GRAEDONS | People's Pharmacy Electronic thermometers are safe

Q. My husband and I want to start a family, so I take my temperature every day before I get out of bed.
The problem is the thermometer. It's an old-fashioned mercury thermometer we "borrowed" from his parents. I worry that being exposed to mercury just before I got pregnant would be dangerous for the baby. He says other thermometers aren't as accurate. Is that true?
A. All old-fashioned mercury thermometers need to be retired. Should yours break, it could indeed expose you to mercury, a highly toxic compound. If your town has a household toxic-waste collection, dispose of your thermometer there.
Electronic thermometers can detect body temperature either under the tongue or in the ear. A new option involves infrared technology. The Exergen temporal artery thermometer is swiped across the forehead and gives a very accurate readout in two seconds. You can find more information at www.exergen.com.
Q. Someone wrote to you about severe hair loss. Why didn't you suggest a test for thyroid?
I have had hypothyroidism for years, and I can always tell if I need a different dose of thyroid hormone. My hair starts falling out, and my nails start splitting.
A. A lack of thyroid hormone can cause noticeable hair loss, and not just on the scalp. Eyebrows, especially the outer third, are also susceptible to this effect. Thyroid problems can also cause fatigue, depression, difficulty losing weight, constipation, clumsiness and high cholesterol.
We discuss other symptoms of thyroid imbalance together with interpretation of thyroid tests and treatments in our Guide to Thyroid Hormones.
Q. My husband has recently developed problems getting and maintaining an erection. He has taken Crestor for about a year and a half to lower his cholesterol.
I normally have him take Coenzyme Q10, but he had run out, and I had not gotten more. After a week back on CoQ10, he is functioning great now. Others might benefit from our experience.
A. We have talked to physicians who believe that the nutrient Coenzyme Q10 is important for people who are taking statin-type drugs to lower cholesterol. Such medications reduce levels of CoQ10, which is important for cellular function. Some people tell us that this compound reduces the muscle pain and weakness sometimes brought on by drugs like Crestor or Lipitor.
Although it is an uncommon side effect, erectile dysfunction has been associated with statins. We are fascinated to hear that Coenzyme Q10 reversed this problem for your husband.
XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
& copy; 2006 King Features Syndicate Inc.