is your thyroid healthy?

The thyroid is an endocrine (hormone-secreting) gland that is in charge of multiple bodily functions.  The entire blood supply of the body passes through the thyroid every 17 minutes.  In the grand scheme of things, it’s a pretty important little gland.  Sadly, it’s also one that fails on an alarmingly frequent rate.  The fourth most prescribed drug in the U.S. is for thyroid dysfunction.

Many people exhibit the physical signs of thyroid malfunction– even if they are currently taking thyroid medication and the blood tests are "normal". The following are some signs that your thyroid may not be healthy:

shortcomings of conventional thyroid assessment

In some cases, blood test results may reflect an acceptable amount of hormones in the body or show thyroid function in the "normal" range, however, the body may not be properly utilizing these hormones (a main consideration to feed the hypothalamus first, it's the master regulator). When faced with these test results, there are a few important factors to consider: 1) The "normal" range for thyroid testing isn't based on a healthy population. It is based on a bell curve of concerned, symptomatic people who are having their thyroid tested. 2) Most doctors only test for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) which is actually not made by the thyroid. TSH is made by the pituitary gland based on signals from the hypothalamus. If your hypothalamus detects low levels of T4 (inactive form of thyroid hormone) it signals your pituitary to alert your thyroid to make more T4. Then, T4 has to be converted to T3– the active form of Thyroid Hormone. You can have plenty of T4 and have a conversion problem which makes your levels of functional T3 insufficient. but if your TSH levels come back in the "normal" range, your doctor most likely won't look any further– often your insurance company won't let them. In most states, the "normal" TSH range is 0.5-5.0.

functional & integrative medicine preferences reading thyroid test results

We prefer to see TSH levels lower than 1.5. Ideally 1.0 or lower. The following is a list of ideal results we want to see in blood tests reflecting thyroid health; many forward thinking doctors agree with these newer standards:

• TSH: 1.0-3.0
• Free T3: Top 25% of reference range
• Free T4: Middle or slightly above the middle of the reference range
• Reverse T3 (RT3): Low end of the reference range
• Thyroid Antibodies: within range

If your tests come back and you are not within these ranges, try pursuing natural thyroid support by first feeding the hypothalamus and reassessing after 1-3 months. If symptoms persist, consider the Thyroid Temperature Test (this information can also be found below). Aside from blood tests, you can get a pretty good idea about how your thyroid is functioning simply by monitoring your basal body temperature. Again, I would only recommend this if the hypothalamus tests strong for function. If it does and your temperature test still shows cause for concern regarding thyroid function it is time for a broader view.  Do you have many of the symptoms listed above?  We consider things like diet (cholesterol is used to synthesize many hormones, so some vegans may struggle with hormone synthesis), mineral intake (zinc, selenium, and iodine play large roles in thyroid function), digestion, and of key importance – adrenal function.  Some supplement options to consider include: homeopathy, iodine, tyrosine, zinc, selenium, and herbs like bladderwrack, bacopa, withania, bugleweed, and others.

Even if your doctor or your insurance company says you’re "normal", if you are demonstrating signs of low thyroid function, seek another opinion.

Thyroid temperature test

(Barnes Basal Metabolism Self-Test for Thyroid Function)

Hypothyroid affects about 40% of the people in the U.S., of whom most are women. Symptoms include fatigue, poor memory, sleeping more than eight hours a night, loss of appetite, inability to tolerate cold, slow heart rate, weight gain, painful PMS, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, dry and scaly skin, swollen tongue, hoarse voice, yellow-orange coloration of skin (particularly palms of the hands), yellow bumps on eyelids, hair loss, recurrent infections, constipation, depression, difficulty concentrating, slow speech, goiter, drooping swollen eyes, cold hands and feet, rigid fingernails, fertility problems and sexual problems.

The following test can be used to detect a deficient thyroid. The temperature test is an accurate test for determining a sub-functional thyroid and has been documented in medical journals.

1. Over the course of three days, take your oral temperature in the afternoon with a regular digital thermometer. It should read very close to 98.6. If below 98.6, it could indicate an under active or hypo-thyroid. Record below.

2. Additionally, place the digital thermometer beside the bed before going to sleep.

3. Immediately upon waking, turn on the thermometer and place it deep in your armpit and leave in place for 3 minutes (10 minutes if using a shakedown mercury thermometer - shake it down first). The less movement you make, the more accurate the test. Lie as still as possible. (The beeper may sound but the temperature should continue to monitor. Record below.

4. For menstruating women: you can begin measuring your temperature at any time during your cycle. However, the most accurate readings occur within the first seven days following the start of menses. Women will get the most accurate reading when not menstruating.

Your basal body temperature should be between 97.8 and 98.2. Axillary (armpit) is roughly one point lower than oral readings. The following axillary readings are indicative of thyroid states:

• 97.8 - 98.2 Normally functioning thyroid
• Above 98.2 Hyperthyroid or possible infection
• Below 97.8 Possible hypothyroid
• If below 97.8 for three consecutive days there may be an under-active thyroid, particularly if you have other symptoms of hypothyroidism.

You can download the Thyroid Temperature Check document here. We recommend keeping it in a prominent place such as on the refrigerator or at your bedside as a reminder to check.