Thyroid Testing help

[zanelee]

I believe (and have for quite a while now) that I have hypothyroid issues. I've had the usual tests run by doctors. But I've gotten the feeling that they are not running the correct tests. (I'm trying to locate the results now...but haven't found them yet)
So, what tests are really needed to diagnose this? I will be seeing my ob/gyn for a IF consult next week, and would like him to check it again, but want to make sure the right things are checked.
TIA!
Jennifer

[Marnica]

According to Stop the tyroid madness website (which I think is wonderful!) these are the tests one needs to accurately diagnose a thyriod issue. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/lab-values/

The tests most docs use which are usually total t3 and t4 and TSH will only detect a glaringly huge problem

[chase_mommy]

I don't know what test exactly they run but I do know that they expect all of us to be in the same parameters of 'normal' and 'abnormal'. I don't think thats fair because your 'normal' and my 'normal' may be two very complete different things, we are individuals and different. I wish Dr.s were more receptive to this. I have a friend who was tested as normal but ended up having a cancerous tumor on her thyroid. I also believe that I have a thyroid issue but hasn't been confirmed by tests since they are always "normal". I went and seen an herbalist who does muscle testing. She checked every system of my body and when we got to the thyroid she said that its not functioning properly. She put me on some herbs to help even things out. They have helped a lot but I have to wait until I am not pregnant and done breastfeeding until she can have me start taking the supplements that she really wants. If I were you I would 1) find an herbalist or 2) find a Dr who is able to think outside of the box and understands that those numbers that come back on the results are just that, numbers, and that there *could* be a thyroid issue. Good luck!

[mom61508]

Originally Posted by zanelee

I believe (and have for quite a while now) that I have hypothyroid issues. I've had the usual tests run by doctors. But I've gotten the feeling that they are not running the correct tests. (I'm trying to locate the results now...but haven't found them yet)
So, what tests are really needed to diagnose this? I will be seeing my ob/gyn for a IF consult next week, and would like him to check it again, but want to make sure the right things are checked.
TIA!
Jennifer

I would ask for a full thyroid panel test plus antibodies test(TPO,TGB) I would get my Vitamin D checked too. What kind of doctor are you seeing, I ask because most conventional doctors will only test TSH which isn't all the helpful so they may give you a hard time about running the antibody and D test. Make sure you get a copy of your test so you can see or yourself what test they're runnning

[zanelee]

Thanks guys.
I'll be going to see my Ob/Gyn. He's a friend, so I do trust him.
mom61508
-What are the antibodies test(TPO,TGB) and the Vitamin D levels for? I read about the TPO, but couldn't find anything about the TGB test. What do they tell you about your body?

Thanks!
Jennifer

[mom61508]

Originally Posted by zanelee

Thanks guys.
I'll be going to see my Ob/Gyn. He's a friend, so I do trust him.
mom61508
-What are the antibodies test(TPO,TGB) and the Vitamin D levels for? I read about the TPO, but couldn't find anything about the TGB test. What do they tell you about your body?

Thanks!
Jennifer

That's great he's a friend however most MDs just are trained in school to do full thyroid panel or check for antibodies...maybe you will get lucky though since he is friend perhaps he will be more willing

You should test for thyroid antibodies to see If hashimotos is attributing to your thyroid condition. Doing the serum antibody test will is confirm it or rule it out.Hahis is where your body is attacking your thyroid causing hypo/hyper symptoms. TPO(most important one to check) stands for thyroid peroxide antibodies and TGB stands for thyroglobulin antibodies.

Just curious are feeling like you are having hypo or hyper symptoms?
Another thing to consider is adrenal fatigue since most with thyroid issues have adrenal issues as well. They almost always go hand in hand.

