Thyroid Testing 101

Many women come into my office wondering if they have hypothyroidism. Here I have included common symptoms and my favorite lab tests to assess thyroid.

This is a starting guide and with all health problems, individual assessment is important and essential for quality care. 

HYPOTHYROID (most common thyroid problem)
Symptoms include:

• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Difficulty losing weight
• Dry skin
• Sleep disruption
• Hair changes (thinning)
• Generalized weakness
• Cold intolerance
• Slow Heart Rate 
• Poor concentration.
• Irregular menstrual cycles - infertility
• Depression

HYPERTHYROID (less common thyroid problem)
Symptoms include:

• Heart racing
• Tremors
• Weight loss 
• Diarrhea or just going more frequently
• Nervousness
• Heat Intolerance
• Sweating
• Exophthalmos (Bulging eye)

​Dr. Ariel's Favorite Testing to Assess Thyroid Function (with Ideal Ranges):

• TSH - (0.5-2) - The messenger that comes from the brain to the thyroid. This is the most common test that is run. 
• Free T4 (1-1.5) - Hormone that comes from the thyroid. 
• Free T3 (3-3.8) - Hormone that comes from the thyroid. 
• Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) (<30) - a marker of autoimmune disease
• Thyroglobulin Antibody (TG) (<30) - a marker of autoimmune disease
• Reverse T3 (<13-15) - I don't always run this test but it can give more information if there is difficulties getting the TSH within range. 

What if all your thyroid tests are normal but you still feel like you have hypothyroid symptoms? Then a proper naturopathic assessment is needed of the below areas:

• Digestive Function
• Adrenal Health
• Nutrient Status (including iron, B vitamins, and vitamin D)
• Chronic Infections