[Hazel]

The accepted number for normal body temperature averages at 98.2, having been thought to be 98.6 for many years previously. You're body temp is lower at waking time, at around 97.6 F. So it's normal that you're waking temp is not in the right range, but you're afternoon temp should be 98.2-98.6 F. Our temperatures fluctuate not only within the day but also throughout our menstrual cycle. It is lower before ovulation, at ovulation day it's the lowest and then we have higher temperatures during our menstruation.

Mel, I believe since iodine intake isn't affecting your temperature, you're low temperature is not due to iodine deficiency like you suggested. What is your average temperature? Anything below 97.6 F is seen as low enough to consider a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. The treatment, if iodine is ineffective, is levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the hormone T4.