 – 97.6. Is this low enough to be considered WTS?
Absolutely.
I have been in synthroid for 1 week an have anxiety about traveling I want this anxiety to go away I have had it since my 2nd son was born will the synthroid help it ho away or what should I do please
I can’t provide you medical advice over the internet. Anxiety can be due to a low body temperature. Synthroid may or may not normalize a person’s body temperature. Best :)
Hi doctor, I am also hypothyroid. I was diagnosed 5 years ago, but at that time I had extreme stress and worked out excessively and only ate low fat, and healthy proteins. I was told my estrogen level was in a menopausal state and my testosterone was high and my dheas live was very high. An endocrinologist put me on .50 mg of dexamethasone to take at bedtime. It brought my period back and my estrogen level became normal after a couple months. But I still suffered panic attacks and insomnia and anxiety. 6 months later I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I’m still on 25 mcg of levothyroxine. I also feel like my body is sensitive to sugar and caffeine , I also suffer from nightmares . Sorry for rambling , there is just so much and 3 years ago I gave up on trying to figure it out. I am now only taking levothyroxine and 20mg of Paxil. I weaned off the dexamethasone with the advice of a homeopathic doctor. Any advice or idea? I am also unable to get pregnant.
Hi Ashley, in my opinion, if a person is on thyroid medicine but their temperature is still low then their treatment may not be adjusted properly. Inasmuch as I can’t give advice over the internet, you could check with a doctor on our list.
Forgot to tell you this happened when I was 22 , and I’m now 27
Heard about Wilson’s syndrome back in 2002, tested my temp, and found I had 95 – 96 fairly regularly. Doctors tested me, told me I had no thyroid problems, as my test results were ‘within normal’ range. I was a single mom raising 2 children, had to work full time, and was utterly exhausted constantly. Over the years, my weight went from 140 to over 250 pounds. No reason – I always ate healthy foods. I sort of gave up and decided that this is just my plight and I’d better get used to it. Well, I’ve been seeing a doctor and have been on the HCG diet since January (4 wks on, 4 wks off), but my weight loss is not satisfactory. While others lose 1-2 pounds a day, I would lose 2 pounds a week. I kept insisting it was my thyroid – and of course just like all the other doctors he didn’t buy it. Then I mentioned Wilsons Syndrome. My doctor’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He asked, you know about him? Um, yea. Then my doctor told me that he had just learned about Dr. Wilson’s theory the previous week. O M G like how can I know more than my doctor? Long story short – he decided to prescribe ARMOUR THYROID 15 MG every other day. I felt a change about 20 minutes after my first dose. It was sort of like a tiny shot of adrenaline. I could think better. I slept better. I was calmer. Then my second dosage. No adrenaline feeling this time – just an overall feeling of ‘getting normal.’ Took my third dose this morning. I’m nearly in tears. Thirty years I’ve suffered with this – since my late 20’s. Dr. Wilson, it saddens me that the vast majority of doctors are intellectually stunted, and cannot always embrace change. (sort of reminds me of what happened to the doctor who said docs should wash their hands after dissecting and before delivering babies – I believe he lost his license). I have no words to thank you for not only observing the link between body temperature and the thyroid, but being stubborn enough to stick with it. Thank you, thank you.
I’m so glad to hear you are feeling better!
Dr. Wilson I am searching for answers to my ongoing symptoms. I have the same cycle of symptoms but they come on at random times and last anywhere from an hour to half a day. Mostly the symptoms will start late afternoon. I will get lightheaded and if its really bad, a dizzy sensation as if im going to pass out but never have. I start to panic and then my lower shins will hurt and my left side of my neck feels like its inflammed but no visible sign. Once these symptoms start to leave i feel like the day after one has had the flu, which might last a whole day. I am in my 40’s and this attack has been ongoing for 4 years. I have changed my diet: no caffefine, sugar, alcohol. I work out at a boot camp 3 times a week. I have seen my doctor to the point he doesnt know what to do. I have had blood work several times, seen a cardiologist, neuro, gastrologist, brain scan, and full body mri. This is very frustrating to live this way and also not knowing what is attacking my body. I keep thinking my body is responding to something in my diet. I only know that after ice cream that I have had these issues. Thanks for any direction in this
I haven’t heard all of these symptoms before (like the shins hurting), however, low temperatures can explain a lot of surprising symptoms. I wonder if the coldness of the ice cream is contributing to the symptoms. For example, you can consider whether ice water causes the same issues. You can check your temperatures when you feel your worst and when you feel your best to see if there’s a correlation.
