Has a physician ever told you that you have a “thyroid problem” (aka high TSH levels) and given you a prescription for a thyroid treatment, only for you to feel just as bad or even worse than before? You are not the first, and certainly not the last.
Hypothyroidism is one of the most misunderstood conditions in medicine today, and we want to dive into the myths of thyroid hormones, labs, and the reasons why so many people are being misdiagnosed or improperly treated. Time to break it down to you in plain English, no medical degree required.
@drautoimmune #tsh alterations doesn’t mean #hypothyroidism - #hashimotos can cause fluctuations and knowing root causes like #insulinresistance #guthealth ♬ original sound - drautoimmune
High TSH ≠ Hypothyroidism (Every Time)
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is commonly the only indicator of thyroid function that most physicians use. If the level is elevated, you’re labeled with hypothyroidism and prescribed a thyroid medication. However, the truth of the matter is: high TSH is not a clear indicator of hypothyroidism.
In fact, high TSH levels actually indicate inflammation, usually involving the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, not necessarily just the thyroid. Consider it a waving red flag, not the diagnosis itself. On the other hand, if TSH is elevated and free T4 is decreased, that scenario is more consistent with true hypothyroidism.
Read More: Birth Control and Hypothyroidism: What Every Woman Needs to Know
Why Thyroid Meds Might Make You Feel Worse
When individuals start taking thyroid meds, they usually expect to feel better: more energy, less brain fog, etc. But more often, the outcome is feeling like nothing has changed. Worst case? You may feel even worse than before. Don’t ignore it; the real problem is hiding underneath the surface.
Traditional medicine’s approach to thyroid health is often missing:
- Insulin resistance
- Estrogen dominance
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Environmental factors
- Chronic stress
All of these factors can disrupt the connections made in your thyroid. If the body is in a state of chronic inflammation and stress, thyroid hormone treatments won’t help; they’ll just add more fuel to the fire.
Read More: Could Iodine Therapy Be Making Your Thyroid Disease Worse?
Functional Medicine Labs: Test Smarter, Not Harder
Rather than going directly to thyroid meds, take a different approach and look at the bigger picture. As a functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Ian tests for TSH in addition more inflammatory markers and thyroid hormones, including Free T3 and T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies.
Then, you have a better understanding of what’s causing high TSH levels and can focus on tackling the underlying issues. Address gut health, stabilize hormone balance, minimize toxin exposure, and manage stress. Dr. Autoimmune has helped hundreds of thyroid patients see an improvement in their symptoms, without using prescription medication.
Action Plan For Today
- Stay calm: it’s possible for your thyroid to heal itself when you address the root cause.
- Ask for help: reach out to us for a more comprehensive view of your health.
- Dig into your lifestyle: improve your diet, move your body, and prioritize quality sleep.
If your current physician is brushing off your concerns, find one who listens. Our online functional medicine telemedicine doctor is ready to hear from you and get to the bottom of your thyroid symptoms.
Final Thoughts From Dr. Autoimmune
Traditional medicine is sometimes too quick to treat the lab test result rather than looking at the entire person and the bigger picture. Your body is smart and lets you know when something isn’t right. Listen to it and don’t settle for a prescription. Ready to unlock the true cause of your high TSH levels? Contact us today for a telehealth consultation!
