ARE YOU FAT, TIRED AND ACHY?

By Daniel J. Bourassa, D.C.

Maybe you have a thyroid problem. In his article, “HYPOTHYROIDISM: THE UNDERD1AGNOSED ILLNESS”, Ward Dean, M.D. points out that: “the most common symptoms caused by hypothyroidism include poor concentration, mental confusion, memory disturbances, cold hands and feet, overweight, difficult weight loss, menstrual problems, dry skin, thin hair, and low energy levels. Other symptoms include migraine headaches, hypertension, depression, hypoglycemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, infertility, and even acne.” In addition, there is currently an intense debate in medical circles regarding a link between hypothyroidism, thyroiditis and breast cancer. Hypothyroidism is certainly not something that you should ignore.

My last article about FIBROMYALGIA briefly touched on the effect of hormones and especially, the thyroid, in this low cellular energy disease syndrome. In fact, as I pointed out, 63% of fibromyalgia patients have been found to have hypothyroidism. I have found this correlation to be higher in my patients. It is well known that the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells, called mitochondria require ample amounts of T3 to produce energy. There is also a link between hypothyroidism and depression, immune function, certain heart problems, and It is now well known among holistic and alternative doctors who treat hypothyroid patients that routine blood tests often do not detect many cases of hypothyroidism. Doctors are taught in medical school that routine blood tests are a perfectly sufficient diagnostic tool. People are often told their thyroid function is ‘perfectly normal’ after a blood test fails to identi1,’ this problem. According to Dr. Dean, “Although many people exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism, they usually don’t receive treatment for this condition if they have normal blood test readings. Their physicians often tell them that their symptoms are due to other causes or that their problem is “all in their head.” I have known many patients who were referred to psychiatrists to treat their so-called “psychosomatic” problems. However, when they were later given thyroid replacement therapy, they improved dramatically.” I might add that their physician more often forgoes even diabetes. It is now well known among holistic and alternative doctors who treat hypothyroid patients that routine blood tests often do not detect many cases of hypothyroidism. Doctors are taught in medical school that routine blood tests are a perfectly sufficient diagnostic tool. People are often told their thyroid function is ‘perfectly normal’ after a blood test fails to identify,’ this problem. According to Dr. Dean, “Although many people exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism, they usually don’t receive treatment for this condition if they have normal blood test readings. Their physicians often tell them that their symptoms are due to other causes or that their problem is “all in their head.” I have known many patients who were referred to psychiatrists to treat their so-called “psychosomatic” problems. However, when they were later given thyroid replacement therapy, they improved dramatically.” I might add that their physician more often forgoes the referral and just prescribes anti-depressants to placate the hypothyroid patient.

How to Interpret Your Thyroid Test Results

If you want to have a better idea of what your thyroid tests mean, here is some information that can help.

Difficulty level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes

Here’s How:

1. Find out your thyroid test results from your doctors office.
2. If you can, get a hard copy printout far your own review and home medical files.
3. If “normal” or “reference” ranges are not indicated on the lab results, ask your doctor’s office to tell you what these ranges are.
4. Note the level of your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). At most labs in the U.S., the normal range is from around 0.5 to 5.5.
5. If the TSH level is below normal, your doctor may determine that you are hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid.)
6. If the TSH level is above normal, your doctor may determine that you are hypothyroid (underactive thyroid.)
7. If your doctor ran a test called Total T4 or Total Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 4.5 to 12.5. If you had a low reading, and a high TSH, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
8. If your doctor ran a test called Total T4 or Total Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 4.5 to 12.5. If you had a low reading, and a low TSH, your doctor might look into a pituitary problem.
9. If your doctor ran a test called Free T4, or Free Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 0.7 to 2.0. If your result was less than 0.7, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
10. If your doctor ran a test called Total T3, normal range is approximately 80 to 220. If your result was less than 80, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
11. If your doctor ran a test called Free T3, normal range is approximately 2.3 to 4.2. If your result was less than 2.3, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
12. If your test results come back “normal” but you have many of the symptoms or risk factors far thyroid disease, make sure you ask far an antibodies test. Some doctors believe in treating thyroid symptoms in the presence of elevated antibodies and normal TSH levels.
13. If your test results come back “normal” but you have many of the symptoms or risk factors far thyroid disease, consider going to a reputable holistic M.D. or alternative physician far further interpretation and diagnosis.

Tips:

1. Laboratory reference ranges and normal ranges can differ from lab to lab. Always go by your lab’s reference range and your doctor’s diagnosis.

There is a very simple test that measures thyroid hormone, or lack thereof, effect on your body that you can perform at home. Broda Barnes, M.D., who spent a lifetime studying the effects of the thyroid on the body, recommends you take your temperature before getting out of bed in the AM. This is called your ‘basal temperature’ and is a direct measure of your body’s metabolic rate. The ‘normal’ reference range is 97.8 —98.2 and if your reading is below 97.2 for 7-10 days in a row; it is a strong indication of hypothyroidism.

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Written By: SuperUser Account
Date Posted: 2/4/2007
Number of Views: 215

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