I have suffered serve anxiety for years, am on Effexor 180 mg daily and now taking Xanax , I quit smoking and have been vaping and I feel like I’m dying! Serious anxiety shakes dizzy heart beating so fast shakes. I went down to a low dose of vaping and I’ve been looking to see if valuing may have caused my symptoms and came across this I have all the signs of thyroid issues and Effexor can cause issues with thyroid as well. I’ve been on Effexor 12 years and it’s not helping these symptoms numbness in face arns legs dry skin hair loss chest pain what test do I tell my doctor to do? He did a thyroid test and it came back normal I’m really scared
Dr. Wilson, I have the same symptoms! It happened today – it started with dizziness, then a headache, then a migraine and then a full blown panic attack. I have always had an abnormally low body temp., and have had both Graves’ and Hashimoto’s. The hashi’s symptoms have improved tremendously, though I still have a goiter. My integrative physician says my T3 and T4 levels are perfect (don’t have them handy at the moment) and I have lowered my TgAb antibodies from the mid 700’s to approx. 45 by eating gluten free, reducing grains, and healing my gut with probiotics. But the panic attacks are very frightening. I also get the left side chest symptoms and have been to the ER on a few occasions. I was even on the cardiac unit overnight and they determined that everything is perfect. However, when I was on Armour, I got mild panic attacks while driving and I felt better off of the medication.
Dr. Wilson, I appreciate your input.
Your temperatures might be low even if you are on Armour and your tests are normal. Low temps can easily explain your panic attacks.
Dr. Wilson,
i have an FT3 at the very bottom of normal range (4.2 range 4-7.8) and FT4 is 19 (11-22)
would this be something that supplementing with T3 could help? i have weird muscle sensations, tinnitus, weakness in legs, anxiety. i don’t want to send the FT4 any higher.
Thank you.
When people are driving down the highway and want to know how fast they are going they look at the speedometer not the gas gauge. In a similar way, we can look at the temperature in addition to the blood tests to see how fast the body is operating. The purpose of the thyroid system is to determine the speed the body functions, and that is measured best by the body temperature. Ringing of the ears and anxiety can be due to low body temperatures. T3 and nutrition and exercise can improve body temperature.
Hi! I have all the symptoms of hypothyroid. I can’t lose weight for trying, in fact, the more I restrict calories and increase exercise the more weight I gain. I am exhausted with constant fatigue. I am always cold, have Raynauds, hair texture change, breakage etc. I have pitting edema in legs but not ankles and doc says my heart is fine, bp is low/normal and the water retention is weight related (i am 60 pounds over weight now.) The list could go on and on. My body temperature is usually between 95.8 and 97.4 (depends on month and cycle)
My TSH is at 0.8! This is on low end of normal. I have massive anxiety and periodic severe panic attacks, with high fight/flight response which affects everything, esp sleep), which I attribute (rightly or wrongly) to my thyroid (it feels remarkably “rushy” sort of anxiety unrelated to any thought patterns, very much like when I had post-partum thyroiditis and lost about 80 pounds putting me 30 pounds underweight). I also have thyroid nodules that I have ultrasounds for every 6 months to follow the growth so they can determine biopsy/removal at next appt (my third U/S).
SO, finally the question. COULD my body actually be hypothyroid, or at the very least suffering from WTS and my TSH is being skewed by those thyroid nodules making me appear to not have hypothyroidism? I tend to listen to my body and I *know* that something is just not right. I feel like I get hypothermia in a cold room and then have immense trouble heating back up, with massive shuddering chills. Even if my skin feels only cool to touch I feel freezing and have chills. I am very temperature intolerant and this did NOT use to be the case.
I want to treat this the correct way, and I am going to seek out a naturopath here in Southern ontario thanks to your listings (thank you!) but am curious as to whether the nodules could skew the results or if i am just looking at this in wrong way. Thanks again for the great info/advice on this site! I am in the midst of a great deal of reading here !
Absolutely, people with low TSH can have WTS and consequently low temperatures and low thyroid symptoms. Good luck :)
was tested last aug 2013 all thyroid tests , the were low, retested sept 2014 even lower so she put me on armor thyroid 30 mg .but never took my temp. some hair breakage around face 58 yrs old did have really bad cramps with my period when i was younger but post menopausal now have a lot of stress had stress when tested last year could my thyroid return to normal? When should i be retested to see if this dosage is right for me? thanks for any help.
It is possible for a person with hypothyroidism to recover. Armour may or may not help that come to pass. I can’t give medical advice over the internet but I’d be happy to discuss your case for free with your doctor (doctor can call 800 420 5801 to make arrangements)
Dr. Wilson. I can not find any doctors to prescribe Armour in the Michigan area do you know any. And do you think Armour helps getting you temp to be more normal Thank you
Hi Dr. Wilson!
