If you feel frustrated because your TSH results are "normal" and your doctor tells you there is nothing wrong, but you still experience a wide range of thyroid-related symptoms, we understand and we know why.
The Reality About Thyroid Testing
The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the test that most doctors use to screen for hypothyroidism. But this test actually measures how well the pituitary is "talking" to the thyroid gland, rather than measuring actual thyroid hormones or, more importantly, the level of thyroid activity in the body. To date, in most clinical practices in the United States, hypothyroidism is diagnosed solely when the TSH level is consistently above the upper limit of normal of 4.0 to 5.0 ng/dL. Unfortunately, this assumption no longer holds true when we delve into the domain of thyroid function in the aging population.
There's a better way to measure your thyroid health. Comprehensive testing should include Free T4, Free T3, reverse T3, sex hormone binding globulin (SHGB), leptin, computerized measurement of tissue thyroid levels, and basal metabolic rate. These tests can help determine if you are suffering from hypothyroidism, and can help us get you on the road to wellness.
In the below video, Dr. Kent Holtorf talks about the gray areas of the standard thyroid tests that miss low thyroid up to 80% of the time and are unreliable.
What Is An Effective Treatment For Thyroid?
The overwhelming majority of doctors and endocrinologists use Synthroid, which is the inactive thyroid hormone T4, and hope your body converts it to the active thyroid hormone T3. The problem is that the conversion of T4 (the storage hormone) to T3 (the active hormone) can be reduced in anyone with significant stress, depression, history of dieting, insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, chronic infections, PMS, iron deficiency, and many more conditions. Thus, T3-containing preparations and straight time-released T3 is much more effective for the majority of people. Our treatment options include customized bioidentical thyroid hormone combinations of T4/T3, as well as time-released T3.
These cutting-edge therapies also include the addition of important nutritional supplements that can help regulate thyroid balance, support a healthy metabolism, and improve your weight loss, energy, and mood. Results can be dramatic for a wide range of conditions with overall increased energy, weight loss, enhanced sense of well-being, resolution of hair loss, improved skin tone, enhanced immunity, and significantly reduced risk for cancer and heart disease.
Why Doesn't Your Doctor Know All Of This?
The reason is that the overwhelming majority (all but a few percent) of physicians (endocrinologists, internists, family practitioners, rheumatologists, etc.) do not read medical journals. When asked, most doctors will claim that they routinely read medical journals, but this has been shown not to be the case.
The reason is multi-factorial, but it comes down to the fact that the doctors do not have the time. They are too busy running their practices. The overwhelming majority of physicians rely on what they learned in medical school and on pharmaceutical sales representatives to keep them "up-to-date" on new drug information. Obviously, the studies brought to physicians for "educational purposes" are highly filtered to support their product.
This is especially true for endocrinological conditions, where physicians are very resistant to changing old concepts of diagnosis and treatment despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary because it is not what they were taught in medical school and residency.
Medical researchers, public officials and political leaders are increasingly concerned about physicians' inability to translate research findings into their medical practice to benefit their patients. Very few physicians learn about new discoveries at scientific conferences and medical journals and translate this knowledge into enhanced treatments for their patients.
Take Responsibility For Your Health: Tips To Choose A Knowledgeable Doctor And Your Best Thyroid Treatment
Below is a short summary consisting of important points to look and ask for when you choose your doctor and your thyroid treatment:
1. Education
Find reliable sources on the Internet and educate yourself about the thyroid conditions. There are a few doctors who write important and easy-to-read articles on the matter, so take some time to learn about your body, symptoms, and conditions. Our site offers comprehensive information about the most important aspects you need to know concerning thyroid health. You can also watch Dr Kent Holtorf's videos on YouTube and his numerous interviews on main TV channels, available on our website.
2. Choosing a doctor
Use the Internet and your personal network to find a knowledgeable, open-minded doctor in your area. Don't go to the closest clinic. Your health is worth driving further away, if it means you'll get the understanding, treatment and care you deserve and need.
3. Do your homework
Have a prepared list with questions to ask your doctor on your first visit. What thyroid tests does he use? What kind of treatment does he usually prescribe? Can he actually interpret the symptoms you are describing to him? Just by reading this article you should be "armed" with some of the most important information to ask and also become suspicious if your questions are not properly answered.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for second opinions
Always double check what your doctor told you. You can ask for opinions on dedicated online forums, and even talk to people who experience the same condition as you do and have followed a thyroid treatment already.
