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Why You Need To Get A Full Thyroid Panel

Thyroid Panel

Why You Need To Get A Full Thyroid Panel

Initially when people reach out to me, they are struggling with weight gain, fatigue, and all these symptoms that send a red flag that their thyroid may not be working correctly. The thyroid plays a huge part in our metabolism! I always ask – “Has your doctor checked out your thyroid?” I get the answer YES! But, when they show me labs I just see a TSH level. That’s NOT enough. A full thyroid panel is what is needed to truly get the feel for what your thyroid is doing!

What is the job of TSH?

TSH purpose is to stimulate the thyroid to make thyroid hormones and say “Hey thyroid! Levels are low – make some hormones!” We’re assuming that if TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone produced by our pituitary gland, is fine, then our thyroid is working right. Tsk tsk, not so fast.

But…my TSH is normal…

Don’t get me wrong – TSH is a marker that should be measured, BUT not by itself. We need a much bigger picture of what’s going on with thyroid function, so we have to look at allll the markers to see how your thyroid is responding + how it’s being used in the body.

Full Thyroid Panel

A full thyroid panel is NECESSARY + includes these markers..

  • TSH {Thyroid stimulating hormone – this hormone also has a super broad range in the conventional wisdom. Optimal levels are between 1-2.}
  • Free T4 {Unbound inactive thyroid hormone}
  • Free T3 {Unbound active thyroid hormone}
  • Reverse T3 {Reverse T3, which T4 can convert to instead of active T3, which can block active T3 getting into cells by attaching to the receptors on the cell}
  • Antibodies of thyroid {This is necessary to make sure that your immune system isn’t wreaking havoc on your thyroid causing Hashimoto’s, which is an autoimmune condition for your thyroid! The majority of people who struggle with hypothyroid has an autoimmune component as well!}

What happens if you’re having hypothyroid symptoms, but TSH is normal? {Because this is common, ya’ll!}  This is why knowing your T4 and T3 levels are so important. Your thyroid may have a hard time converting T4 to T3, which is your active thyroid hormone to go into the cells and make an impact. So, while your TSH may give a shoutout to the thyroid to stimulate thyroid hormones, it doesn’t show the conversion between thyroid hormones that make a biological effect – hence symptoms of hypothyroid can happen with a normal TSH.

Connection with thyroid + nutrition

You might be lookin’ at me and saying “Okay! I get it – I’ll get the full thyroid panel, so I can truly understand if my thyroid is functioning optimally. What do I do next?” First, I can’t say it enough, but find a functional medicine doctor to work along side with you. If your doctor WON’T order you a full thyroid panel, find a new doctor. The ONLY person who will care about your health the most is YOURSELF and if you want to freakin’ order a full thyroid panel, so you can feel confident about your thyroid health – you should be able to!

Two, bring your results to me too (I can also order a full thyroid panel for you too – but it will be out of pocket, since I don’t take insurance). Nutrition is a HUGE factor in thyroid hormones because certain nutrients, like selenium and zinc, are needed for the conversion from T4 to T3 and production of hormones. Iodine is also another nutrient that helps the production of thyroid hormones. 

I can support you with a diet that is full of the nutrients that are needed for healthy thyroid production and conversion. I also want you to be on a good foundation with nourishing healthy wholesome foods (and supplements) to reduce inflammation + get your symptoms, like fatigue or weight issues, improved! We practice under food as medicine – this amazing Earth gives your body what it NEEDS to function optimally! I want you feeling better, like you can conquer the world. Because who doesn’t want that? 

Book your free 15 minute phone call with me to see how I can help you and learn more about our services. There is no excuse for you not to be living your best life!

P.S. We’ve done a great episode on our podcast about how the nutrient selenium plays a role in our thyroid health!

Avatar for Lahana Vigliano
Lahana Vigliano
lahana@nuvitruwellness.com

Lahana Vigliano is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and CEO of Nuvitru Wellness. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Science and Masters Degree in Nutrition Science and Functional Medicine. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Clinical Nutrition. Lahana and her team help support women who struggle with weight loss, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, and many other lingering issues that leaves women not feeling their best. She uses food as medicine, as well as herbs and supplements when needed, to support her clients. She looks at the whole body holistically making sure women are understanding how nutrition, sleep, stress, and their environment impact their health. Connect with her on Facebook + Instagram (@nuvitruwellness).