I just found your website after trying to find the source of my illness. I believe I have had this issue for most of my life! The doctors I have been to always tell me my blood tests are normal. My mother and her mother have been on thyroid medication most of their life, but my tests always come back normal, since my late teens. My poor mother even on meds has severe hair loss in the front area. I have been or have suffered from almost every symptom, the most bothersome severe anxiety. I have been controlling it with diet for the last 10 years, which upon going dairy and gluten free, it has been 95% gone. Recently, I turned 45 and have been having night time panic attacks around 2-4am, 1-2 times a week, started missing periods, red face and chest, dry hair and skin, no libido and too many more to mention. My OBGYN ran tests and put me on progesterone cream. This did help some, but I still have all the issues. I know that I also have very high estrogen from a lot of my symptoms. All my thyroid tests came back normal and the only problems he found was high iron at 190ng/ml (15-150 norm) and very low D3 at 15. My thyroid results were Free T4 .95 (.80-1.80 norm) Free T3 3.3 (norm 2.4-4.5) TSH was 2.129 (.300-5.000 norm) Earlier this year, I went to a neuro for neuropathy and he diagnosed me with Fibro, which after reading all this I am convinced it is my thyroid! I started zinc and co-enzyme b vitamins and they have helped with the neuropathy. I just wanted say thanks for all of this info. I called my OBGYN today and am waiting on him to call me back to see if he will help with this. I noticed that there is a local pharmacy that compounds the T3 on your website that he uses. I live in OK and it is hard to find an open-minded physician here. Wish me luck!
Good luck Stacy!!
Hi Dr. Wilson!
I have been using a Geratherm thermometer for testing temperature for a few days and have found that after 4 minutes’ use the figure it gives is much lower than after 10-15 minutes. For how long should one keep the thermometer in the mouth?
Hi D.S., I think that’s a very good question. I think 6-7 minutes is a reasonable amount of time…and I’d recommend trying not to move it around in your mouth very much in the process. Just like your skin might turn red if you slap it hard, likewise, stirring up the bottom of your tongue might result in increased blood flow to the area due to the mechanical agitation. This increased blood flow could lead to increasing temperature since the temperature of the core of your body is about 1 degree higher than the temperature of your mouth. Regards :)
Hi again Dr. Wilson,
I started the SRT3 and I am having undesirable side effects. I can’t seem to go up in my dose as well. The highest I have gone so far is two 7.5mg am/pm. I recently went back down to the minimum dose, one 7.5mg pill am/pm. When I take my night time dose, I get high heart rate and palps about 20 minutes of taking it. It only lasts for a few minutes, but my heart rate goes up to 100-120. In the mornings it’s a little high too, in the 90’s. It’s usually in the 70-low 80’s. I’ve been on the protocol for about 10 days now. I also get extremely sleepy in the afternoon and am ready to go to bed by 9, which usually I have to make myself go to bed. My temps have been leveling more, but the highest so far is 98.1 and it’s always the highest in the evening. I haven’t had one in the 96’s for a few days now. It’s averaging more in the mid 97’s. Yesterday I tried going up two caps in the am and didn’t feel very good all day. Tired, groggy and dizzy. When I first take it, I feel a little energy and then it fades away over the next few hours. I didn’t take my pm dose last night and still woke up after an hour of sleep with racing heart (102 bpm). What do you suggest? After research, I am thinking it may be weak adrenals. So, my symptoms are occasional racing heart, mainly in the evening, headache, some dizziness and fatigue. The only thing I am taking besides the SRT3 is progesterone cream, D3 and some other vitamins. On a positive note, my dry skin and bruising have gone away after just the second dose! This is encouraging and lets me know I definitely needed it, but I need to know how to get the symptoms under control. Thank you for your time!
My 17 yr old daughter has severe hair loss, eyebrow thinning, easily stressed, but usually happy. Dry skin,. Low body temps and low no. She is a bit underweight, very active.
Please help!
Dr. Denis Wilson,congrats for your amazing job in helping people discovering what they are really suffering for!! You are amazing!!! My doctor(endocrinologist) diagnose me with hypogonadism,I am following a treatment for Low T, but still symptoms of depression,anxiety,panic attacks,headaches, fatigue,brain fog.. I also have a very low SHBG = 7 nmol/L , this could be a sign for thyroid problems right? What about wrinkles,low back pain? Do you think it could be related to this syndrome as well ? I have checked my temperature : 10:30 A.M – 96.44 F , 12:30 A.M – 97.52 F , I will keep checking till the end of the day! My doctor checked my thyroid with a scan,and says everything is normal, I do not trust those scans! How can I convince him to dig further for thyroid? What should my next step look like ? Please,can you give me a advice ?? I am from Europe, I don’t want to waste your time,thank you very much!! Have a good day sir!
Thank you so much for the compliment! Based on your low temperatures, it is possible that your thyroid needs a boost (which may not show up as a problem on a scan). I recommend looking for a doctor who prescribes T3, and if you can’t find one, you may want to try an herbal formula such as ThyroCare (with iodine, selenium, and supportive herbs) to improve symptoms. All facets of the endocrine system are interrelated, so it’s not surprising that your other hormones are out of balance. Good Luck!
