Thyroid Function Test
Your Thyroid Function Test An underactive thyroid gland is called hypothyroidism. Nowadays, it is the most common thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism leads to inadequate thyroid hormone production. Although there are numerous lab tests that can be used to evaluate thyroid function, many doctors only test Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels due to restraints within the current medical model. You may be told that your thyroid function is normal when TSH levels are within an acceptable range. Unfortunately having normal TSH levels does not automatically rule out a hypothyroid condition. If you suspect you have a sluggish or under active thyroid it is recommended that ask your health practitioner to perform a comprehensive thyroid function test. This includes measuring total thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) along with TSH. This will assist an accurate diagnosis of actual thyroid function. A single test of TSH does not reflect how much T4 and T3 is being produced. In addition, it does not assess how well T4 is converting to the active T3 form. In fact, it may not be converting at all, it may be converting to the inactive form of T3 called reverse T3 (rT3). A test for rT3 will identify high levels of the inactive form of T3. Under normal conditions T4 will convert to both T3 and rT3 and the body quickly eliminates rT3. When T4 converts to rT3 it leads to all the symptoms of hypothyroidism. rT3 is produced in higher amounts during periods of stress or in response to toxicity. A measurement of rT3 is valuable in identifying a condition called Reverse T3 Dominance. In addition, testing for thyroid antibodies will exclude autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland due to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It is important that you understand your thyroid function test, and you should feel confident in asking your health practitioner for copies of your laboratory results. A Thyroid Function Test Should Be Considered Along With Symptoms of An Underactive Thyroid Diagnosing a thyroid problem can be difficult if you only rely on a thyroid function test. If you have borderline hypothyroidism the current testing may not be sensitive enough to diagnose this problem. You should also discuss any signs & symptoms that you feel relate to thyroid function with your health practitioner. The common symptoms include dry skin & hair, low libido, unexplained fatigue, rapid weight gain, menstrual irregularities, mood changes, low blood pressure, heart palpitations, hair loss or muscle weakness. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are significant indicators that your thyroid is not working well. Do not under estimate any of these. Basal Body Temperature Testing A check of your basal body temperature upon waking is also a good indicator of thyroid health. Your basal body temperature is your resting temperature. It is the temperature of your body immediately on waking, before any physical activity has been undertaken. Checking your basal body temperature is important as this is a good indicator of low thyroid function. Your basal temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which is mainly controlled by your thyroid hormones. Basal temperature testing can be done at home, making this is a simple way to assess current thyroid function. Lower than normal body temperature readings indicate sluggish metabolism, often a direct result of low thyroid function. Your basal body temperature should be between 97.6 - 98.2 Fahrenheit or 36 - 37 Celsius (36.5 Celsius is ideal). Brachioradialis Reflexometry Brachioradialis Reflexometry is performed by tapping a muscle in your arm (the brachioradialis) and recording the reflex. From this a specialised computer program is used to assess how well the thyroid is functioning. This includes an assessment of your resting metabolic rate.
Read More #1 Natural Thyroid Diet Thyroid Gland Function What Causes Hypothyroidism? Thyroid Hormone Function Low Thyroid Warning Basal Body Temperature Testing Reverse T3 Dominance Return to the Natural Weight Loss Programs Home Page |
