5 Conditions Which Make Your TSH Less Accurate
The TSH is probably the most standard way to test for thyroid dysfunction but it's certainly not the most accurate way.
There are at least 5 different conditions which, if present, can alter how reliable the TSH test really is.
These conditions include:
#1. Low T3 syndrome.
- The first condition is low T3 syndrome. People with this condition have low levels of free T3 or total T3 but their free T4 and TSH may stay relatively normal. Free T3 should take precedence because it is the active thyroid hormone.
#2. high TSH but normal T4.
- Many people look at the TSH reference range and think that if they fall anywhere on that range that they are "normal". The problem is that this reference range includes people who aren't 100% healthy. Instead of using the standard reference range look at a tighter range which is less than 2.0.
#3. Partial thyroidectomy with falsely normal T4/T3.
- If part of your thyroid has been removed or radiated with radioactive iodine then the remaining portion must enlarge to try and satisfy the demand for thyroid function. This process causes changes to cellular sensitivity as your body attempts to produce enough thyroid hormone. People in this situation can have a normal TSH even though they are clearly hypothyroid.
#4. Elevated TPO antibodies.
- Those with Hashimoto's have elevated antibodies to their thyroid which causes inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland. These patients can have a normal TSH for a long time even though they are clearly hypothyroid.
#5. D2 genetic mutations.
- Certain genetic mutations can reduce how effectively you convert T4 into the active thyroid hormone T3. Up to 15-20% of people have this genetic mutation which can cause symptoms if you develop hypothyroidism.
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- For thyroid hormone production and conversion: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3-conversion-booster/
- For hair loss: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-hair-regrowth-complex/
- For weight management: https://www.restartmed.com/product/gut-bomb-350-billion/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/functional-fuel-complete/
- For gut health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/ultra-biotic-x100/
- For energy and adrenal health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/power-b-complex/
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-westin-childs-podcast-thyroid-weight-loss-hormones/id1141207688?mt=2
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
There are at least 5 different conditions which, if present, can alter how reliable the TSH test really is.
These conditions include:
#1. Low T3 syndrome.
- The first condition is low T3 syndrome. People with this condition have low levels of free T3 or total T3 but their free T4 and TSH may stay relatively normal. Free T3 should take precedence because it is the active thyroid hormone.
#2. high TSH but normal T4.
- Many people look at the TSH reference range and think that if they fall anywhere on that range that they are "normal". The problem is that this reference range includes people who aren't 100% healthy. Instead of using the standard reference range look at a tighter range which is less than 2.0.
#3. Partial thyroidectomy with falsely normal T4/T3.
- If part of your thyroid has been removed or radiated with radioactive iodine then the remaining portion must enlarge to try and satisfy the demand for thyroid function. This process causes changes to cellular sensitivity as your body attempts to produce enough thyroid hormone. People in this situation can have a normal TSH even though they are clearly hypothyroid.
#4. Elevated TPO antibodies.
- Those with Hashimoto's have elevated antibodies to their thyroid which causes inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland. These patients can have a normal TSH for a long time even though they are clearly hypothyroid.
#5. D2 genetic mutations.
- Certain genetic mutations can reduce how effectively you convert T4 into the active thyroid hormone T3. Up to 15-20% of people have this genetic mutation which can cause symptoms if you develop hypothyroidism.
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- For thyroid hormone production and conversion: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3-conversion-booster/
- For hair loss: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-hair-regrowth-complex/
- For weight management: https://www.restartmed.com/product/gut-bomb-350-billion/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/functional-fuel-complete/
- For gut health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/ultra-biotic-x100/
- For energy and adrenal health: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ + https://www.restartmed.com/product/power-b-complex/
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-westin-childs-podcast-thyroid-weight-loss-hormones/id1141207688?mt=2
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
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