I was in the ER tonight from what is called a panic attack. I felt as if I was having a heart attack. I’ve been told that I am a mystery lately, because my thyroids show high on one blood test. Then next as if I do not have a thyroid issue. But I am very hot, then my eyebrows are thinning. My hair is breaking, and my skin is different. I have difficulty sleeping (insomnia) ,Heart palpitation,Increase, sweating Muscle weakness ,Nervousness Problems with Shortness of breath, Vision changes Dizziness,Thinning of hair, and constipation, and Itching and hives. My family from my dad, mom, pawpaw, sisters, aunts, grandmother, and my daughter all have thyroid issues. some high some low. When given the normal test, none of them show thyroid issues. But when other test have been preformed, they show thyroid problems. Either graves, hyper or hypo. My family has passed this year, and I never asked what test they took, and my drs think I’m nuts for asking for another test. I know that something is wrong. If it acts like a duck or looks like a duck shouldn’t it be treated as a duck. In other word. Why can’t it just be treated? But also are there other test to check the thyroid?
Hi Misty, Your symptoms are consistent with low temperatures. One easy test you could try is to measure your body temperature, if your body temperature is low then you can go to a doctor listed on our website and maybe he will to help you get your temperature back to normal. When your temperature is normal perhaps your symptoms will go away.
Do you have experience with schizophrenia?
Have you seen schizophrenia disappear with T3 therapy?
I’m just now learning about the connection between Thyroid and low body temp. My three daughters and I are consistently 96.8… Nurses always think that’s funny, I always explain that when my kids get fevers of 101 it’s high for them! Thus far I’ve had one daughter, my youngest at 9 years, tested and she has low T3 and a lot of anxiety. We are scheduled to see an Endo on Friday, any suggestions?
Only that you might want to be aware of the hundreds of references in my book: “Evidence-based approach to restoring thyroid health” Those references may help your doctor have an open mind about why your temperature is low even though your blood tests are normal.
Hi I have pcos, after having my son I have terrible anxiety panic attacks, Insomnia and extreme fatigue… Hot and cold flushes and extreme nausea. I was diagnosed with postnatal depression, The anti depressants don’t work ( been on them 15 months ) I am afraid to go back to my doctor as I am just ignored as I have mental Health apparently I really have a lot of the symptoms of Wilsons… Carpel tunnel is another bad symptom… but the only answer I get from doctors is loose weight … I cant loose weight because i am so exhausted.
Is there anything i can do to try help myself please?
Hello Dr. Wilson,
I know a guy under a LOT of stress, two years ago he was diagnosed with hyperthryoid after losing 30 pounds in about three weeks. Testing was done and this guy had super low antibodies for Graves or Hashimotos., The stress went down and all things returned to normal… 2 years later, this guy has elevated TSH ( 5.3 ) and is experiencing very mild anxiousness (wouldn’t quite call it anxiety and for sure no panic), but it’s un-nerving because it comes and goes. He has been on Testosterone replacement therapy for almost 15 years ….. do you think RT3 could be involved here? Also I read a study where Zinc over time reversed a lot of hypothyroid conditions (even normalized T4/T3 conversion) , do you have any comment on zinc therapy?
Yes, stress can lead to thyroid issues. A high TSH explains low body temperature and symptoms, regardless of his RT3. Although, if he’s taking iodine supplements that can also increase TSH. If he’s not hypothyroid and he’s not on iodine then stress and RT3 could also explain low body temperatures. Yes, Zinc is a cofactor in the conversion of T4 to T3 so zinc supplementation can sometimes help.
Hello
I am on levothyroxine 125 mcg as a hashimotos patient for 29 years..if i take your supplement will it affect me so that i shd have my blood checked ..meaning will the supplement. Cause me to have to adjust my dosage
I don’t feel that blood tests are the best indication of how people should adjust their thyroid medicine. I feel it should be adjusted on choosing which thyroid hormone to use and going by symptoms and body temperature. I don’t expect people to feel well until their temperatures are normal. Therefore, I don’t feel that the supplement will affect your blood tests in a meaningful way.
Dr. Denis Wilson
Tested positive for hyperthyroidism in 2000, my Dr. at that time did an ultrasound and then I had some procedure done at a hospital. The Dr told me that I was accumulating to much iodine but did not put me on and meds. In 2005 I was tested again and was told I had two nodules and that my thyroid functions where normal. My primary care Dr. Tests me every year with blood work and ultrasounds and so far he says it’s still normal. But I get very cold or very hot. I have very dry skin and I really don’t know how I still have hair. I was diagnosed in 1992 with lupus, sjorgen syndrome and raynauds syndrome. More recently fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia, arthritis and on and on. I am presently on butrans patch an still experience a lot of pain everywhere on my body. Do you think that may be this could be part of the culprit for my symptoms. I know that you can’t diagnose me but should I have my primary care Dr. Test me for this.
Thank you
Rosa
Hi Rosa :) Certainly the stress of chronic illness can contribute to low body temperatures and the symptoms associated with it such as fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia, hair loss, joint pain, and others. Yes, I’d be happy to discuss your case with your primary care doctor for free. Wilsonssyndrome.com discusses the diagnosis and treatment. Best!
