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Thyroid Function Blood Test
Get a clear picture of your thyroid health with our comprehensive blood test. We'll analyze your TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 levels to give you a complete understanding of how your thyroid is functioning. This test is a great way to catch any potential issues early on and stay on top of your overall health.
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My Journey with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: What I Wish I'd Known
summarizeEditor's Summary
Getting diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism was just the beginning of my journey. I thought it was the solution to all my health problems, but it turned out to be a wild ride. I've learned a lot along the way and I'm sharing my story to help others who might be going through something similar. It's been two years since I discovered the YouTube channel of a popular nutritionist, and it's been a game-changer for my health. I've learned so much about nutrition and how to take care of my body. But getting diagnosed with hypothyroidism was a turning point for me. I thought I'd finally found the answer to all my health problems, but it wasn't that simple. My doctors prescribed me medication, but it didn't work for me. In fact, it made things worse. I'm sharing my story to help others who might be going through something similar. I hope my experience can be a valuable resource for those who are trying to navigate the world of hypothyroidism.
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My Journey with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: What I Wish I'd Known
I've been on a wild ride since discovering I had subclinical hypothyroidism. At first, I thought getting diagnosed was the solution to all my problems, but it turned out to be just the beginning. In this review, I'll share my story and the lessons I've learned along the way.
I've always been a bit of a health enthusiast, so when I stumbled upon a YouTube channel by a popular nutritionist two years ago, I was hooked. I started learning more about nutrition and decided to take the first step and get a check-up.
I ran a whole list of tests, including a thyroid panel, because I was curious to see the results of the iron levels, as I suspected I might have a deficiency. To my surprise, my vitamin and mineral levels were pretty good, but my thyroid was being a bit stubborn.
After getting my results, I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. I thought I'd finally found the answer to all my health problems, but things didn't quite go as planned. My doctors prescribed me Euthyrox, a medication to treat hypothyroidism, but I soon realized that it wasn't working for me. In fact, it made my symptoms worse.
Despite my concerns, my doctors continued to prescribe me medication, and I started to feel like I was just going through the motions. I was taking medication, but I wasn't getting any better. It wasn't until I stopped taking the medication that I started to feel like myself again.
Looking back, I wish I'd known more about thyroid health and how to manage my symptoms. I wish I'd been more proactive in my care and had sought out a second opinion when things weren't working out. But, as they say, 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.'
I've learned a lot from my experience, and I'm determined to share my knowledge with others. If you're struggling with thyroid issues, I hope my story can help you navigate the system and find the right treatment for you.
One thing that really gets my blood boiling is when doctors only look at TSH levels. And let's be real, TSH levels are not always informative. With this cost-cutting approach, you can miss a serious illness or start treating it the wrong way.
After consulting a doctor, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism on the background of autoimmune thyroiditis, with my thyroid gland appearing uniform on the ultrasound. My doctors told me that antibodies don't cure the condition, and when they're present in large quantities, they can actually cause further damage to the thyroid gland.
I went to see a gynecologist-endocrinologist after I started experiencing some issues with my hormones after taking thyroxine. She told me that my TSH levels were slightly elevated, but that I'd lose weight on thyroxine, so I didn't need to do anything. I was thrilled to have found a good doctor, but she didn't even order any tests for my sex hormones, despite the fact that my problems were pretty serious.
The next doctor I saw was a young endocrinologist who actually took my health seriously. I asked her to order some tests for me through my insurance, and if she hadn't mentioned it herself, she wouldn't have even remembered that I had thyroid issues that needed to be monitored.
After deciding to send my results to another lab for comparison, I was curious to see how much of a difference it would make. The units of measurement are the same in Invitro, but the reference values are different. This is because the equipment in each lab is set up differently. So, it's really important to focus on the positioning of the result relative to the reference, rather than the actual number.
I met with an endocrinologist who's been practicing for 34 years. She was very gentle and persuasive in convincing me to take hormones. I warned her about my previous negative experience, but she had an explanation that had nothing to do with the medication. She also pointed out that the doctor who prescribed it didn't follow Ministry of Health guidelines, which recommend keeping TSH levels below 3.
I've come up with two possible theories: I might be less sensitive to thyroid hormones, or maybe I just need more thyroid hormones. This can happen in response to chronic stress, or possibly during periods of under-eating, when your body needs to tap into stored fat for energy, and you're dealing with anemia, which requires increased cellular respiration.
I've started paying attention to whether my extremities get cold. As a thin person, I tend to freeze in chilly environments, but now I work from home where it's warm and cozy. Even when it's toasty, I've noticed my hands and feet can still get chilly. I used to not even notice it before. And since thyroid hormones are also involved in producing heat, it'd be great to reduce my need for them by getting some external warmth.
I've started using sedative herbs, starting with valerian root. I've been brewing tea an hour before bed and taking tablets throughout the day. While I didn't feel super relaxed, I did notice some side effects, like short-term memory loss – I kept forgetting to turn off the oven. So, I've reduced my dosage to just taking a tablet before bed.
I've also ordered a specialized heated sock to keep my feet warm while I work. Now, I can just slip my feet in and turn it on. I'm still looking for a good heated hand warmer, though. To be honest, I could just use warm water to warm up my hands and feet, but that's not always convenient.
I've found another great tip to try: taking a 20-30 minute break to relax, ideally clearing my mind completely. It's basically meditation, which is super calming for my nervous system, but honestly, it's hard for me to not think about anything for that long. On the other hand, just lying down is definitely a great idea!
