Could an apparently permanent drop in my body temperature be related to my chronic fatigue syndrome?

Question

I'm forty-seven. All my life I've had a normal temperature of 98.6 unless it was elevated due to illness. But for the past two years, my 'normal' temp's been between 97.4 to 97.8 all the time. I was diagnosed recently with chronic fatigue sydrome after a group of other symptoms for which everything else was eliminated. So I'm wondering if low body temperature is a feature of CFS.

Answer 1

This is possible, if not probable. One of the underlying biochemical changes with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a decrease in energy production in the cell's mitochondria (where energy is produced by the Electron Transport Chain - ETC).

Body temperature (heat) is also a product of the mitochondria and the ETC through a processed called "Mitochondrial Uncoupling". Decreased activity or efficiency of the ETC would result in decreased energy production and decreased heat production. I believe both of these are common with CFS.

Many nutrients are critical for healthy and proper functioning mitochondria. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oils), iron, zinc, copper, Co-Q10, Lipoic Acid, L-Carnitine, and various B-vitamins. Therefore, it may be helpful to supplement with all of these.

Additionally, many environmental toxins damage the mitochondria. Heavy metal toxicities (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, etc.) are common causes of mitochondrial damage. It may be a good idea to get tested for these possibilities.

Last point, Celiac Disease is common but rarely diagnosed and it can cause the nutrient deficiencies noted above (in-spite of a healthy diet). The most common presenting symptom in Celiac patients is chronic fatigue. Again, it may be wise to get tested to rule out this common and treatable cause of fatigue and nutrient deficiency.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 2

Hi Im Chris, I have Lupus and own a group for people with autoimmune diseases, and yes I believe CFS may be one. My Normal temp is around 97.4. so I do not find it that strange. Is it from the illness perhaps, but many healthy adults have a lower normal body temp then younger adults and children. It's not so low that it is somthing to worry about, however, if your temperature goes to 98.8 or so you may have a mild fever. So it can be the CFS or just aging. mine started dropping much younger, but I got Lupus young, so it is very likely that it may be the CFS, but its not a danger.
Good Luck
chris

Answer 3

I'd go find a good thryoid doc, and ask him to test your TSH, Free T3 and Free T4. If your TSH is in the normal range, sometimes you can be diagnosed by your low levels of Free T3 and Free T4.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/


The above is a good site to find a good doctor to work with you on your thyoid. Lots of people are misdiagnosed as CFS, and are really hypothyroid.

Good luck.

Answer 4

No, but it is a symptom of hypothyroidism, which also cause significant fatigue. along with weight gain and over sleepliness. (any symptom my be absent) so I think it is a good idea to get your thyroid hormone level checked.