Hi Dr. I have hypothyroid and on armour thyroid pills. I was on bio- identical progesterone and estriol but in the last several months I have been off of that. Stopped it cold turkey. I had some anxiety and depression symptoms before that but they have gotten worse since being off the creams. I was told I don’t have Wilsons syndrome but still wonder if something isn’t right with my levels. Any ideas as to what’s wrong?
Hi Julie :) If your TSH is in the normal range and you still have low body temperature (<98.6), then you may have Wilson's Syndrome. Low temperatures can contribute to symptoms like anxiety and depression
I have suffered sleep issues for a couple of years. I am so tired at night, but right before I fall asleep, in that period between fully awake and sleeping, I will have a crazy thought pop into my head, which will cause anxiety and my heart to race. I will obsess over the thought for a bit, try to relax, until I’m tired again. However, it will happen again, and the cycle will start over, sometimes for half the night. It’s exhausting and makes me feel crazy. The next day i drink lots of coffee to stay awake throughout the day, which makes it harder to relax at night. I am hoping that you can give me some insight. This is the first website that popped up when I searched “thyroid nighttime anxiety”. I also have weak nails, dry skin, fatigue (years), constipation, Brain fog, thinning hair, cold hands and feet, swollen ankles, acne, and receding gums.
Normalizing a low body temperature can often help people sleep very well, as well as address many of the other symptoms you mentioned. You can check your body temperature and you may find that your temperature averages less than 98.6 orally. Wilsonssyndrome.com is all about making a low body temperature normal.
IF MY CHIROPRACTOR CALLS YOU CAN YOU WORK WITH HER RE MY SYMPTOMS?
My son has on and off again High TSH numbers. However he has many symptoms of Hyperthyroidism. He runs hot. When he’s outside playing in the heat he will almost get paniky after a big, and we need to get inside to cool down and have water. Has OCD, anxious, moodswings, easily angered, obsessions, eats a ton yet is very thin. Has dry skin. Has always had issues with black heads since he was 2 years old. Thyroid issues run in my husbands side of the family, but it seems like the pediatrician and endo we have seen don’t want to do anything because TSH is not “too high” and sometimes the number comes back as normal. Any advice?!?!
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism that you describe can also occur in patients with low body temperatures…even the heat intolerance. If he has a low temperature then he might benefit from normalizing his low temps even if his thyroid blood tests are normal.
Can someone please tell me how to deal with my anxiety
Yes, normalizing a low body temperature is an excellent first step in eliminating anxiety. In many cases, the anxiety can resolve completely when temperatures are normalized.
Hello, I am currently 17 and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression when I was 16. Lately I decided to take my temperature every day for a week as sort of an experiment and noticed that it always ranges from 96.8- 97.6, and it is rarely ever higher than this. I googled if this was okay and stumbled upon this website. Along with my anxiety I also have
Panic attacks
weak nails
Hair loss on my eye lashes and eyebrows
fatigue
migraines
headaches
horrible immune system (I get sick VERY easily)
I’ve had these symptoms for a couple of years and always thought I was just a magnet for ailments, but now I am beginning to think otherwise. What do you think about this and what should I do to get better? I exercise a lot ( I dance every day and play volleyball after school) and I could work on my diet but it’s fairly good, so I am puzzled as to what the source could be.
Hi Bianca, this is a classic story for Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome. Usually, it’s brought on by stress but can also come on gradually out of the blue, especially in people whose ancestors survived famine. The Wilsonssyndrome.com website explains your options for recovery. Good luck :)
Hello Dr Wilson,
I think I have read some of the articles on Anxiety and body temperature and I wanted to take your opinion and guidance on my condition.
To give you some background, I have been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder & Depression and I am on medication for that for last 8 years.
I also have had fatigue issues (mental and physical) along with my anxiety issues. Also, I have a stubborn stomach belly and my body weight does not seem to come down. 6 months back I was told by a nutrionist (based on a saliva swab sample) that I had an iodine deficiency. During this time my body temperature use to always be lower around 96.5 degrees average. Taking between 100 to150 mcg of Iodine everyday seems to be providing me more energy now and my body temperature average is now around 98.0 degrees.This also helped me with my anxiety and depression issues to a good extent.
however, I am still seeing fatigue issues when I try to exercise for 30 minutes or so. I am able to exercise but then remain fatigued the rest of the day with frequent yawning and other fatigue related symptoms. I also see my anxiety increase due to mental and physical fatigue during this time. Taking rest helps to some extent but it does take a day or two for me to improve.
Do you think I suffer from adrenal fatigue or does this need more investigation?
Do you think I need to increase my iodine intake as my temperature is still not around 98.6?
