Been told your thyroid is NORMAL but struggling with hypothyroid symptoms?
If you suspect your thyroid is under active it’s vital to get comprehensive testing.
The Conventional Approach To Testing
The standard guidelines for thyroid testing recommend testing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) first, then assessing free thyroxine (T4) if TSH is out of the reference range. But here’s the thing, the stand alone TSH test is totally inadequate to properly check thyroid function.
Let me explain why…
1. A Normal TSH Result is Not Always An Optimal Result
A wide diagnostic reference range is used to interpret a TSH result. As a consequence, an underlying thyroid issue can be easily missed. Current research reveals the optimal TSH reference range is 0.5-2.0 mIU/L. However, most labs continue to use the standard reference range of 0.5-5.0 mIU/L.
2. You Need More Than TSH Test To Get A True Picture of Overall Thyroid Function
There’s no doubt testing TSH is important. It’s a critical messenger hormone that’s released by the pituitary gland. Once released this hormone travels to the thyroid via the bloodstream to stimulate hormone production.
And as you can imagine you need to know if the thyroid is responding to the TSH message. You can do this by testing the hormones produced by the thyroid. The main hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3).
What You Need to Know About Getting The Tests You Need
In Australia, the main thyroid tests are covered by Medicare when the pathology referral form is signed by a medical doctor. The exception is the reverse T3 test. It’s NOT covered by Medicare so the labs charge around $90. You usually get an invoice sent to you once the testing is complete.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all doctors will do comprehensive testing as Medicare guidelines state that only TSH, or TSH plus T4 is necessary to investigate a possible problem. You therefore need to present a good case for wanting more than TSH tested.
If your doctor is unwilling to authorize comprehensive testing there are two options; find a thyroid-literate doctor who will do a complete thyroid panel or order the tests you need online.
Here’s what you need to know about ordering tests online in Australia and the USA.
In Australia?
Order your Advanced Thyroid Check from i-screen, Australia. The Advanced Thyroid Check provides an in-depth analysis of thyroid function. It measures TSH, free T4, free T3, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies. Add the Reverse T3 Check for AUD$85.
In the USA?
Head on over to True Health Labs website. TrueHealthLabs.com have created the Complete Thyroid Test Panel to give you deeper insights into the complexity of your thyroid health. This popular tests measures: TSH, total T4, total T3, free T4, free T3, reverse T3 (rT3), free T4 index, and TPO and Anti-TG Antibodies to screen for Hashimoto’s.
How Do You Feel? You Are More Than Your Lab Results!
Once you have your test results I highly recommend you find a skilled healthcare practitioner who will take the time to listen to you. That is, they will consider your results along with how you feel and your medical history.
In fact, finding a skilled healthcare practitioner who understands thyroid problems makes all the difference. Armed with the right information you can work together to plan the most effective treatment strategy so you can finally put an end to the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
In Summary
The thyroid is one of the most influential glands in the body. It’s therefore vital to trust your instinct. If you suspect you have a problem get tested! Comprehensive testing will help you find out what’s really going on. You don’t need to continue suffering with the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
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