Optimal Thyroid Lab Tests Don't Work
1.9 هزار بار بازدید -
5 سال پیش
-
The big problem with optimal
The big problem with optimal thyroid lab tests and why you can't rely on your thyroid labs to help you feel better. Why the optimal ranges for thyroid lab tests don't always work.
There is a focus among thyroid patients on optimal thyroid lab tests. These lab tests are said to be a representation of what a "healthy" level should be.
Unfortunately, I think more harm comes from focusing on these levels than good and I want to explain why.
Here are 5 reasons you don't want to focus solely on optimal thyroid lab tests:
#1. Obtaining optimal lab tests doesn't guarantee that you will feel better.
And this is really the main goal when you are being treated with thyroid medication. What you want is to feel better and relieve your symptoms of hypothyroidism but I am here to tell you that optimal lab tests do not guarantee this.
#2. If you push for optimal lab tests you may end up using the wrong medication.
It's not always a good idea to optimize both free T4 and free T3 levels. Doing so may cause you to unnecessarily add T4 to your regimen when you're doing fine on T3.
#3. You can manipulate your lab tests and results however you want.
Thyroid lab tests can easily be manipulated by changing how you take your thyroid medication.
#4. You may be focusing on the wrong metric.
Your clinical symptoms are often much more important than whatever your lab tests show.
#5. It's not always possible to actually obtain optimal free T4 and free T3 levels at the same time.
The more T3 you take the more it will drive down your T4. This just occurs due to thyroid physiology.
What should you use instead? I recommend focusing on the following metrics:
The TSH -
Total T3 -
Free T3/Reverse T3 ratio -
Clinical presentation and symptoms -
Other hormone imbalances -
Resting heart rate -
Blood pressure -
Metabolism and calorie burn -
Current dietary/calorie intake -
Energy levels -
Inflammation status -
Cholesterol levels -
How well you are converting T4 to T3 -
You can read the entire blog post here: https://www.restartmed.com/the-proble...
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: https://bit.ly/3tekPej
- Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto's: https://bit.ly/3gSY9eJ
- Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: https://bit.ly/3tb36nZ
- Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: https://bit.ly/3t70yHo
See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
https://www.restartmed.com/shop/
Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:
https://www.restartmed.com/blog/
Prefer to listen via podcast? Download all of my podcast episodes here: https://apple.co/3kNYTCS
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
There is a focus among thyroid patients on optimal thyroid lab tests. These lab tests are said to be a representation of what a "healthy" level should be.
Unfortunately, I think more harm comes from focusing on these levels than good and I want to explain why.
Here are 5 reasons you don't want to focus solely on optimal thyroid lab tests:
#1. Obtaining optimal lab tests doesn't guarantee that you will feel better.
And this is really the main goal when you are being treated with thyroid medication. What you want is to feel better and relieve your symptoms of hypothyroidism but I am here to tell you that optimal lab tests do not guarantee this.
#2. If you push for optimal lab tests you may end up using the wrong medication.
It's not always a good idea to optimize both free T4 and free T3 levels. Doing so may cause you to unnecessarily add T4 to your regimen when you're doing fine on T3.
#3. You can manipulate your lab tests and results however you want.
Thyroid lab tests can easily be manipulated by changing how you take your thyroid medication.
#4. You may be focusing on the wrong metric.
Your clinical symptoms are often much more important than whatever your lab tests show.
#5. It's not always possible to actually obtain optimal free T4 and free T3 levels at the same time.
The more T3 you take the more it will drive down your T4. This just occurs due to thyroid physiology.
What should you use instead? I recommend focusing on the following metrics:
The TSH -
Total T3 -
Free T3/Reverse T3 ratio -
Clinical presentation and symptoms -
Other hormone imbalances -
Resting heart rate -
Blood pressure -
Metabolism and calorie burn -
Current dietary/calorie intake -
Energy levels -
Inflammation status -
Cholesterol levels -
How well you are converting T4 to T3 -
You can read the entire blog post here: https://www.restartmed.com/the-proble...
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: https://bit.ly/3tekPej
- Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto's: https://bit.ly/3gSY9eJ
- Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: https://bit.ly/3tb36nZ
- Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: https://bit.ly/3t70yHo
See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
https://www.restartmed.com/shop/
Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:
https://www.restartmed.com/blog/
Prefer to listen via podcast? Download all of my podcast episodes here: https://apple.co/3kNYTCS
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
5 سال پیش
در تاریخ 1398/06/28 منتشر شده
است.
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