Low Thyroid condition has been previously underestimated

New criteria for low thyroid function mean that thousands of people with fatigue were told that their tests were normal, but recent evidence suggests that the cut-off for “abnormal” was too strict.  Some symptoms of inadequate thyroid hormone production, “hypothyroidism,” include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold easily, constipation, and elevated cholesterol levels. 

A couple of simple inexpensive tests can tell if you may have what is now called “subclinical hypothyroidism.”  The thyroid gland, located at the base of the front of the neck, creates and secretes thyroid hormone or T4.  Doctors measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).  TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. If thyroid function is inadequate, the pituitary sends a stronger signal to the thyroid, with more TSH.  Higher TSH levels mean lower thyroid function.   

Most labs still report “normal” TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as less than 5.5, but in fact 95% of patients have TSH less than 2.5. If your TSH is over 2.5, and you have symptoms of low thyroid function, I recommend we check both Free T3, Free T4, and possibly thyroid antibodies.  If these are elevated, you are likely to have autoimmune (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis, which is the most common cause of low thyroid. All thyroid testing, including antibodies, can be done with one small blood tube that can be obtained here at Corporate Wellness Solutions. Treatment with one pill daily can increase energy, improve mood, lower cholesterol, and much more.  Subclinical hypothyroidism is just one of many conditions tested for during a Corporate Wellness Solutions evaluation.