Why these Top 5 Thyroid Blood Tests are Essential?

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Achieve Thyroid Levels within a Short Period of Time

The top 5 thyroid blood tests I recommend will help reveal how well your thyroid is working. Also discover why you need to check more than TSH.

For most people the standard thyroid test used to assess their thyroid health is the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test. This test measures the amount of TSH circulating in your bloodstream.

TSH is a thyroid hormone however it is not actually produced by the thyroid. It is produced by the pituitary gland located deep within the brain.

When TSH is released by the pituitary gland it travels to the thyroid via the bloodstream to signal to the thyroid to get busy making your essential thyroid hormones.

The two main hormones produced by the thyroid are: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Greater quantities of TSH are released when the body requires more T4 and T3.

Could you have an underactive thyroid despite having a ‘normal’ TSH?

Testing thyroid health status is controversial. Due to restraints within the medical system the stand alone TSH test is regarded as the gold standard to check your thyroid health.

Individuals are often advised no further investigation is necessary when their TSH test result falls within the acceptable reference range. This can be despite the fact they are displaying the typical signs of a thyroid in crisis.

A TSH test result may appear ‘normal’ but this can be misleading and does not automatically rule out a low thyroid issue.

Simply testing TSH also raises questions about what level should be considered adequate and the validity of using a wide reference range. Current research shows TSH between 0.5 and 2.0 mIU/L is ideal.

What are the top thyroid blood tests?

A single test of TSH is often inadequate.  If you suspect your thyroid is underactive it is a good idea to discuss comprehensive thyroid testing with a skilled healthcare practitioner.

Testing more than TSH will help reveal how well your thyroid is actually working and is useful to monitor your thyroid health recovery.

Comprehensive testing includes an evaluation of the key thyroid hormones. Testing free T4 and T3 provides clues as to how much of these hormones are ‘free’ and available for uptake and use throughout the body.

If you rely on simply testing TSH alone and do not measure these two main thyroid hormones you are missing critical parts of the puzzle.

In addition, when you assess the amount of circulating T4 and T3 in the bloodstream it provides an overall picture of how much T4 is converting to the more potent T3. For many people with a thyroid problem their bodies are not converting T4 effectively through to T3.

When T3 levels rise it is usual to notice improvements in low thyroid symptoms. T3 helps stimulate metabolism which has far-reaching effects in the body including sparking energy metabolism, fat burning for weight loss and reducing thyroid hair loss.

Under normal conditions your body converts T4 to both T3 and ‘reverse T3’, which has the opposite effects of T3. The body quickly eliminates reverse T3 if it is not required to put the brakes on metabolism. Low T3 can indicate T4 is not converting effectively to T3 and may in fact be creating excess amounts of reverse T3.

Too much reverse T3 is rapidly produced when you are under enormous stress. This then leads to the common symptoms of a sluggish thyroid.

Only a specific test for reverse T3 can identify high levels of this inactive form of T3. Reverse T3 dominance syndrome is diagnosed when reverse T3 remains elevated.

Evaluating thyroid antibodies levels will confirm an active thyroid autoimmune disorder. Most commonly elevated levels of thyroid antibodies are associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is a chronic inflammatory condition of the thyroid.

Watch this Video Below Here – Thyroid Blood Tests

In summary, the top 5 thyroid blood tests I recommend are:

·         thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

·         free T4 (FT4)

·         free T3 (FT3)

·         thyroid antibodies

·         reverse T3 (RT3)

When discussing getting thyroid blood tests, you should also mention if you have a family history of thyroid problems and definitely list your thyroid related symptoms.

Watch this Video Below Here – Everything You Need to Know about Thyroid Blood Tests

Low thyroid symptoms are significant indicators that your thyroid is not working well and should not be ignored.

The most common low thyroid symptoms include fatigue, feeling the cold, dry skin and hair, low libido, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, mood changes, low blood pressure, heart palpitations, hair loss and muscle weakness. Your individual symptoms should be carefully considered along with the thyroid blood test results.

You may also want to mention if you have had any serious infections such as hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus. These viruses are often linked to chronic fatigue syndrome. It is not unusual to see raised reverse T3 levels in response to chronic illness.

