Thyroid Tests (off topic)

[Guest guest]

Rosemary,

I'm sure that I'm missing something as I'm no expert, just from what

I've been told, personally done, read and from what others experienced

from my yahoo group dedicated to thyroid folks, like me. But, it's a

good start, just as others her gave to me:

Aside from the common TSH test, they should also include Free T3/T4

tests as well as tests for antibodies.

* TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)

This is the most common and only test most docs do. If the TSH levels

come back in the normal range, most docs won't look beyond that).

Truthfully, this lab may be best used only for diagnosis of

hypopituitary, but it's not necessarily the best way to diagnose

thyroid problems.

* Free T4 AND Free T3 (note the word " free " )

* Thyroid Antibodies (anti-TPO and TgAb. PLEASE GET BOTH CHECKED.)

This is especially important for people with family history of

autoimmune disease, or persistent thyroid symptoms but normal TSH.

They should always get Free T4/Free T3 and thyroid antibodies profiles

to diagnose thyroid disease.

The TSH range only test is flawed, but it's commonly the only test

that doctors use. The optimal TSH numbers range has been revised

several times over the years, though this is usually dependent upon

the various labs. Also, many docs assume that the thyroid is

functioning fine because their TSH numbers come in at the top of the

range, even though the patient exhibits many common hypo symptoms.

Among other issues, many people function better when their numbers are

at the bottom of the range rather than the top, so they're never

properly treated if a doc only tests TSH and thinks all's fine if the

number come back within range.

Beyond the above tests, if a person feels they need to look further,

here are some not always as commonly done:

* Reverse T3

When the body is under stress, instead of converting T4 into T3 - the

active form of thyroid hormone - the body conserves energy by making

what is known as Reverse T3 (RT3), an inactive form of the T3 hormone.

The value of RT3 tests in diagnosis is controversial, as some

practitioners believe that the body continues to manufacture RT3

instead of active T3, causing various symptoms that are identified as

the so-called " 's syndrome. "

* Ferritin (and do stress FERRITIN, not just RBC)

Commonly found to be low in hypothyroid patients (it was for me)

* Adrenals Cortisol levels

Recommend testing through saliva tests, not the one time blood test

your doctor will do.

* B-12, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and maybe even D3

Again, nutritional and hormonal balances are often way off kilter due

to improper thyroid function.

* TRH Test

I'm not familiar with this one, but it's one way to look at and

consider the difference between the TRH Stimulation Test and the TSH

test, much like a cardiac stress test is compared to a cardiogram, or

a glucose tolerance test is compared to fasting glucose level. In a

stimulation test, the challenge may reveal an impairment in the thyroid.

It's vary rare for a person that has had thyroid function impairment

to then obtain normal thyroid function and not need replacement

medication. I suggest that they get more tests. And as suggested to

me here and from the friends I've made, those that are on the T4 only

medication seem to continue experiences issues with depression, brain

fog, fatigue, etc. I think that the T3/T4 combo is best.

Lastly, if someone is really motivated or is having issues with their

doctor, they can get their TSH, Free T3/T4, Antibodies, Adrenal and

possibly even D3 tests from local labs or from online labs that

specialize in this.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your Sunday evening.

>

> Hi ,

>

> Would you share what tests the newer doctor had done besides the

> usual TSH, T3 and T4? I have some clients who say they have been

> screened for thryoid problems and told they were " normal " ...and

> another who was on thyroid replacement who was taken off when her TSH

> came back in the normal range.

>

> Rosemary

>

>

[Guest guest]

Agreed. Synthetic has only half the necessary component (no T3). I see a Naturopathic Doctor.Further, straight T3 has been used as a treatment for depression.Dave