Testing Issues/Problems
The current standard testing for Hypothyroidism consists of measuring TSH levels (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) and perhaps, T4 (thyroxine) levels in the patients blood The normal range for these markers can actually vary from lab to lab. Each lab develops its own normal range based on the people who visit the lab, not on a standard healthy population! But who goes to visit these labs? Mostly sick people! Need I say more. Make sure the lab uses the standard range suggested by the American Association of Endocrinologists.
Unfortunately TSH and T4 levels do not always accurately predict low thyroid hormones. This standard test (TSH/T4) only accounts for the type of Hypothyroidism you get if your body is not making enough T4. During the thyroid hormone cycle T4 is converted to T3 (triiodothyronine), the more active form of thyroid hormone. The hormone you need, the one your body uses, is T3! So you can get Hypothyroidism in ways that are related to T3 levels but still have a normal T4 levels. Pituitary dysfunction, lack of conversion from T4 to T3, and a resistance to Thyroid hormones are possible conditions that could lead to Hypothyroidism but give normal TSH and T4 readings. Make sure that your doctor tests for all the thyroid hormones including T3. Even then, you may still have Thyroid hormone resistance and may need a specialist!
Most physicians are using a normal TSH range that is too large. The normal TSH reference range used is 0.050 – 5.00 mIU/L. Currently, the American Association of Endocrinologists states that this band is too broad and recommends that the normal reference range for TSH be changed to 0.05 – 2.50 mIU/L. This means that millions of people have undiagnosed Hypothyroidism! Make sure you know what range your doctor is using!
Unfortunately TSH and T4 levels do not always accurately predict low thyroid hormones. This standard test (TSH/T4) only accounts for the type of Hypothyroidism you get if your body is not making enough T4. During the thyroid hormone cycle T4 is converted to T3 (triiodothyronine), the more active form of thyroid hormone. The hormone you need, the one your body uses, is T3! So you can get Hypothyroidism in ways that are related to T3 levels but still have a normal T4 levels. Pituitary dysfunction, lack of conversion from T4 to T3, and a resistance to Thyroid hormones are possible conditions that could lead to Hypothyroidism but give normal TSH and T4 readings. Make sure that your doctor tests for all the thyroid hormones including T3. Even then, you may still have Thyroid hormone resistance and may need a specialist!
Most physicians are using a normal TSH range that is too large. The normal TSH reference range used is 0.050 – 5.00 mIU/L. Currently, the American Association of Endocrinologists states that this band is too broad and recommends that the normal reference range for TSH be changed to 0.05 – 2.50 mIU/L. This means that millions of people have undiagnosed Hypothyroidism! Make sure you know what range your doctor is using!