Your Thyroid

Your thyroid just doesn’t rely on one marker; it’s a whole system of checks and balances. 

Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck. It produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which control how fast or slow your body functions. These hormones regulate metabolism, heart rate, digestion, and mood. An over or under-functioning thyroid can significantly impact your health.

TSH

TSH is a hormone produced by the brain and is the most common routine screening test for your thyroid. High TSH suggests underactive thyroid, while low TSH indicated overactive thyroid. It operates on a feedback loop, adjusting hormone production based on circulating levels of thyroid hormones.

T3 + T4

Your thyroid produces two main hormones, thyroxine aka T4 and triiodothyronine or T3. T4 is converted into the active form T3, which is essential for cell metabolism. This conversion relies on certain nutrients including selenium, zinc and B6. Free T4 and T3 can be tested in blood. Lower levels indicate hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's whereas higher levels indicate hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease.

Reverse T3

Your thyroid makes the hormone T4 which can then either be converted into T3 or reverse T3 (rT3). T3 is active, while rT3 is not and competes with T3 for cell receptors. The higher the ratio of rT3 to T3, the more likely you are to be experiencing hypothyroid symptoms. Doctors rarely test rT3 levels, however it can be the missing piece of the puzzle when you're told that your thyroid results are 'normal.'

Thyroid antiboides

Your immune system produces antibodies that can target foreign substances or, in some cases, attack the body's own tissues. In thyroid disorders, three important antibodies are measured: TPOAb, TGAb & TRAb. Elevated levels can indicate an autoimmune Hashimoto's (TPOAb & TGAb) or Graves (TRAb).

When getting your thyoid tested, always look at the full thyroid picture - not just TSH