Thyroid Imbalance: Do We Have an Epidemic?

Thyroid dysfunction is a common presentation among Americans today. Researchers estimate that more than twelve percent of the United States will develop a thyroid condition at some point in their life. Currently, there are reports indicating that between 20 and 59 million Americans already experience thyroid dysfunction. Unfortunately, the nearly 30 million patient discrepancy comes from the interpretation of how a “healthy” thyroid appears on a laboratory test.

Testing For Thyroid Problems

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), “The normal range for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is between 0.3 and 4.0 mIU/L, although the range varies from one laboratory to another.” Other organizations recommend a more narrow range for optimal TSH values, including the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists which recommends 1.8-3.0 mIU/L, and the Cleveland Clinic thyroid guidelines which advises physicians to help patients to achieve a TSH less than 2.0 mIU/L.  These narrower ranges for TSH values have been developed after reviewing the scientific literature and treating numerous patients that present with thyroid symptoms.  To make matters worse, many physicians only test TSH in order to diagnose a thyroid problem. The NIDDK claims,  “If results of the TSH test are abnormal, one or more additional tests are needed to help determine the cause of the problem,” yet this does not always happen in clinical practice. When additional tests are performed, it is usually limited to a Total Thyroxine (TT4). There are multiple patterns of dysfunction that can result in thyroid imbalance. These two tests provide insight into the problem, but do not always give a full picture of thyroid imbalance.

Comprehensive Thyroid Testing

In order to get a complete picture of thyroid function, additional tests are recommended to the traditional TSH, and TT4 panel. A complete thyroid panel would include:

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Total Thyroxine (TT4)
• Total Triiodothyronine (TT3)
• Resin T3 Uptake
• Free Thyroxine (FT4)
• Free Triiodothyronine (Ft3)
• Thyroid Binding Globulin (TBG)
• Reverse T3 (rT3)
• Thyroid Antibodies (TPO, TGA, TSI)

Do You Experience These Common Thyroid Symptoms?

Thyroid symptoms can come in many shapes and sizes. The most common symptoms include difficulty losing weight, cold hands and feet, hair loss (specifically on the outside 1/3 of the eyebrow), and fatigue.  In addition to these common thyroid symptoms, there are numerous others. Dry itchy skin, cracked heels on the feet, digestive problems, poor sleep quality, infertility, and other hormone problems are only a few of the “other” thyroid symptoms.

What To Do If You Suspect A Thyroid Imbalance

If you are currently experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms, and have been told that your thyroid is “normal,” a reevaluation of of the thyroid blood tests is recommended. Speaking with a doctor that is knowledgeable with optimal laboratory ranges, and that is willing to perform the necessary tests to identify a thyroid imbalance is a great first step to getting your symptoms under control. In many situations, patients can begin to experience symptomatic relief with simple dietary changes, and specific nutritional support and supplementation. Incorporating complementary and alternative medicine approaches that include lifestyle changes, chiropractic care, acupuncture, quantum neurology rehabilitation, and detoxification programs can also support a natural approach to thyroid balance.