Many parts of the body become involved when thyroid function is interfered with including bone metabolism, the immune system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, gastrointestinal function, liver and gallbladder, growth and sex hormones, fat burning, insulin and glucose metabolism, healthy cholesterol levels, and proper stomach acid.
Sometimes the thyroid gland will not produce enough hormones and this is called hyposecretion. On the other hand, it can produce too many and this is called hypersecretion. There is a normal level of secretion and a delicate balance that must be kept.
If, for example, there is a hyposecretion of the thyroid gland, the nervous system will be affected and people will have mental dulling, depression, and memory impairment. If there is a hypersecretion of the thyroid gland then a person will experience irritability, restlessness, and moodiness.
In the cardiovascular system, hyposecretion will cause low heart rate and blood pressure and hypersecretion will cause rapid heart rate and possible palpitations. The thyroid is so important that when it malfunctions you will find that many of your systems are influenced.
The bottom line is that poor testing leads to poor results. If the diagnosis is incorrect then the treatment will be ineffective. More often than not a TSH test is ordered to evaluate thyroid function, but there are many other tests to consider when understanding the condition of your thyroid.
In order to know the underlying cause of your thyroid malfunction we must run the proper tests. Below is a list of tests that can be a much more accurate reflection of thyroid function:
- Total T4: Thyroxin (inactive thyroid hormone)
- Total T3: Triiodothyroxine (the active thyroid hormone)
- FTI: Free thyroxin index, amount of T4 available
- FT4: Free thyroxin (non-protein bound in-active thyroid hormones)
- T3 uptake: How much of T3 is taken up by TBG.
- TBG levels: The protein “taxi” that shuttles T4 and T3 around the body.
- FT3: Free triodothyroxine (non-protein bound active thyroid hormones)
- Reverse T3: The body cannot use this.
- TPO and TBG Antibodies: Indicator of Hashimoto Disease
- TSH antibodies: Indicator of Graves Disease
If you have an autoimmune attack on your thyroid gland, then this immune system challenge becomes the HIGHEST PRIORITY of testing and treatment.
Handling this immune system imbalance requires specialized testing and treatment by a doctor who has been thoroughly trained in the correct protocols.
Fortunately for you, I am one of those doctors. I have received in-depth training and have specialized thyroid dysfunction training from Dr. Datis Kharrazian, who is a respected and highly educated chiropractic physician.
Dr. Kharrazian wrote the bestselling book, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests are Normal. For more information, visit www.thyroidbook.com.