Tag Archives: #testsforthyroid

What tests should I have ran for my thyroid?

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Change your habits, change your life

The Hypothyroidism diet & lifestyle is a long-term health regimen designed not only to help you lose weight but also to enhance your health and energy. Most diets that you’ve tried might have worked for a short time and then you probably gained all of it back plus some. I want you to learn how changing you’re eating habits first and get to the core of your hypothyroidism disorder will benefit you more in the long run. This isn’t a one shoe fits all issue. You will have set backs but every road to success is paved with some sort of failures. I believe that knowledge is power. Most people don’t understand the connection between diet, disease, medications and environmental toxins. The main reason why I have been blogging and writing these books on Hypothyroidism is because we are so unaware of our bodies. No, I don’t have a degree as a medical doctor but anyone can do the research like I have. In the age of technology that we live there is no reason why anyone isn’t informed on any subject that they find interesting. You are more powerful than you realize. I want you to be moved. My heart will rejoice with you as I see you transcend stronger and become more enlightened on this journey that you were forced into. I have a vision of freedom for better health for humanity. I am leading the way to the road less traveled of infinite possibilities. You inspire me to become greater in myself and truly transformed my life to reach its highest potential.

We need to be kind to ourselves. Give our bodies a fighting chance. If you are constantly feeding your body crap then you are making it susceptible to inflammation, virus’s and disease. I want to help you become successful in your healthy journey by applying the empowering techniques many of my blogs have to offer. This article has been written by a person who has had real struggles with  hypothyroidism but has worked through them. I am going to “keep it real” with you.

According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy nine out of 10 adults may lack the skills needed to manage their health and prevent disease. What about that 1%? That 1% who understands just don’t put forth the effort.  You can learn anything you want to gain knowledge on with the internet.  It’s pretty easy. Just type in a keyword, phrase or even a question and your answer will eventually pop up. The power of curiosity on the information that we encounter will help us become most successful.  There is a difference between hearing and listening, between reading and viewing. Your habit and attitude in life is most important. You see, if you really want to make a difference in the course of your life you will seek out the knowledge and the skills to obtain this.  Stop focusing on what has happened and focus on what can happen.  You must begin to investigate, explore where you can start to notice your new found ability of discernment between true and false facts. This is your life, you decide what is right for you and in the end its your decision.

 

Tips for Success:

  • Stay focused on the target at hand and what you want to achieve. While clearly writing out on a piece of paper, create a vision board, outlining the action needed, keep asking yourself , “How will it solve the problem? How will it help me achieve my goal?”
  • Start planning what you need to do and what other people in your life such as doctors, clinicians, friends, family and anyone who you feel is knowledgeable on what your main goal adjective is, and people whom are most effected by the changes your about to make in your life.
  • Kiss-keep it simple stupid.  Only commit to one problem at a time. one problem — one process — one issue at hand. You focus on the target will have a greater probability of success if you start with smaller changes, this way you can surely accomplish the goal you set out to do.
  • Who will help me become successful.
  • What do I need to do to gain the knowledge and skills to follow through. ( Books, research, classes, google)
  • When should I start? Set a date and start working on it.
  • Where- Keep a daily journal and always update your vision board.
  • How-  with your daily logging and vision board you will be able to see and understand better how you are going to  reach your goals
Basic Thyroid Panel:
1). TSH: for diagnosis of hypopituitary, NOT to diagnose or dose your hypothyroidism (unless it’s high). If you allow a doctor to diagnose or dose you by this lab test and range i.e. to say you are normal simply because it’s in range or below 10…you could still be hypothyroid.
2). Free T4 and Free T3 (note “FREE”–important since it measures what is unbound and available.)
3). Reverse T3: to be done at the same time you do the Free T3. Then calculate your ratio with the results and measurements.
4). Thyroid Antibodies: anti-TPO and TgAb will help diagnosis Hashimotos. You need BOTH, not just one of them. You can add TRAb and TSI for the Graves antibodies–some people have all three.
5). Four iron labs: Ferritin, % Saturation, TIBC and serum iron (sometimes the latter will just say Iron, or total iron). A high ferritin can also point to inflammation. Up to five days off iron supplements is necessary to see what your body is holding onto.
6). Adrenal Cortisol levels: Saliva, NOT blood. Blood is measuring both bound and unbound cortisol and does NOT give results you can go by. You’ll need to be off all cortisol-containing supplements for two weeks before testing.
7). B-12 and Folate
You NEED to have your Vitamins and MINERALS checked.
8). Magnesium and Potassium, plus Calcium, Sodium, Glucose, etc (All the latter are part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile–CMP blood test. You can also ask for the RBC (Red Blood Cell) versions of Mag. and Pot, which measures cellular levels. For potassium, make sure the rubber tourniquet is not left on more than 60 seconds, says this study. Also note that the Buccal Mg lab test is finally available and seems to be more correlated to cardiac health than RBC Mg, but is expensive and not always easy to get.) You will want to be off these mineral supplements for several days so you can measure what your body is hanging onto.
9). Vitamin D3 (25-hydroxyvitamin D lab test) and read why you may need another Vitamin D test.
10). Sex hormones: progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, etc. (If you are a woman who is still menstruating, the reproductive hormones should be tested 19 to 21 days past the first day of your last period)
11). MTHFR gene: if you have high levels of mercury, copper, lead, iron or B12 and/or a strong family history of cancer, heart disease, stroke, miscarriages, IBS. 60% of the population has a MTHFR mutation. It will help guide you in your treatment.
PLUS: others your doctor may recommend, including tests for Lyme disease, heavy metals, Candida, food sensitivity, etc.
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland
Our issues are H.A.T. – hormones, adrenals and thyroid. You MUST treat your adrenals before your thyroid meds will work. When one is out of balance, it can throw the others out of balance
For Hashimoto’s disease – Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb), Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)
For Graves’ disease – Thyroid Receptor Antibodies (TRAb), Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI)
**If your iron, ferritin, Vit D, Vit B12 are too low, you may have trouble with thyroid hormone replacement. They need to be in optimal ranges for your body to tolerate and utilize thyroid hormone properly.
***Low or high cortisol (adrenal hormone) can present a problem as well. Cortisol levels should be at the highest when you wake in the morning and gradually come down throughout the day, with the lowest level between 10 and midnight. A 8-9am and 4-5pm serum cortisol test is recommended. A 24 hour saliva cortisol test is best. Reproductive hormones also need to be balanced. Low cortisol is a sign of low T3.
10 Monitoring Tests You May Need if You Have Hypothyroidism To keep on top of other aspects of your health, consider talking with your doctor about these 10 tests, most of which use blood or urine samples:
1. Lipid panel. This test looks at the lipids, or fats, in your blood. People with hypothyroidism may have elevated total and LDL cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol, which includes your good HDL cholesterol, should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dL. If your cholesterol is high when you start thyroid treatment, your doctor might test again after thyroid hormone levels stabilize. “A lot of patients with high cholesterol can have their cholesterol reduced just by treating their thyroid,” says David Borenstein, MD, an integrative medicine physician in private practice at Manhattan Integrative Medicine in New York City.
2. Complete blood count (CBC).“With more severe hypothyroid disease, you are at risk for mild anemia and bleeding problems, and that can have an effect on clotting factors and platelets,” says Dr. Smallridge. A CBC examines five blood components with the following normal ranges:
Red blood cell count: 3.9-5.69 millions per cubic milliliter
Hemoglobin: 12.6-16.1 grams/dL
Hematocrit: 38-47.7 percent
White blood cell count: 3.3-8.7 thousands per cubic milliliter
Platelet count: 147-347 thousands per cubic milliliter
3. Liver enzyme exam. Liver function tests check on the health of this organ. Not only does the liver play a role in the chemical process that develops thyroid hormones, but untreated hypothyroidism can cause problems in liver function over time. Additionally, sometimes people with hypothyroidism also have liver problems that need attention. The results of a liver panel test can’t diagnose a condition, but the pattern of results along with symptoms will help your doctor decide on any next steps. This blood test can look at alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, total protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase, and prothrombin time.
4. Prolactin test. This hormone stimulates lactation, or breast milk — and people with hypothyroidism often have increased prolactin levels. Normal levels for women who are not pregnant are 0 to 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and for men,0 to 15 ng/mL. Because galactorrhea (spontaneously producing breast milk)improves with thyroid treatment, your doctor might not test for this unless the problem persists.
5. Vitamin B12 test. Your doctor may test your levels of B12 and other B vitamins because they playa role in managing thyroid hormones, Dr. Borenstein says. B12 deficiency also can be related to anemia. Reference ranges can vary widely. Talk to your doctor about your lab results.
6. Vitamin D check. Early research has shown a correlation between hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. The two conditions could be separate conditions occurring at the same time or contributing to one another — researchers don’t understand the relationship yet. However, your doctor might want to check on your vitamin D levels as well. A 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 20 nanograms per deciliter or greater is necessary for skeletal health. Some doctors recommend a level of 20-40 nanograms per deciliter, while others recommend 60-70.
7. Sodium test. Sodium (salt)is essential to your body’s management of water or fluids. Normal sodium bloodt est results are 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (meq/L), but sodium levels might be lower than normal with hypothyroidism.
8. Magnesium check. People with hypothyroidism and certain other deficiencies might also have too little magnesium, an essential mineral. Normal blood test results are 1.8 to3.0 mg/dL.
9. C-reactive protein (CRP) test. This test measures inflammation in your body. Most people who are not fighting off an infection or living with an inflammatory condition have low levels of CRP. Increasing levels suggest increased inflammation in your body. An integrative medicine specialist might want to address overall inflammation with changes in diet and lifestyle in addition to thyroid treatment.
10. Sleep disorder testing. You also may need sleep testing in addition to lab tests. Sleep apnea and disordered sleep can result from hypothyroidism, says Claudia Cooke, MD, an integrative medicine specialist in private practice in New York City. This is because hypothyroidism can affect the tongue’s mobility, causing it to block breathing at night. A sleep study can help you find out if this is an issue by monitoring your sleep in a sleep lab or at home using portable equipment. This test could be warranted if you’ve had thyroid treatment and your TSH levels are acceptable and stable, yet you wake up tired, feel tired during the day, and your bed partner tells you that you’re snoring considerably.
When you go to the new doc take these with you:
A list of your FAMILY history (Mother, father, grand parents. If you have cousins with Autoimmune Diseases add them to the list)
A list of YOUR medical history
A list of what you are taking currently (take the bottles too)
A list of your symptoms, ALL of them A copy of your labs IF they are recent
A list of what you would like to talk about (that’s so you don’t forget)
A list of tests you would like done.
***** Keep these lists saved in your computer so you can easily update them. I suggest saving them with the DATE in the name of the file.
RE: MedicationsIAmTaking09.08.14.doc
FamilyHistory09.08.14.doc
MySymptoms09.08.14.doc
Call the new physicians office and be SURE they do FT3 before you even go. If they don’t, do not waste your money or co-pay.