Watch this Video Below Here – Thyroid Test - Simple DIY Test at Home

Read the following related articles:

Warnings: 4 Types of Toxic Cookware to Avoid & Why

What is really The Best Cooking Oil for Thyroid Health?

5 Important Steps for Hypothyroidism Treatment Success

Hormone Problem? Here’s Your Hormone Imbalance Checklist

Are Iodine Supplements For Thyroid Health Really Safe?

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

5 Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Iodine Toxicity

Is It Safe To Take Iodine WhenYou Have Hashimotos Disease?

Author Bio:

Louise O’ Connor, the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.

The Natural Thyroid Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details, Click on The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com

Is It Safe To Take Iodine When You Have Hashimotos Disease?

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Achieve Thyroid Levels within a Short Period of Time

When you spend some time online researching the question “is it safe to take iodine when you have Hashimotos” you will soon realize there are conflicting opinions, and information about how much iodine is safe to take.

If are feeling confused, you are not alone. It can be a challenge making sense of it all. For this reason I would like to answer this important question from my Naturopathic perspective.

Firstly let’s take a look at some facts that we all know to be true

+ Your body does not make iodine. Consequently, this mineral must be derived from the diet or from an iodine supplement.

+ Your thyroid requires a constant supply as iodine is an essential component of your thyroid hormones.

+ Nutrient rich blood continuously circulates through your thyroid so iodine is simply absorbed as required.

+ About 80% of your body’s iodine stores are held in your thyroid.

+ When your thyroid has enough iodine it stops absorbing iodine from the blood supply.

+ This mineral is normally only required in trace amounts. Adverse effects are more likely when excessive amounts are taken.

+ Iodine deficiency is a common world health problem.

+ Iodine is critical to overall health, not just the thyroid. For example, iodine plays a role in the immune response, is essential for normal growth and development of a developing baby, and is particularly important to safeguard breast and prostate health.

+ In Australia, iodine supplements, or thyroid supplements that contain iodine usually supply microgram, not milligram quantities of iodine.

+ A microgram measurement of iodine is routinely abbreviated as ‘mcg’ or ‘µg’.

+ It’s important to know 1000 micrograms equals 1 milligram.

+ The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the US Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health (NIH) have both set the safe upper level of intake from all sources at 1,100 micrograms (1.1 mg) daily.

+ Hashimoto’s disease is a complex autoimmune thyroid problem. It’s associated with chronic inflammation which over time can lead to destruction of the thyroid gland.

There is no evidence to suggest that iodine alone will solve a complex thyroid disorder such as Hashimoto’s

It’s true, iodine alone will not help heal your thyroid. However it is still an important nutrient for day to day function of the thyroid.

If your iodine stores get too low this will place further pressure on your thyroid. Taking what is considered a safe amount of iodine is usually necessary to support ongoing thyroid hormone activity.

Single iodine may not be the solution

Iodine is ideally best taken in combination with selenium. In fact, selenium is an important nutrient to consider if you have a diagnosed autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Ongoing research shows selenium can help reduce raised thyroid specific antibodies. This is promising research for those with Hashimoto’s.

Selenium helps reduce the risk of iodine aggravating your thyroid if you did opt to take a sudden and excessive amount of iodine.

When I hear someone with Hashimoto’s report a bad experience with iodine it does raise two key questions in my mind. Did they take too much? Were they also low in selenium?

A good quality thyroid health formula contains both iodine and selenium. The nutritional panel or supplement facts section on a label is the best place to check the amount of iodine and selenium.

You may already know that here in Australia nutritional companies are not permitted to recommend more than 300 micrograms of iodine, and 150 micrograms of selenium per day for adults.

Your take home message: not too much, not too little

It’s a myth that any amount of iodine is dangerous when you have Hashimoto’s. In truth, it’s really about balanced intake. The controversy is centered on how much iodine is safe to take.

Studies do indeed confirm taking iodine well above what is generally recommended can trigger an autoimmune reaction, particularly if selenium is in short supply.

Yes, you can get too much of a good thing and opting to take extreme amounts of iodine may be harmful when you have diagnosed Hashimoto’s disease.