Vitamin D is important to check for everyone because most are deficient in D. Unless your getting out in the sun daily with minimal clothing and supping D you're probably deficient. Go to www.vitamindcouncil.com to read more about Vitamin D

[zanelee]

That's great he's a friend however most MDs just are trained in school to do full thyroid panel or check for antibodies...maybe you will get lucky though since he is friend perhaps he will be more willing

That's what I'm hoping for. And since my last doc was awful about listening to me and acting on my symptoms, I'm hoping he will feel like doing whatever it takes. I'm not getting any younger, and certainly feeling older by the day!
My symptoms are towards hypo. And it would certainly not surprise me about any degree of adrenal fatigue. Ugh!
Thanks again!
Jennifer

[mom61508]

Originally Posted by zanelee

That's what I'm hoping for. And since my last doc was awful about listening to me and acting on my symptoms, I'm hoping he will feel like doing whatever it takes. I'm not getting any younger, and certainly feeling older by the day!
My symptoms are towards hypo. And it would certainly not surprise me about any degree of adrenal fatigue. Ugh!
Thanks again!
Jennifer

Good luck to you and post again when you've spoke with him.

[nichole]

I have hashis...but I don't know what to do about it. How is helpful to know that you have hashimotos? All I do for my thyroid is take synthroid and take the usual supplements recommended for thyroid disease. Does that make sense?

[mom61508]

Originally Posted by nichole

I have hashis...but I don't know what to do about it. How is helpful to know that you have hashimotos? All I do for my thyroid is take synthroid and take the usual supplements recommended for thyroid disease. Does that make sense?

Because you would treat it differently. For example people with Hashis should avoid gluten. Hashis is an immune condition not a thyroid condition so you treat the immune system. I could write a lot more on this but I have to get to bed but Nichole have you seen this book www.thyroidbook.com? It has so much great info on how to treat Hashis! I love it! I'm looking for a doc that uses his methods. Synthroid probably makes you feel better no doubt but with Hashis it's not treating the cause. I think the best thing you can do is read that book! What supps are you taking?

[nichole]

Cool I'll have to check it out. I did read What your doctor won't tell you about autoimmune disorders.

I'll work on my gluten. I try to avoid it, but it is hard.

I'm taking

synthroid
probiotics
cod liver oil
C complex and sodium ascorbate
B complex
selenium (200 mcg)
multi
magnesium

I have teas with siberian ginseng and licorice...they help a little. I tried iodine...can't tell if it is helping or not.

[mom61508]

Originally Posted by nichole

Cool I'll have to check it out. I did read What your doctor won't tell you about autoimmune disorders.

I'll work on my gluten. I try to avoid it, but it is hard.

I'm taking

synthroid
probiotics
cod liver oil
C complex and sodium ascorbate
B complex
selenium (200 mcg)
multi
magnesium

I have teas with siberian ginseng and licorice...they help a little. I tried iodine...can't tell if it is helping or not.

I'm telling you the book is awesome. It also has some good info on adrenal fatigue. He also recommends checking your TH-1 and TH-2 levels, I really want to get this test done. knowing this you can help balance out the immune system better. He's says the most important supps are Vitamin D,fish oil and glutathione cream along with gluten free and dietary support. Anyway I hope you get the book because I think you will find it so helpful.

I have yet to try iodine I'm kind of chicken becuase I hear it can be like adding gasoline to the fire with Hashis but then I hear in small amounts it can be helpful Hopefully we can figure this out

[nichole]

Originally Posted by mom61508

I'm telling you the book is awesome. It also has some good info on adrenal fatigue. He also recommends checking your TH-1 and TH-2 levels, I really want to get this test done. knowing this you can help balance out the immune system better. He's says the most important supps are Vitamin D,fish oil and glutathione cream along with gluten free and dietary support. Anyway I hope you get the book because I think you will find it so helpful.

I have yet to try iodine I'm kind of chicken becuase I hear it can be like adding gasoline to the fire with Hashis but then I hear in small amounts it can be helpful Hopefully we can figure this out

Well when I go get my refill, he will probably test my tsh. I'll let you know how the iodine has affected my numbers. I haven't been taking it everyday. It is so hard to get enough mag and C.

ps today was much better!