June 2, 2014

Now, let’s talk about hypothyroidism. Conventional doctors rely on one blood test, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), to diagnose and manage hypothyroidism. Endocrinologists, however, cannot agree on what TSH level even constitutes hypothyroidism. And the TSH test doesn’t even measure actual thyroid hormone in the body; it measures a pituitary hormone. TSH doesn’t always correlate to actual levels of thyroid hormone — thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) — in the body. Did you know that your TSH can be normal, and  your T4 or T3 can be low?  A person can still be suffering from hypothyroidism and its symptoms without having a “low” TSH.  Ask questions if you think this is you.

As always,

Be well,

Diane Silverman R.Ph.
Ask The Pharmacist Group