An iodine overload could actually cause a flare up, and worsen your hypothyroid symptoms. As with any type of autoimmune condition tissue destruction is at an all-time high when you experience a flare up.

Watch this Video Below Here – Hashimoto's:Should I Take Iodine for my hypothyroid?

In summary…is it safe to take iodine when you have Hashimotos?

+ Iodine supplements can help prevent and treat an iodine deficiency.

+ Iodine supports ongoing thyroid hormone production and is normally only required in trace amounts to be effective.

+ Selenium is a mineral that safeguards your thyroid. Adequate selenium intake can also reduce the risk of iodine aggravating your thyroid if you opted to take excessive amounts.

+ When you are taking a prescribed thyroid medication your medical practitioner can advise if an iodine supplement will be suitable for you.

Watch this Video Below Here - Are Iodine Supplements Safe for Low Thyroid (Hypothyroid)

Read the following related articles:

Warnings: 4 Types of Toxic Cookware to Avoid & Why

What is really The Best Cooking Oil for Thyroid Health?

5 Important Steps for Hypothyroidism Treatment Success

Hormone Problem? Here’s Your Hormone Imbalance Checklist

Are Iodine Supplements For Thyroid Health Really Safe?

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Author Bio:

Louise O’ Connor, the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.

The Natural Thyroid Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details, Click on The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Achieve Thyroid Levels within a Short Period of Time

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the thyroid, the small gland at the base of the neck.

This thyroid disorder was first described by the Japanese specialist Dr. Hashimoto Hakaru in 1912. Today Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is termed an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune problems occur when the immune system attacks specific organs of the body.

The immune system launches an attack on an organ in the same way it would attack a foreign invader such as a virus or bacteria.

The autoimmune reaction associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis creates inflammation within the thyroid. The thyroid stops functioning properly, and in some cases the inflammation leads to destruction of the thyroid.

The signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are similar to the symptoms usually associated with hypothyroidism. The symptoms vary widely depending on the severity of the problem.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and pregnancy

Optimal thyroid health is particularly important for women who are pregnant or who are considering having a baby. For women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis there is an increased risk of early miscarriage or developing postpartum thyroiditis within the first year of having a baby.

How to diagnose Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is signified by excess production of thyroid antibodies. To diagnose this disorder a specific test that measures antibody levels is required. Abnormally elevated thyroid antibodies thereby confirm the diagnosis.

Your healthcare practitioner may request the following pathology tests; thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb). Most practitioners will also measure T4 and T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to determine how the thyroid gland is functioning.

A physical examination of the thyroid region along with a thyroid ultrasound may also be performed.

A single test of TSH is inadequate to screen an individual for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. You must get your thyroid antibodies checked!

Why is the thyroid prone to autoimmune disease?

There are no established reasons why the immune system triggers an autoimmune attack on the thyroid. Some health researchers think a virus or bacterial infection may initiate this response, while others believe a genetic flaw may be involved.

It is likely Hashimoto’s results form a range of factors. This thyroid autoimmune disorder may be triggered by exposure to toxins, chronic infections, food intolerances (especially gluten), high iodine intake and heavy metal toxicity.

Watch this Video Below Here – What Causes Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

There is a high volume of blood washing through your thyroid. This makes the thyroid extremely susceptible to damage from environmental toxins or whatever compounds happen to be circulating in the blood. Damaged thyroid cells may be the spark that ignites an autoimmune reaction within the thyroid.

There is a clear-cut link between selenium and thyroid function. Is this the missing link?

After iodine the next most important nutrient to aid thyroid health is selenium. Selenium acts as an important co-factor to the iodide peroxidase enzyme. This specialised enzyme converts thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). This enzyme therefore plays an pivotal role to regulate concentration of T3.

Selenium also plays an important role in safeguarding the thyroid from environmental damage.

This trace mineral helps boost glutathione, a potent antioxidant that is highly active within the thyroid. Glutathione is naturally produced by the body by combining selenium with three amino acids sourced from dietary protein. These three amino acids are cysteine, glycine and glutamine.

