Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
Do you know the best Thyroid tests and lab ranges?The Thyroid governs your metabolism – how fast things work, get used, replaced. Thyroid hormones assist with body temperature, moving the bowels, growing hair, etc. One of its main jobs is governing the burning of fats, part of weight management.
If you want to check your labs correctly, here is what to know.
Reviewing symptoms of low thyroid function, correct thyroid labs to test, optimal thyroid lab numbers, and how to run thyroid lab tests on your own.
Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function
- Weight gain even when on correct Paleo (lower carb)
- Fatigue, even with adequate rest (and no undiagnosed sleep apnea)
- High Cholesterol
- Constipation
- Swelling at base of the neck (Goiter)
- Hoarse raspy voice
- Thinning eyebrows and other hair loss
- Feeling cold when others are warm
The Correct Thyroid Lab Tests
Many doctors only order TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). If this number is substantially out of range, they will run more labs, but may still not order the CORRECT labs. This is mostly an insurance thing, but is also due to misinformation. Most TSH fall within the “normal lab range”. This means many people are overlooked and untreated for hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s.
Recall that in Functional Health, we look for the cause of issues, rather than just a symptomatic treatment.
Here are the best thyroid lab tests to order if buying tests from a consumer lab (more below) or when asking a doctor (any doctor can order these if you have some of the above symptoms):
TSH, FREE T4, FREE T3; often known as a complete thyroid panel. The key here is the word FREE. Many doctors order TOTAL T4 and Total T3. Total are different from Free and are inadequate, so ask (request firmly?) for Free T4 and Free T3.
Helpful to also run: Thyroid Antibodies, and Reverse T3.
Why Test Thyroid Antibodies?
Many, many women have Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis and do not know it. You want to know if you have antibodies to your thyroid! We in natural health feel strongly you can take action to stop the destruction of your thyroid.
Many doctors do not believe you can stop autoimmune processes, so why bother to test??
If you know you have elevated antibodies, retest them every year or two to track them. Then make decisions how to respond – more (or less) prescribed hormone, different hormone RX, check for metal dental fillings, check for Progesterone via Salivary testing, take myo-inositol and Selenium, Iodine, and more.
Optimal Thyroid Lab Numbers
Note these are MY optimal numbers and are not typical lab ranges. In Functional Health we aim for optimal numbers, not just generally “in range”.
TSH 1.5 – 1.8
Free T4 1.1
Free T3 3.5
TPO or TgAB Antibodies <6
As I coach all my Clients, aim for the middle of a given lab range as a good place to be. You seldom want to be at the high or low ends. (This may not be true for skewed Cholesterol testing).
Run Thyroid Lab Tests on Your Own
In most States, there are “consumer labs” that allow anyone to order blood work, not covered by insurance. This article has more on this.
My favorite place to send Clients is Life Extension. Life Extension markets supplements and it attracts loyal customers by offering really low prices on lab tests. You do not have to buy from them after testing.
Order your test online and receive an email with suggested lab draw sites and a pre-paid requisition for blood draw. That’s it!
Consider their current Thyroid Panel. At $75 this is not “cheap” but it is much less than running TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 anywhere else if your doctor and insurance will not cover it.
If you can, choose the Comprehensive Thyroid Panel for $199. This includes the above plus thyroid Antibodies, Reverse T3, and Total T4.
Life Extension runs sales on labs occasionally.
Medication and Supplement Options for Thyroid
I greatly prefer bio-identical natural desiccated thyroid hormone. There are several brands available by prescription (as long as the FDA does not restrict access after 50 years of use…). Synthroid is synthetic T4 and contains only T4, no T3. The natural hormone from an animal contains all the thyroid hormones.
There is a synthetic T3 called Cytomel, but it can be too “speedy” for many. If you cannot get bio-identical hormone after asking multiple doctors (don’t give up!), consider adding Cytomel to your Synthroid.
Please review the articles and podcasts below for much more on supporting the thyroid without medication. There are reasons your thyroid may test low. Fix the cause, not just the symptom.
One supplement is Thyrommune for those with diagnosed Hashimoto’s. It has been shown to help reduce elevated antibodies and TSH. Do not discontinue medication however.
For general thyroid support, consider Systemic Formulas Gf – Thyroid and our Alaria low-dose natural kelp Iodine from Supreme Nutrition.
When Tired Adrenals are Part of the Problem
If the adrenals are tired and cannot make enough Cortisol, your body may reduce thyroid function so you don’t burn out a tired body. Healthy adrenals also make Progesterone during and after menopause. Progesterone is essential for proper thyroid function.
Other Articles and Podcasts on the Thyroid
I have 8 to choose from but consider these for starters
Causes of Hypothyroidism You May Not Know
