1. Hypothyroid: low functioning thyroid
2. Hyperthyroid: over stimulated, high level thyroid
3. Goiter: enlarged thyroid
4. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: inflammation and autoimmune reaction to the thyroid gland.
The most common condition, low/hypothyroid, can result in fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, infertility, low libido and generalize body pain. As with all medical conditions, it is important to start with the CORRECT laboratory assessment. Most of the time, the only two tests ordered are TSH and T4. That is not enough. A full panel of tests should include TSH, free T4, free T3, AND thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Be sure to ask for these tests from your doctor and ASK for a copy of the results. Or, use this link and order the tests directly yourself. At Tenpenny IMC, we also order a 25-OH vitamin D and serum iodine test.
The “standard” normal range for TSH is 0.5 to 5.5IU/ml. This is the reason so many patients are under treated. In 2002, the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists (ACCE) revised the normal range to 0.3 to 3.5IU/mL. This means, if your TSH is greater than 3.5, you need to be treated!
Thyroid, iodine and breast disease
What is little discussed by medical doctors is the link between thyroid conditions and breast cancer, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease. Thyroid autoantibodies, particularly thyroid peroxidase antibodies, are seen in patients with breast cancer. Their presence suggest better prognosis — and also that a woman’s breast health should be followed more closely, particularly with breast infrared imaging, otherwise known as breast thermography.
Thyroid and breast functions overlap in the uptake and utilization of dietary iodide. Experimental findings show that iodine and/or iodine-rich seaweed to inhibit breast tumor development. This is supported by the relatively low rate of breast cancer in Japanese women who consume a diet containing iodine-rich seaweed. A blood test for serum iodine is important for evaluating BOTH the breasts and the thyroid. Be sure your doctor follows through with full assessments for your overall health.