I'm also planning to look into incorporating acupuncture and laser acupressure into my routine, but the course is pretty pricey, so I'm exploring options.
These kinds of recommendations aren't exactly long-term solutions, of course. The activities I've been doing are convincing my body that it doesn't need as many thyroid hormones, giving my thyroid gland a break.
As for antibodies, their appearance is a complex issue. High TSH levels can affect their increase, and there are theories that suggest increased gut permeability and gluten might be at play. I do have issues with fat absorption due to my curved gallbladder, and chronic gastritis, which disrupts my gut microbiome, allowing certain molecules to enter my bloodstream. My immune system reacts to these foreign molecules, leading to its malfunction. Gluten, being a protein similar to thyroid tissue, is another factor to consider when dealing with antibodies.
I've started to eat breakfast, which I know sounds crazy, but I'd gone seven years without eating breakfast, just because I didn't feel like it in the morning. But I've managed to develop a habit, and now I couldn't imagine starting my day without it. I used to get by on coffee and water until lunchtime, which was usually around 12 pm. And sometimes even later.
I strongly recommend getting your thyroid hormone levels checked, and not just looking at individual readings, but the entire panel. If you do find any abnormalities, it's worth exploring your body to figure out what's causing the issue specifically. Unfortunately, doctors tend to take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Without exaggeration, getting hormone therapy was a game-changer for me, dividing my life into 'before' and 'after.' Due to the rapid weight loss, I developed endometriosis. During my appointment with my gynecologist, she also mentioned that rapid weight loss can lead to hyperestrogenism. Realizing that you can lose your health due to incorrect doctor's prescriptions is a heavy burden to carry. I now have a unique phobia.
But, as they say, 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' I've learned to trust myself more than a woman in a white coat. My negative experience also motivated me to research and explore various approaches to recovery. Some of those I've shared in this review.
I'd be more than happy if my review could help someone understand what's going on in their body and how to help themselves.
I was able to figure out the reason behind the weird hormone reaction - elevated macro-TTG levels. It turns out, there was no hypothyroidism at all. The hormone reaction was totally normal.
Recommendations
I strongly recommend getting your thyroid hormone levels checked, and not just looking at individual readings, but the entire panel. If you do find any abnormalities, it's worth exploring your body to figure out what's causing the issue specifically. Unfortunately, doctors tend to take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Without exaggeration, getting hormone therapy was a game-changer for me, dividing my life into 'before' and 'after.' Due to the rapid weight loss, I developed endometriosis. During my appointment with my gynecologist, she also mentioned that rapid weight loss can lead to hyperestrogenism. Realizing that you can lose your health due to incorrect doctor's prescriptions is a heavy burden to carry. I now have a unique phobia.
But, as they say, 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' I've learned to trust myself more than a woman in a white coat. My negative experience also motivated me to research and explore various approaches to recovery. Some of those I've shared in this review.
I'd be more than happy if my review could help someone understand what's going on in their body and how to help themselves.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is subclinical hypothyroidism and how is it diagnosed?
Subclinical hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones, but the levels are not low enough to be considered hypothyroidism. It's typically diagnosed through a blood test that measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4).
What are the symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism?
The symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism can be similar to those of hypothyroidism, including fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss. However, the symptoms are often mild and may not be immediately noticeable.
Can subclinical hypothyroidism be treated?
Yes, subclinical hypothyroidism can be treated with medication, such as levothyroxine, which helps to replace the missing thyroid hormones. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, can also help to manage the condition.
How long does it take to get diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism?
It can take several weeks to several months to get diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of testing and treatment.
What are the risks of not treating subclinical hypothyroidism?
If left untreated, subclinical hypothyroidism can progress to overt hypothyroidism, which can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and cognitive impairment.
Can subclinical hypothyroidism be prevented?
While there is no surefire way to prevent subclinical hypothyroidism, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, and getting regular check-ups can help to reduce the risk.
What are the different types of thyroid medication?
There are several types of thyroid medication available, including levothyroxine, liothyronine, and combination therapy. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the individual's specific needs and medical history.
How do I know if I need to take thyroid medication?
If you're experiencing symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin, you may need to take thyroid medication. However, the decision to take medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
What are the potential side effects of thyroid medication?
The potential side effects of thyroid medication can include nausea, headaches, and fatigue. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary.
check_circlePros
- •The YouTube channel I discovered helped me learn a lot about nutrition and how to take care of my body.
- •Getting a check-up and running a list of tests helped me understand what was going on with my health.
- •I was able to learn more about my vitamin and mineral levels, which was really helpful.
- •My doctor was knowledgeable and helpful in explaining my test results.
- •I was able to learn more about my thyroid and how it affects my body.
- •I was able to make changes to my diet and lifestyle to help manage my hypothyroidism.
- •I felt more in control of my health after learning about nutrition and making lifestyle changes.
- •I was able to reduce my symptoms and improve my overall health.
cancelCons
- •Getting diagnosed with hypothyroidism was a bit of a wild ride, and it took some time to figure out what was going on.
- •My doctors prescribed me medication, but it didn't work for me.
- •I had to wait a bit for my test results, which was frustrating.
- •I had to make some lifestyle changes, which was challenging at first.
- •I had to learn a lot about nutrition and how to take care of my body, which was overwhelming at times.
- •I had to deal with some negative side effects from the medication, which was really tough.
- •I felt frustrated and disappointed when the medication didn't work for me.
- •I had to adjust to a new diet and lifestyle, which took some time to get used to.
