Testing for Thyroid Problems

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Testing for Thyroid Problems

Testing for thyroid problems is recommended if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, weight gain, depression, constipation, weight loss, diarrhoea or heart palpitations.  We also recommend thyroid testing in cases of infertility.

If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, your Thyroid Naturopath will perform a full thyroid function test which includes TSH, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies where indicated.

This helps assess how well T4 is converting into T3 – which is the active thyroid hormone.

Your Thyroid Naturopath can also test for reverse T3 (rT3), which occurs when T4 converts to rT3, instead of active T3, This is often seen in “sub-clinical hypothyroidism” when you have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism but you are medically not diagnosed.
Reverse T3 is produced in higher amounts during periods of stress, in response to toxicity and if you are deficient in essential nutrients such as selenium, zinc, and tyrosine. A measurement of rT3 is valuable in identifying a condition called Reverse T3 Dominance.

If low thyroid function is suspected, your thyroid naturopath may also order a urinary iodine test, iron studies and vitamin D test as these are often found to be deficient in patients presenting with thyroid complaints.

This thorough approach to testing means that those patients who suspect they have a thyroid problem can be properly diagnosed and treated using naturopathic thyroid treatments.

Interpretation of Thyroid Test Results

If your results are out of the reference range, appropriate steps are taken by your thyroid naturopath to rectify the specific problem so that the overall function of the thyroid gland and it’s important hormones are normalised.

This thorough approach means that thyroid problems can be identified and treated early.

Very often you may be medically proclaimed to be free of thyroid problems, but yet suffer many of the characteristic symptoms.
In this case, you have no explanation for the fatigue, anxiety, weight gain, depression, constipation, weight loss, diarrhoea or heart palpitations you still experience.

The reason for this is because blood tests using the normal reference range don’t show the full picture of what is happening with your thyroid.

The National Academy of Clinical biochemistry recognised this in 2003 and announced that if a patient had two tests done within 3 to 4 weeks of each other which produced a TSH  result of 2.5mU/L, they had sub-clinical Hypothyroidism.
However, this is often overlooked medically and patients go untreated.

Hence using the comprehensive approach of our thyroid naturopaths early detection and treatment is ensured.

Borderline Subnormal Thyroid Output

Many people with borderline or subnormal thyroid output can enhance their health with some nutrient support for the thyroid.

In this case, all thyroid tests may prove normal, but the individual suffers from a fully developed fatigue and anxiety state, as well as symptoms such as muscle cramps particularly at night, persistent low back pain, excessive blood uric acid, and joint stiffness.

Further Testing for Thyroid Problems

We routinely recommend an Iodine Patch thyroid test as well as the Barnes Basal Temperature thyroid test which can be done at home. This, along with your case history will indicate whether there is an underlying thyroid problem. Further testing may then be recommended.

If you have had routine medical thyroid tests we may still recommend that you have further testing. This may include testing for Reverse T3, Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies, Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid-stimulating antibodies, and Iodine levels. These tests are often not performed by medical doctors.

Treatment for test Results of Hypothyroidism

If these thyroid testing results indicate an under-active thyroid, your thyroid naturopath will use a combination of herbs traditionally used to energise and warm the body. Special herbs which are energising, improve circulation, warm the body and are a great source of antioxidants are prescribed.

As well as these Herbs to Stimulate Thyroid activity, there are some Vital Nutrients required for an Under-active Thyroid, including:

  • Iodine – Iodine is an essential element for the production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is common in many areas of the world, leading to depletion of iodine stores and reduced production of thyroid hormones.
  • Selenium – This trace element has many important roles in the body, including crucial roles as a cofactor in enzymes essential for the production of thyroid hormones.
  • Zinc – Low zinc levels are associated with poor thyroid hormone production and reduced basal metabolic rate.

By combining appropriate nutrition and herbal medicine we can treat thyroid symptoms naturally, helping you feel your best.

Results that show an Overactive Thyroid are treated appropriately.

An overactive thyroid can make you feel anxious and restless and can also be a contributing factor to insomnia.
Grave’s Disease is an example of an autoimmune disease in which the Thyroid is overactive.
A combination of traditional calming herbs may help to manage these symptoms and slow that beating drum that is increasing your metabolism too much.

Benefits of Natural Treatment for Your Thyroid Condition

The treatments used by naturopaths at Your Wellness Centre have a rejuvenating effect on patients.  There is marked physical and emotional improvement, more energy, faster movements, more endurance, better sleep, and less irritability, anxiety, and depression. Clients also experience a more comfortable body temperature and increased energy and vitality.

Your Wellness Centre Naturopathy Melbourne

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If you feel your body has lost its rhythm, or is functioning too fast or too slow, please come and see us today.

Call 03 9879 9596.

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