14. The Joy Prescription Podcast - Is TSH a Reliable Biomarker for Hypothyroidism?

Hello! In this episode I continue to address a patient case regarding a middle aged woman with concerns about low thyroid function despite normal laboratory testing. Specifically, I address the reliability of the TSH as a biomarker to diagnose hypothyroidism.

"I’m 35 and have lots of symptoms of hypothyroidism (I’ve gained 25 pounds in the last 3 years despite exercising and eating less, I’m always wearing a sweater, even in the summertime, my feet and hands are cold, my hair is falling out, my nails are brittle and I am so tired by 3 o’clock every day. I fall asleep every day after dinner and don’t have enough energy to be the wife and mom I want to be. My gut is also a mess. I get bloated after eating and am constipated. My mom and older sister have hypothyroidism, but my doctor says my labs look fine. How can this be? Can the TSH be wrong? I’ve heard that it might not be reliable. What can I do to feel better? Please help!" 

Can you relate? It's estimated that 60% of people with thyroid dysfunction are undiagnosed.

Here are the 7 tests that I recommend to gain a nuanced understanding of thyroid function:

1. TSH
2. Free T3
3. Total T3
4. Free T4
5. Reverse T3
6. Thyroglobulin antibodies
7. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies

We’d love to hear from you! You can ask us questions about anything health and/or spirituality related, and we’ll do our best to answer you on the podcast. Send your questions to us via email to thejoyprescription@gmail.com or by calling our question line at 828-412-0599.  

In the meantime, we invite you to take your learning further with us at thejoyprescription.com. 

The Joy Prescription is an on-line membership community with a three-fold purpose: holistic health education, soul care and spiritual formation. The ultimate goal is to deepen our walk with God and awaken to our true identity and purpose in Christ.  

 Now go out and do one thing that brings you joy today! 

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