Most conventional medical doctors measure circulating levels of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone to test thyroid function. At The Center for Advanced Medicine we do not think that is enough. Many of our patients will have symptoms including weight gain, sluggish digestion, hair loss and fatigue all while their TSH in the normal range. By measuring a few other parameters we can get a much more comprehensive understanding of your thyroid health. Labs are used as a guide for treatment. Most important however, is how you feel. Our primary goal is to help you feel healthy and vital.
We will measure the following using a blood test:
T3 – L-liothyronine is thyroid hormone with 3 iodine molecules attached. About 20% of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood is in the form of T3. T3 is very active and can be dangerous if it gets too high. Most conventional medical doctors do not prescribe T3. Studies have shown that small amounts of T3 can help particularly with depression and energy levels. Cytomel is the name of synthetic T3 medication.
T4 – L-thyroxine is thyroid hormone with 4 iodine molecules attached. Synthetic T4 is the active ingredient in Synthroid and levothyroxine, medications commonly prescribed for hypothyroid patients. T4 is less active than T3. About 80% of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood is T4 until it gets to target tissues where it is converted to active T3.
TSH – Thyroid stimulating hormone is the hormone that your brain sends to your thyroid gland. A high TSH is your brain’s way of telling your thyroid to produce more hormone. A low TSH is your brain’s way of telling your thyroid there is enough circulating thyroid hormone. When TSH is high, thyroid hormone is typically low. When TSH is low, thyroid hormone is typically high.
rT3 – Reverse T3 is a molecule that binds to T3 and makes it inactive. In the right amounts rT3 helps to protect the body from overstimulation by T3. When rT3 it too high it can cause hypothyroid symptoms. Studies have shown that high levels of heavy metals in the body are linked to high levels of rT3. Heavy metal detoxification and chelation therapy can help reduce not only the body’s toxic load but also levels of rT3 that are preventing your body from finding balance.
Anti-TPO & Anti-thyrogolobulin – Naturopathic doctors also want to know if an autoimmune condition might be causing your thyroid imbalance. If autoimmune markers are elevated it indicates your immune system is attacking your thyroid. Some forms of thyroid hormone replacement can exacerbate autoimmune thyroid conditions. An autoimmune condition in the thyroid may also be affecting other hormone producing organs like the pancreas and adrenal glands.
Thyroid function can be altered by high levels of stress, insufficient iodine, selenium, zinc, iodine, vitamin B6, B12, and vitamin E. A high toxic burden, autoimmune conditions and high levels of rT3 can also affect thyroid hormone levels. Make an appointment today to find out if your thyroid hormones are in balance.
Heather Sandison, ND
