Assess for thyroid imbalances with 6 crucial markers:
TSH:
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone or "TSH" is a hormone made and secreted by your anterior pituitary gland in the brain. TSH travels in the bloodstream to get from the brain to the thyroid gland where it regulates thyroid gland function.
TSH is the most commonly used marker for screening for thyroid diseases and conditions.
Low TSH generally means the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism, often called an overactive thyroid.
High TSH generally means the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. This condition is called hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid.
Free T4:
Free T4 or "FT4" is the predominant hormone produced by your thyroid gland.
”Free” means it is not bound to a protein in the bloodstream and is bioavailable to affect cells throughout the body.
A high TSH often comes with a low Free T4 and an underactive thyroid gland.
A low TSH correlates with a high Free T4 and an overactive thyroid gland, but this is not always the case.
Free T3:
Free T3 or "FT3" is a thyroid hormone.
Only a small amount of T3 is produced in the thyroid gland. The majority is converted from T4 to T3 throughout the body.
Low Free T3 levels are consistent with an underactive thyroid gland.
High Free T3 levels are consistent with an overactive thyroid gland.
TPO:
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies are present during autoimmune disease processes where your immune system attacks the thyroid gland and slowly damages it.
TPO antibodies are usually found in Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease.
Hashimoto’s disease is a common cause of hypothyroidism. Graves’ disease is a cause of hyperthyroidism.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is active in most cells throughout the body.
Vitamin D is an essential hormone, important for physical and mental health.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps make red blood cells and DNA.
It’s a key factor for maintaining healthy nerve cells.
Vitamin B12 absorption can be affected by aging, autoimmune processes, bariatric surgery, alterations in digestive tract, and restrictive diets (vegetarian and vegan).