I am ready to consult with you for my condition, please advise
Thanks,
Vishal
Hi Vishal :) My apologies, I cannot give medical advice over the internet. You might consider visiting a doctor listed on wilsonssyndrome.com
I have a history on both sides of my family of thyroid cancer. There have been 3 nodules discovered on mine and I am borderline hypo. I suffer from anxiety that is fleeting. I can be feeling fine and then very on edge. Often the anxious feeling doesn’t involve heart palpitations. Is it possible that I have a thyroid problem that isn’t showing up on blood work? Sometimes anxiety meds make me feel slightly better but I still have the dizzy feeling and weird chest sensation (not in the heart area, right in the middle). I feel like this isn’t GAD but all my blood work comes back somewhat normal just in the low range.
Certainly Jeremy, low body temperatures and normal thyroid blood tests can easily explain big time anxiety.
15 yrs ago my TPO antibodies were over 1800. I gave up all wheat products and dairy and I have been taking Thyrophin PMG for 2years Which I believe has lowered my antibodies. I was given a trial of thyroxine. I immediately felt anxious depressed.
When this all started I lost loads of weight. I studied Dr Wilsons protocol as my temperature was really low
Such as 35.9 most mornings.
I am off all thyroid support. My weight is right for my height. Eyebrows and hair grew back. Now my temperature is in the normal range. 37.00.
What I still suffer from is morning anxiety and on checking my temperature first thing in the morning. It’s surprisingly low 36.2-3 and I have anxiety until it comes up. Which is about 9 am.
I have in the past taken A trial of t3. Felt so anxious. I’ve taken care of blood sugars by eating first thing and last thing at night. I don’t sleep well but it has improved since using b12.
What is going on first thing in the morning. The anxiety sometimes lasts longer. I have tried t3 again but feel so anxious on it. Maybe it is just depression. But I can’t help thinking the drop in temps is quite dramatic.
Hi Jackie, perhaps you would benefit from some herbal adrenal and thyroid support. Lowering stress as much as you can is also a great idea, which, I’m sure you’re already doing.
Dr. Wilson,
I am not really sure what my diagnosis is. I have low TSH (.261), low FT4 (0.9) and low FT3 (240), I am always cold, suffer from anxiety, fast HR, palpitations, lightheadedness, fatigue, blurred vision, etc…
I am not getting anywhere with my ENDO or PDC. This is all so frustrating.
Any idea?
Hi Dante :) If you have a low temperature then you have a slow metabolism which could explain your symptoms.
Dr Wilson
Thank you for your reply. You suggest a thyroid and adrenal support. Which of your products would you suggest. Your protocol has helped so much in the past.
Hi, i am a 25 year old female from winnipeg canada, i am 100% certain that i have hypothyroidism, whatever the cause, i have had almost all the symptoms since i was younger, but after having my daughter 4 years Ago everything seemed to intensify..the most bothersome symptoms i have are:
Chronic Insomnia, ( i think my immune system is being comprimised as i have been sick alot this year) always fatigued, depression that isnt responding to antidepressants, panic attacks, adhd, weight gain (gained 100 pounds in the last 2 years, despite my demished appetite, i barely eat but i dont really excersize much because im always mentally and physcally exhausted! i used to be cold all the time but since being on Effexor for depression , ive been constantly sweating all the time, night sweats and heat intolerant. Constipation, and in the passed year ive only had 4 menstural cycles. I monitored my temp a while back for a week getting average of 96.3 but my gp only said thats used when trying to get pregnant, also endo kind of laughed at me when inmentioned i was tracking low body temp..To start the journey to address my symptoms my Md did the standard bloodwork only to find a raised t3, bit normal tsh and t4 levels, but reffered me to a great endocrinologist. The same findings with bloodwork with endo, but also increased liver enzymes and prolactin.. Sent for more blood work, 24h cortisol/creatine urine sample, and ultrasound on liver.
Liver ultrasound wanted me to have ct scan which will be in a couple weeks because they think its either fat or something else. And my doc said tsh was 1.5, t3 was a bit high, he said there would be no treatment needed for thyroid yet.. I asked if there could be a problem with conversion of t4-t3, (i have been convinced incould possibly have secondary hypo after some research) he didnt dismiss my concern, and said my thyroid could possibly not be functioning properly.. He scheduled me for a ultrasound for thyroid and refered me to a sleep clinic as my gp does not want me to become dependant on sleep meds. Which i understand but ive had this chronic insomnia since i was little, and i cant take it anymore, ive put up with it for too long and it is effecting Me everyday more and more.. Just a bit of assurance would be nice,should keep being consistant with my endo? Should i bring up temperature again even though he laughed last time thinking i was trying to get pregnant.. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated dr wilson :)
Yes, Low body temperatures can easily explain insomnia. Low body temperatures can be corrected with proper treatment. I’m not sure if your doctors will be open-minded enough to help you get better. But if they are, I’d be happy to discuss your case with them for free. Perhaps you can appeal to their common sense. Thyroid sets metabolic rate. Metabolic rate determines temperature. If your temp is low your metabolic rate is inadequate.
Is this safe to take during pregnancy? Can’t seem to find any help for my issues now that I’m pregnant.