Please check out my other books online @ Amazon, Barnes n Noble or Books a Million.    

Holiday Hypothyroidism

Finally a Holiday cookbook that will have you sincerely appreciating all the hard work that I put into creating it. This cookbook not only has recipes that caters to your hypothyroidism but the recipes are extremely easy to prepare while still being delicious as they promote your health, help you begin to heal, and you’re eating cleaner on top of it all. These recipes can be used year-round not only around the holidays and will be a great addition to your library. I hope you find this Holiday book a godsend to the particularly crazy holiday season. This book includes a good variety of recipes that I know you will find to be delicious, full of flavor, healthy and just perfect for your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner table. From appetizers to main meals, side dishes and desserts these recipes are just wonderfully delicious. I am not kidding when I tell you that the recipe options in this book are endless and you won’t be disappointed! You will be able to find that perfect recipe in this book that makes your taste buds soar, fits your dietary needs and has your family bragging on your cooking skills. They may even think you secretly took lessons from Gordon Ramsay or Julia Childs

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Hashimoto’s crock-pot recipes: Added Bonus: How I put my Hashimoto’s into remission

There’s nothing like the aroma of a home-cooked dinner welcoming you at the door. No time to be in the kitchen? The wonderful thing about a crock pot is you have little prep time. You won’t have to stand over a hot stove cooking your food and it’s perfect for those hectic days. We all want that convenience! Do you need foods that promote thyroid health? You can start today healing your body from the inside out. Over 101 wholesome and nourishing Hashimoto’s fighting recipes that will cater to your mind, body and soul. This helpful book will start to guide you in the right direction along with a step by step plan that is clear and doable.
It’s not about being skinny, it’s about energy, vitality & feeling good when you look in the mirror.

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Kicking Hypothyroidism’s booty, The Slow Cooker way: 101 Slow Cooker recipes!

I wanted to create a user-friendly handbook to help anyone affected by this disorder. I’ve seen many doctors over the years and none offered me ideas on diet change. I’ve included recipes, ideas on solutions for a healthier home, what you should be eating and shouldn’t, how to shed those extra pounds, regain your self-confidence and vitality back into your life. I want you to feel strong, sexy, and beautiful. This is my heartfelt guide to you. Together, once again, you can start to gain that wonderful life that you deserve. I am a student in this thing called life. I want to be remembered as a pioneer who thought, imagined, and inspired. What we feel at times is the impossible or unthinkable. Life is a wonderful journey.

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 A Survivors Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism’s booty.

