The Problem with Standard Thyroid Testing
I've had countless clients with every symptom of an underactive thyroid, yet they’ve been repeatedly told that their thyroid is fine.
"Your Blood Tests Are Fine. You Are Fine!"
Don't you love this conversation? Many of us have experienced it. The truth is, a standard thyroid test (TSH) isn’t always enough—a full thyroid panel gives a much clearer picture.
A Simple Analogy for Thyroid Testing
I explain it like this:
Imagine you wanted to check on a friend to see how they’re doing. Instead of going to their house and talking to them directly, you stop by their neighbor’s house and ask them.
This is the same as checking TSH alone instead of checking T3 and T4 directly.
What These Thyroid Markers Really Tell Us
- TSH is made by the pituitary gland, so testing it tells us how well your brain is communicating with your thyroid.
- T4 & T3 are made by the thyroid, so testing them shows us if your thyroid is actually functioning properly.
- Thyroid Antibodies indicate whether your immune system is attacking your thyroid, which is common in autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid That May Sound Familiar:
- Feeling exhausted
- Struggling to lose weight
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Dry skin and thinning hair
- Constipation
- Cold hands and feet
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Heavy periods
… It’s pretty much living hell.
Low Iron? It Could Be Affecting Your Thyroid
Iron plays a huge role in thyroid function. It’s needed to convert iodide to iodine, which is essential for making T4. If you’re low in iron (which so many people are), you may not be making enough T4 to begin with.
Thyroid Confusion? Let Us Help.
If any of these symptoms sound like you, we’ve got you covered. Thyroids are our jam—let us handle the confusing results and figure out what’s really happening.