T3 is pregnancy category A which means that there is no known toxicity. However, that doesn’t mean the treatment is completely without risk. The risk is primarily cardiovascular. Thousands of women have tolerated T3 therapy well during pregnancy.
please help me to come out of depression help me and i want to be happy
Hello, I cannot treat you over the internet, but I encourage you to schedule an appointment with your physician.
I had a total thyroidectomy 11 yrs ago. Have been on various dosages of synthroid the last being
150 mcg. Apparently I have Wilson’s Syndrome (just diagnosed today) my Dr took me off my T4 meds and has me on separate doses of cytomel 25 (twice daily) ….. my question is this.
Can I survive on just T3 alone and how does my Thyroid Dr know how much to dose? Does this seem accurate for the synthroid to cytomel conversion?
Hi K :) Many people survive beautifully on T3 alone. I can’t give specific medical advice over the internet but would be happy to discuss your case for free with your doctor.
My husband has hashimotos with thyrogloubin antibodies over 900. Tsh 2.8. His temps are always low around 96. He is having so much anxiety that he can’t even visit with family. Do you think your protocol would help him at all? We eat the paleo diet and he takes a whole slew of supplements.
Certainly T3 therapy can help normalize low body temperatures and completely eradicate anxiety in many patients. T3 therapy is often tolerated perfectly well by people with Hashimoto’s and sometimes the antibodies can go lower as well.
Dr. Wilson,
I am a 50 year old male on your temperature protocol.I also have Chronic Lyme disease that is being treated and managed pretty well.
I am on your temperature protocol. My hands and body are warm, especially an hour or two after I have eaten. Sometimes my body compensates right after taking the pills but not so much anymore. My morning temps are still pretty low – sometimes 95.1. My temps are highest in the evening.
I am currently titrating down after being at 90 mcg 2x a day. I am at 60 mcg 2x a day. I am going down 7.5 mcg every other day.
Since I have been on your protocol, my temps have gone up. I never was able to hit 98.6. I got close with 97.9.
Yet, I have some questions.
Can taking your T3 protocol send a man into hyperthyroidism? I don’t sleep much and I am not tired during the day. I have dry skin. I itch often. Moreover, I have no libido and I have really bad ED.
Thus, will these symptoms end when I come down off your protocol?
Sincerely,
Brown
Hi Brown :) It depends what you mean by hyperthyroidism. If you mean can T3 bring your TSH below normal, then yes. If you mean can it make your thyroid gland produce too much Thyroid hormone, then no. If you mean can it cause symptoms of high thyroid, then I’d say if your temperature is low then the symptoms are not from a high metabolic rate. However, T3 can cause unsteady T3 levels which can lead to fluid retention, shakiness, jitteriness, palpitations, and other complaints. Will side effects of T3 go away once T3 is discontinued? Typically yes.
I have had anxiety for 3 & a half months now but it has left me with symptoms. I always feel dizzy, & I don’t sleep at nights. I’m not on no medication. Every time I’m about to fall asleep I get a cold chill passing through my body & it prevents me from falling asleep. It even makes my heart race. Should I be worried??
Hi Marcia :) Anxiety and insomnia can often be eliminated by normalizing low body temperatures.
Hi Dr. Wilson I am 50 yrs old.
I downloaded your ck list. I was shocked to see all the things I’ve been telling dr for 20 yrs now. But if you tell them more than 3 symptoms, They want to send you to all these other specialist. My temp has run a pretty steady 95. for 20 years. I have been on more meds then the law should ever allow. I am allergic to more then 30 different meds and so many other things, which I wasn’t 20 yrs ago. If my temp went to normal I got tired and felt feverish. Now I am staying at approx 98.1 But I am cold all the time. very odd, It use to be if the temp inside or out got above 70 I would sweat like mad, get panic attack, and very bitchy look out. Now I have a blanket on my legs and feet. at 75*. No one ever thought I would by a heating blanket. Any way On your ck list its about 1-5 average 10 on any thing to do with periods pms. I had a hysterectomy 20 yrs ago. I had insomnia so bad I ended up with narcolepsy. And on a bipap.
I was also on klonopin for about 10 yrs but found I had 90% of the side effects for all those yrs. I pray They Do not stay with me for the rest of my life.
I am now disabled much due to all this. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Oh yes I forgot. I also ended up with uncontrollable diabetes.
Thank you so much Mari…
I had a goiter removed from the left side of my thyroid about 20 years ago, ever since then my life has changed. I have absolutely no sex drive, My hands and feet are cold a lot of the time, my vision is great at times, and blurry at other times. My skin is always dry, I suffer from wide spread chronic pain, my eyebrows on the out side area are thinning, I also have a growth now on the right side of my thyroid, I forgot to mentions , the left side of my thyroid was removed with the other goiter 20 years ago. My doctor run test every year tsh, t3 and t4 always normal, my ANA levels indicate a autoimmune disease and I also have high red blood cell count, my brain is quie foggy at times, forgetful, severe anxiety, PTSD, depression? What tests should I ask for? Also forgot to mention low energy and can’t lose weight either.
