Upwards of 40% of people have signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. This mostly consists of people complaining of underactive or hypothyroid symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
- Feeling tired or fatigue
- Dry or itchy skin
- Concentration problems
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Feeling cold
- Muscle/Joint weakness or aches
- Depression
- Constipation
- Heavy or irregular periods
Most medical practitioners diagnose thyroid health merely by one lab value. This one lab value is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Unfortunately, this practice is extremely short-sighted. Hypothyroidism is a clinical diagnosis based on a patient's set of symptoms along with referenced lab values. By relying only on one lab value to diagnose hypothyroidism, a practitioner can ultimately miss a large percentage of patients experiencing thyroid problems.
"Normal does not equal Optimal"
Remember "Normal does not equal Optimal." Many individuals have severe symptoms of hypothyroidism as indicated above but because their labs are in the normal range, they are told; "you're fine", it’s "all in your head" or better yet, "your labs are normal, nothing's wrong!" These patients feel anything but normal!
TSH – Free T3 and Free T4
In assessing thyroid levels, three labs need to be done. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free T4 and a Free T3. These labs are essential. Your thyroid gland produces T3 and T4 which are secreted and go to every cell in your body. Your thyroid produces more T4 which then converts in your body to T3. T3 is responsible for well-being and overall feeling of good health. The problem is 25-30% of people are poor converters of T4 into T3. This lack of conversion causes many people to have unexplained thyroid symptoms yet have a normal TSH lab value. These people can go undiagnosed for years with many experiencing these symptoms.
At Armur Medical we are committed to helping you balance and optimize your thyroid levels so you can live your best life today! If you have been experiencing symptoms of low thyroid, please call the number below to speak with a team member.