The thyroid contains more selenium than any other body part. When a deficiency develops due to low dietary intake an individual is more likely to develop an autoimmune thyroid disorder. In fact, in regions of severe selenium deficiency there is a higher incidence of autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Research suggests selenium supplementation could be useful in combination with levothyroxine (T4) in the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Selenium is generally considered safe when taken as recommended. In Australia and New Zealand it is recommended that a daily dose of 150 micrograms from dietary supplements should not be exceeded.

Read the following related articles:

Warnings: 4 Types of Toxic Cookware to Avoid & Why

What is really The Best Cooking Oil for Thyroid Health?

5 Important Steps for Hypothyroidism Treatment Success

Hormone Problem? Here’s Your Hormone Imbalance Checklist

Author Bio:

Louise O’ Connor, the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.

The Natural Thyroid Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details, Click on The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com

Are Iodine Supplements For Thyroid Health Really Safe?

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Achieve Thyroid Levels within a Short Period of Time

It’s well accepted iodine supplements are effective for preventing and treating an iodine deficiency. They are generally considered safe when taken as recommended.

Iodine Is Essential For Proper Thyroid Function

Nutrient deficiencies are a common issue for those with hypothyroidism. Iodine is one nutrient you don’t want to get low in as the thyroid uses iodine to make your thyroid hormones. This makes iodine important for ongoing thyroid health.

Iodine deficiency can lead to iodine induced hypothyroidism, enlargement of the thyroid, and a reduced ability of the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones.

Are Iodine Supplements For Thyroid Safe?

It turns out there is a vast amount of research in this area including how much iodine is safe to take.

There is one guiding rule that I would like everyone to know.

It’s about balanced intake. Not too much, not too little!

Iodine is normally only required in very small amounts. In fact iodine supplements normally supply trace, or microgram quantities.

When you research iodine supplements online, or thyroid health formulas with iodine, it’s important to know that 1 milligram equals 1,000 micrograms. You may see a microgram measurement abbreviated as ‘mcg’ or ‘µg’ on a label.

Iodine Supplements in Australia Are Strictly Regulated

In Australia all nutritional products are closely regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a division of the Department of Health and Ageing.

Nutritional supplements must be approved before being released for sale. Approved products state their individual AUST L or AUST R number on the front of the label.

The active ingredients contained in a product and the recommendations on the label are also closely controlled. The recommended daily intake of iodine from an iodine supplement must not exceed 300 micrograms per day. For example, when a nutritional supplement contains 130 micrograms of iodine it’s recommended that an adult does not take more than two capsules per day.

If an iodine supplement was to contain milligram amounts it would not be approved for sale here in Australia. Even if one tablet, or capsule was recommended per day the recommended intake would be set too high.

In addition to dosing guidelines the TGA provides strict guidelines on the type of iodine that can be used. Iodine is an approved ingredient for use in a nutritional supplement when it is a component of a specific herbal preparation or is in the form of potassium iodide.

For example an iodine supplement can contain Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), a type of seaweed which is known to naturally contain iodine and is traditionally used to help maintain healthy thyroid function.

Another popular form of iodine featured in thyroid health products is potassium iodide. No other single form of iodine is approved for use in an iodine supplement in Australia.

It’s Vital to Know the Safe Upper Level of Intake

You should avoid taking high doses of iodine for prolonged periods unless you are doing this in consultation with a trusted healthcare practitioner.

Taking iodine in mega doses can pose problems. Taking multiple milligram amounts can saturate your thyroid which can irritate and inflame the gland.

The documented side effects of taking too much iodine include; a metallic taste, sore gums, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, increased saliva, digestive upset, mood changes and skin problems.

Population studies have also shown excessive iodine intake may trigger autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Watch this Video Here – Iodine Supplements Warnings

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the US National Institutes of Health have both set the recommended safe upper level of intake at 1,100 micrograms per day.

Are USA Iodine Supplements Safe To Buy Online?

When you do a quick search of iodine supplements online you will soon discover there is certainly conflicting opinions and information about how much iodine is safe to take.

For Australian consumers it’s important to know that iodine products available on USA websites are not regulated by the TGA. This government organisation only has jurisdiction within Australia.

It is possible iodine supplements available on USA websites can contain excessive amounts of iodine.

