Standard of Care: The standard of care for Thyroid issues in America is abysmal. Here's what the Docs will do...
Test TSH only
If you're lucky, they will also test T4
These numbers don't tell you much.
It is entirely possible to show normal TSH and T4 and still have thyroid issues.
If the Doc suspects thyroid problems but they are not severe enough yet... They will wait until so much healthy thyroid tissue has been destroyed that they can put you on a medication... for the rest of your life.
You read that correctly... They will allow a small problem to get worse so they can give you medication.
The Tests You Need:
TSH
Free T4
Free T3
Reverse T3
Thyroid Antibodies
Note - I HIGHLY recommend you get a qualified Functional Medicine Doctor to help you interpret these results! Hashimoto's:
90% of people with hypothyroidism also have Hashimoto's
Hashimoto's and thus hypothyroidism is an autoimmune issue!
Inflammation suppresses HPT Axis
Inflammation decreases the number of thyroid hormone receptors in the body and decreases their sensitivity.
Inflammation decreases the conversion of T4 to T3 (the active thyroid hormone)
No amount of medication will fix the problem until you address the underlying issue of leaky gut and inflammation!
Medication without Lifestyle Interventions is like putting a band-aid on a splinter without removing the splinter first.
