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The temperature of an individual’s body is important when it comes to the health of the individual. The human body is designed to function efficiently at temperatures between 97.5 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. When one discusses body temperature, it usually refers to temperature while resting. Physical activity demands more energy from the body. The process of energy production leads to heat production as well. It is this heat that keeps the body warm. When resting, body processes produce enough heat to keep the body at its set temperature. This process of heat generation occurs due to metabolism. It is here that the relationship between low body temperature and thyroid comes into the picture.

The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is responsible for secreting some important hormones into the bloodstream. The thyroid gland controls the process of metabolism, which, as explained above, produces heat. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between low body temperature and thyroid function. The thyroid gland may malfunction due to some problem within it or due to some problem in the control of the gland. When the gland is functioning slowly, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. Conversely, when the gland is operating too fast, it is known as hyperthyroidism. There is no link between low body temperature and hyperthyroidism. The reason for this is that hyperthyroidism causes the body to metabolize food faster than it should. This actually produces more heat and makes the individual feel hot at all times. Excessive sweating is a result of this condition as the body tries its best to cool down. See also Low Body Temperature and Hypothyroidism

There is a direct link between low body temperature and low thyroid function. In fact, one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is the reduction in body temperature. Other symptoms include weight gain and general lack of energy. This is because food is not being used for energy production effectively. When this condition affects a patient, the doctor usually orders a thyroid function test. This test is used to determine if the right amount of thyroid hormone is present in the blood. If it is found that the patient is indeed suffering from hypothyroidism, the doctor will prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones to counter the problem of low body temperature and thyroid malfunction. In some cases, abnormalities in the gland may be countered using surgical methods to remove growths or abnormalities in the gland which are inhibiting its function.