Do you need foods that promote your thyroid health? Let’s heal your body from the inside out. We’ve all heard that our gut is called the “second-brain”. Given how closely the two interact with each other one thing you may not realize is your emotions and weight gain can start in the gut. Your gut and digestion can also cause you to hold onto that excess weight and just feel lousy. I’ve included 101 hypothyroidism fighting recipes that cook themselves. Our main concern is kicking hypothyroidism’s booty. I hope this book inspires you to use your slow cooker more often and create your own new recipes. Let’s together shed those extra pounds, regain your self-confidence and vitality back into your life.

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Reset Your Thyroid, 21 day Meal plan Thyroid reboot

This is a 21-day Meal plan to reset your thyroid and jump start your weight loss journey. It is filled with 21 breakfast recipes, 21 lunch recipes and 21 dinner recipes. They are packed full of nutrients, healthy fats and proteins. All are easy to make and I’ve done all the thinking for you! All you have to do is prepare the foods and eat. It takes 21 days to form a new habit, it will most likely take that long for your mind and body to stop opposing your new lifestyle change. Three weeks really isn’t a very long time. If you find yourself in a rut and coming up with excuses. You can regain control by reminding yourself that you only have to do it for 21 days. Motivate yourself to exercise. Choose something you honestly like to do and won’t loathe at least 3 times a week. Create an exercise plan that seems easy to accomplish. (And, stick to it!) Give yourself a chance and commit to yourself to stay with the program for 21 days.

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Hypothyroidism Clarity

Hypothyroidism clarity is designed to help give you FREEDOM and EMPOWERMENT. I’m sharing the EXACT STEPS I’ve used to overcome my eating issues WITHOUT dieting. All the recipes are specially crafted to be easy, super delicious and they have been kid tested-mother approved. A family-friendly way to eat that your entire family will enjoy. This book contains wonderfully crafted hypothyroidism recipes for your home and body that will help transform you and your family’s life.

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Hypothyroidism: The beginners Guide

This book thanks everyone suffering from hypothyroidism and looking for answers. Hypothyroidism is the kind of disease that carries a bit of mystery with it. This book is not for readers looking for quick answers. There is not one size fits all. You have to be in charge of your health. I didn’t write this book to sell you any “snake oil” in a bottle. I’ve written this book to be an eye opener for you and to share with you what I have learned on my journey. The solutions in this book has helped so many people. There are many incredible holistic practitioners, authors and researchers with experience and expertise in this area. I’ve done my best to pull from all their expertise, as well as my own knowledge and clinical experience. I want to make it easy for you to find the answers quickly, all in the one place, because I’m all too familiar with that awful side effects of hypothyroidism. I certainly don’t want you to have to spend years finding solutions, like I did. I also what you to understand that there isn’t an easy “one pill” solution, but the “one pill” approach that our current medical system is using is NOT WORKING because the underlying cause for hypothyroidism is not being addressed. Get ready to go on a journey of discovery where you are going to learn how everything ties into one. A lack of knowledge is a lack of power.

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Secrets to my Hypothyroidism Success: A personal guide to Hypothyroidism freedom

I wish somebody had given me a step-by-step road-map back when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The solutions in this book has helped so many people. I’ve done my best to pull from all their expertise, as well as my own knowledge and clinical experience. I want to make it easy for you to find the answers quickly, all in the one place, because I’m all too familiar with that awful side effects of hypothyroidism. I certainly don’t want you to have to spend years finding solutions, like I did. I also want you to understand that there isn’t an easy “one pill” solution, but the “one pill” approach that our current medical system is using is NOT WORKING because the underlying cause for hypothyroidism is not being addressed. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this book will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health

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The Best Little Hypothyroidism Autumn Cookbook

I wanted to create a fall cookbook for those of us suffering from hypothyroidism that makes you feel as if you’re inviting an old friend in for coffee. If you’ve been considering switching to a hypothyroidism diet, you may be wondering if you have to give up your favorite foods along with flavor. This is far from the truth. Switching to a hypothyroidism diet means that you are catering to heal your thyroid. You can still enjoy your favorite fall recipes following a hypothyroidism diet- you’ll just need to learn what substitutions you will need to make to create wonderful fall hypothyroidism recipes. This is where this book that I’ve written for you comes into play. In this book, you will find a collection of many fall favorite recipes that you and your family are sure to love. If you’ve ever considered a hypothyroidism diet, this recipe book is a great starting resource.

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Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, freelance journalist and an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is also the creator and founder of the website the hypothyroidismchick.com. Where you can find great tips on everyday living with hypothyroidism. She enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness.

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Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested.  The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements.  Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek.  I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.