The TGA advises consumers to refrain from ordering nutritional products over the internet unless they know exactly what is in the product, have checked that the ingredients are suitable for them, and the products they are purchasing meet the legal requirements for importation and use in Australia.

Read the following related articles:

Warnings: 4 Types of Toxic Cookware to Avoid & Why

What is really The Best Cooking Oil for Thyroid Health?

5 Important Steps for Hypothyroidism Treatment Success

Author Bio:

Louise O’ Connor, the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.

The Natural Thyroid Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details, Click on The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com

Hormone Problem? Here’s Your Hormone Imbalance Checklist

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Achieve Thyroid Levels within a Short Period of Time

One thing’s for sure, hormones have a powerful effect on your physical and emotional well-being. Consequently, when you have a hormone imbalance it leads to a wide range of symptoms.

Here you will find a hormone imbalance checklist which lists the most common symptoms, and most importantly this article discusses some important steps you can take if you suspect your hormones are out of whack.

Firstly, Here Are Some Endocrine System Facts

The endocrine system is a group of glands that produce a wide array of hormones to help your body function at its best. In essence, your hormones are powerful chemical messengers that continuously zip around your body to help ensure all organs and body systems are functioning properly.

The major glands of the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pineal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreas, and the reproductive organs such as the ovaries and testes.

These endocrine glands produce different quantities of hormones depending on your life stage, and individual needs. That said, ageing is usually associated with a decline in the production of most hormones.

When all is going well, your hormones are part of a finely tuned communication network.

Healthy hormone balance is necessary to maintain your overall health and vitality. For this reason the right balance of hormones is critical to help regulate your metabolism, sleep, sexual function, mood, reproduction, growth and development.

Your Hormone Imbalance Symptoms Checklist

My hormone imbalance checklist will help establish if you are struggling with a hormone problem.

Take a few moments to review this checklist, keep in mind the more of these common symptoms you mark off the more likely your hormones are out of balance.

❏ Acne and skin breakouts

❏ Anxiety, irritability and depression

❏ Cravings,and blood sugar swings

❏ Fertility problems

❏ Frequent migraines

❏ Hair thinning, or pronounced hair loss

❏ Hot flushes

❏ Hypothyroidism

❏ Insomnia, and disturbed sleep patterns

❏ Low sex drive

❏ Lowered immunity

❏ Ongoing fatigue

❏ Persistent weight gain

❏ Poor memory and concentration

Hormone Imbalance Checklist For women:

❏ Excessive facial hair

❏ Fluid retention

❏ Irregular menstrual cycle

❏ Menopause symptoms

❏ Painful, or lumpy breasts

❏ Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

❏ Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Watch this Video – 5 BEST FOODS TO PREVENT HORMONAL IMBALANCEIN WOMEN AND 5 FOODS TO AVOID

Hormone Imbalance Checklist For men:

❏ Erectile dysfunction

❏ Male pattern balding

❏ Muscle loss

❏ Prostate problems

❏ Weight gain, especially belly fat

The Next Step to Help You Restore Healthy Hormone Balance

Making sense of your hormone balance may finally help you take control of your health, and vitality.

Generally speaking, the first step in treatment is to get accurate testing. From there, your test results should be carefully considered along with your hormone imbalance symptoms, and health history.

+ If you suspect you have a thyroid problem I suggest you speak to your healthcare practitioner about comprehensive thyroid testing.

It’s a good idea to discuss the five basic thyroid tests with your healthcare practitioner. This will help provide clues as to how your thyroid is functioning.

Watch this Video – How to Fix the HORMONEImbalance in Male & Female | Tips by Guru Mann

+ If you think your male or female hormones are out of balance I suggest you speak to your healthcare practitioner about a comprehensive saliva hormone profile.

Measuring your salivary hormones is the most accurate way to assess circulating levels of oestrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and the main hormones that regulate the stress response such as DHEA and cortisol.

+ If you experience difficulty going to sleep, and poor sleep quality I suggest you speak to your healthcare practitioner about a saliva sleep hormone profile.

This is an accurate way to assess circulating levels of melatonin, and cortisol. These hormones are especially relevant as they regulate your sleep patterns.

Author Bio:

Louise O’ Connor, the author of TheNatural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.

The Natural Thyroid Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details, Click on The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com