1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
- What it measures: The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. This is released from your anterior pituitary (from your brain)
- Why it’s important: TSH regulates the production of thyroid hormones. Abnormal levels can indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
2. Total T4 (Thyroxine)
- What it measures: The total amount of thyroxine in your blood, both bound and unbound.
- Why it’s important: Provides insight into how much “inactive” thyroid hormone your thyroid gland is producing.
3. Total T3 (Triiodothyronine)
- What it measures: The total amount of triiodothyronine in your blood, both bound and unbound.
- Why it’s important: Helps assess the conversion of T4 to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone.
4. Free T4
- What it measures: The unbound, active form of thyroxine in your blood.
- Why it’s important: Indicates the amount of hormone available to your cells and tissues, but more importantly the amount available to be converted to T3.
5. Free T3
- What it measures: The unbound, active form of triiodothyronine in your blood.
- Why it’s important: Shows the amount of active hormone available for use by your body.
6. Reverse T3
- What it measures: The level of reverse T3, an inactive form of triiodothyronine.
- Why it’s important: High levels can indicate that your body is converting T4 into inactive reverse T3 instead of active T3, which can cause hypothyroid symptoms.
7. T3 Uptake
- What it measures: The binding capacity of T3 in your blood.
- Why it’s important: Helps determine the amount of thyroid binding proteins available in your bloodstream.
8. Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies
- What it measures: The presence of antibodies against thyroglobulin.
- Why it’s important: Indicates an autoimmune response against the thyroid, which can lead to conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
9. Anti-TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) Antibodies
- What it measures: The presence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase.
- Why it’s important: Another marker for autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.
Why These Tests Matter
Understanding these tests can help diagnose issues such as:
- Under-conversion of synthetic T4: Some patients on medications like Synthroid or Levothyroxine may not convert T4 to T3 efficiently, leading to persistent hypothyroid symptoms.
- Autoimmune thyroid conditions: Tests can identify autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s, even if TSH levels are normal.
- Hormonal imbalance: Blood sugar and sex hormones influence the amount of thyroid hormone available to activate thyroid receptors.
- Organ function: These tests help assess whether your gut and liver are properly balancing thyroid hormone levels. It helps to determine if the brain is adequately responding to the thyroid hormones present in the blood.
How to Approach Your Doctor
- Be Prepared: Take this list to your next doctor’s appointment.
- Ensure Qualification: Ideally, you should search for a naturopathic doctor near you. If not, confirm that your doctor is allowed to order these tests, knows how to interpret these tests and knows how to treat based on the interpretation, as well as know what optimal levels are, not just interpreting from either in or out of range.
- Ask Questions: Make sure your doctor explains the results and the plan of action based on those results.
Conclusion
Thyroid health is complex, but understanding these nine essential tests can empower you to take control of your health. Your thyroid could be the key to solving many of your health issues.
Stay informed, stay healthy!
If you missed my last blog, here it is How to get to the root of physical pain and heal it