The most common explanation for these complaints would be a low body temperature. Low temperatures are due to slow metabolism. Metabolism is due to the thyroid system. Thyroid hormone expression depends on thyroid hormone supply and thyroid hormone conversion. The test for supply is TSH. Yours is always normal. If the TSH is normal and the body temperature is low, that suggests a problem with thyroid hormone conversion. You can seek help from a doctor listed on wilsonssyndrome.com for more information
hello, ok 3 yrs ago i was a gym buff and did something stupid, i took leverothroxin and overdosed on it, i havent been the same since and havnt worked in 3 yrs cause of the symtoms, all my throid comes back normal but i have all the hypo symtoms, i have been to 20 or so doctors and even been told i had lyme cause i had 2 bands,my morning temp is 96.1 mid afternoon is 97.2 and night is 96.5-97.2, i went to the er about 3 weeks ago and my thyroid was swollwn 2 cm on right side and they said i was hypo and my doctor still refused to give any meds so i went to a new one witch also refused, iam thinking of ordering some ndt thyroid-s, but am scared to do so since no doctor will do my blood or evaluate me, but iam at the point i dont know what else to do, i was fine until i did the leverlathroxin and all this happened i really belive i am hypo,
syntoms, low heart rate even know i am over weight now its in the low 50s,dry skin,constipation,anxity,high blood presure,fatuige,memory loss, confustion,low body temp,ex. any advise would help, i would hate to kill my self by trying a ndt and not under a doctors care
yes theres no doctor near me on yalls list, for thyroid-s you dont need a perscipiton, its a ndt with t4 t3 t2 and t1 it is simalsr to amour, i want to try it or try armour but i have been to 8 diffrent doctors that wont try it so iam thinking of just trying thyroid-s on my own, i have lost 3 yrs of my life and really dont know what else to do or where to turn
Hello, jessica again, my endo just basically told me with the lab results i am borderline hypo, but doesnt need to see me for a follow up.
Its very frustrating. Also my t3 is always up.
I wish i could travel and meet you!
I wrote all my symptoms in another post.
And i have low body tempurature when i wake up.
Hi, i am a 25 year old female from winnipeg canada, i am 100% certain that i have hypothyroidism, whatever the cause, i have had almost all the symptoms since i was younger, but after having my daughter 4 years Ago everything seemed to intensify..the most bothersome symptoms i have are:
Chronic Insomnia, ( i think my immune system is being comprimised as i have been sick alot this year) always fatigued, depression that isnt responding to antidepressants, panic attacks, adhd, weight gain (gained 100 pounds in the last 2 years, despite my demished appetite, i barely eat but i dont really excersize much because im always mentally and physcally exhausted! i used to be cold all the time but since being on Effexor for depression , ive been constantly sweating all the time, night sweats and heat intolerant. Constipation, and in the passed year ive only had 4 menstural cycles. I monitored my temp a while back for a week getting average of 96.3 but my gp only said thats used when trying to get pregnant, also endo kind of laughed at me when inmentioned i was tracking low body temp..To start the journey to address my symptoms my Md did the standard bloodwork only to find a raised t3, bit normal tsh and t4 levels, but reffered me to a great endocrinologist. The same findings with bloodwork with endo, but also increased liver enzymes and prolactin.. Sent for more blood work, 24h cortisol/creatine urine sample, and ultrasound on liver.
Liver ultrasound wanted me to have ct scan which will be in a couple weeks because they think its either fat or something else. And my doc said tsh was 1.5, t3 was a bit high, he said there would be no treatment needed for thyroid yet.. I asked if there could be a problem with conversion of t4-t3, (i have been convinced incould possibly have secondary hypo after some research) he didnt dismiss my concern, and said my thyroid could possibly not be functioning properly.. He scheduled me for a ultrasound for thyroid and refered me to a sleep clinic as my gp does not want me to become dependant on sleep meds. Which i understand but ive had this chronic insomnia since i was little, and i cant take it anymore, ive put up with it for too long and it is effecting Me everyday more and more.. Just a bit of assurance would be nice,should keep being consistant with my endo? Should i bring up temperature again even though he laughed last time thinking i was trying to get pregnant.. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated dr wilson :)
Just had another apointment with endo,results i am borderline hypo, but doesnt need to see me for a follow up.
Its very frustrating. Also my t3 is always up.
I wish i could travel and meet you!
I wrote all my symptoms in another post.
And i have low body tempurature when i wake aswell.
I dont understand, i have all the symptoms!! I dont know what to do, they have been bothersome my whole life, but now they interfere with my life way too much.. They just keep telling me my tsh is normal, but with all the symptoms, how can it be normal? And there are tons of cases i have read about that can give you normal levels etc. but there are still issues.
What would be my next steps? I am not giving up on this, i dont care how crazy i sound! I feel it in my bones that there is something effecting my thyroid.