Guest guest Posted April 12, 2004 Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 Tina.. Do you have a problem with your weight? I know my dr’’s just going to keep me on my Synthroid..but what can I do ..once I get my values? here they are--- Thyroid Function Tests: Total T4 (T4) Free T4 (FT4) Total T3 (T3) Resin T3 Uptake sTSH (TSH) Antithyroid Antibodies Reverse T3 Thyroid Disorders Return to Thyroid Home Page ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Total T4 (T4): The T4 test measure the concentration of Thyroxine in the serum. This includes both bound and free hormone. Only the free hormone, about 0.05% of the total, is biologically active. Anything which affects levels of thyroid binding globulin (TBG), albumin, or thyroid binding prealbumin (transthyretin) will affect the total thyroxine but not the free hormone. Estrogens and acute liver disease will increase thyroid binding, while androgens, steroids, chronic liver disease and severe illness can decrease it. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Free T4 (FT4): The FT4 measures the concentration of free thyroxine, the only biologically active fraction, in the serum. The free thyroxine is not affected by changes in concentrations of binding proteins such as TBG and thyroid binding prealbumin. Thus such conditions as pregnancy, or estrogen and androgen therapy do not affect the FT4. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Total T3 (T3): The TOTAL T3 test measures the concentration of triiodothyronine in the serum. The T3 is increased in almost all cases of hyperthyroidism and usually goes up before the T4 does. Thus the T3 is a more sensitive indicator of hyperthyroidism than the Total T4. In hypothyroidism the T3 is often normal even when the T4 is low. The T3 is decreased during acute illness and starvation, and is affected by several medications including Inderal, steroids and amiodarone. This test measures both bound and free hormone. Only the free hormone is biologically active, but is only 0.5% of the total. Anything which effects thyroid binding globulin (TBG), or albumin will effect the total Triiodothyronine but not the free. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Resin T3 Uptake: The Resin T3 Uptake is used to assess the binding capacity of the serum for thyroid hormone. This is used to help determine if the Total T4 is reflecting the free T4, or if abnormalities in binding capacity are responsible for changes in T4 values. This test is only useful in conjunction with Total T4 or Total T3. In the Resin T3 Uptake test, labeled hormone is added to the patient's serum. If there is an increase in binding capacity, more labeled hormone will be bound to the binding proteins and thus less will be left free in the serum. The free labeled hormone in the serum is measured and usually reported as a percent of the total labeled hormone added. If a patient has a high total T4, it may be due to overproduction of thyroid hormone (Hyperthyroidism) or to an excess of one of the thyroid binding proteins, usually Thyroid Binding Globulin (TBG). If the high Total T4 is secondary to high TBG, the Resin T3 will be low, otherwise it will be normal or elevated. Another way of putting this is that if the Total T4 or Total T3 deviates from normal in one direction and the Resin T3 Uptake deviates in the opposite direction, then the abnormality is due to changes in binding capacity, otherwise it is secondary to a true change in thyroid function (i.e. Hyper or Hypothyroidism). Thus if the binding capacity is increased because of high estrogens, the free labeled hormone will be decreased and the Resin T3 uptake will be decreased. The T4 Uptake is a similar test. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- sTSH (TSH): The high sensitivity thyroid stimulating hormone (sTSH or TSH) assay measures the concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone in the serum. In normal individuals, this is usually between 0.3 and 5.0 mU/ml. TSH is under negative feed back control by the amount of free thyroid hormone (T4 and T3) in the circulation and positive control by the hypothalamic thyroid releasing hormone (TRH). Thus in the case of thyroid hormone deficiency the TSH level should be elevated. A value greater than 20 mU/ml is a good indicator of primary failure of the thyroid gland. A value of between 5 and 15 is a borderline value which may require more careful evaluation. If the hypothyroid state is due to failure of the pituitary gland (TSH) or the hypothalamus (TRH), the values for TSH may be low, normal or occasionally in the borderline range. Thus a TSH above 15 is very good evidence for primary hypothyroidism and a value below 5 is very good evidence against primary hypothyroidism. The presence of low Free T4 with a TSH of less than 10 strongly suggests a pituitary or hypothalamic etiology for the hypothyroidism (secondary hypothyroidism). The TSH alone cannot be used to screen for secondary hypothyroidism and usually requires a measurement of thyroid hormone levels to be adequately interpreted. Because high levels of free thyroid hormone will suppress TSH levels, in almost all case of hyperthyroidism the TSH values will be less than 0.3 and usually less the 0.1 mU/L. Though TSH is a very effective tool to screen for hyperthyroidism, the degree of suppression of TSH does not always reflect the severity of the hyperthyroidism. Therefore a measurement of free thyroid hormone levels is usually required in patients with a suppressed TSH level. If the Free T4 is normal, the free T3 should be checked as it is the first hormone to increase in early hyperthyroidism. TSH levels can also be effectively used to follow patients being treated with thyroid hormone. High TSH levels usually indicates under- treatment, while low values usually indicate over-treatment. Again, abnormal TSH values should be interpreted with the measurement of free thyroid hormone before modifying therapy because serum thyroid hormone levels change more quickly than TSH levels. Thus patients who have recently been started on thyroid hormone, or who have been noncompliant until shortly before an office visit may have normal T4 and T3 levels, though their TSH levels are still elevated. TSH levels may be affected by acute illness and several medications, including dopamine and glucocorticoids. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Antithyroid Antibodies: Antithyroid antibodies often are associated with and play a role in thyroid diseases. The antibodies of most clinical importance are the Antithyroid Microsomal (measured by the Antithyroid Peroxidase assay and also referred to as anti TPO antibodies), the Antithyroglobulin and the Thyroid Simulating Immunoglobulin. The Antithyroid Microsomal Antibodies are usually elevated in patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) and may be used to help predict which patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (Normal Free T4 and elevated TSH) will go on to develop overt hypothyroidism. Antithyroglobulin antibodies may also be elevated in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, but this is less frequent and to a lesser degree. Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins are associated with Grave's Disease and are the likely cause of the hyperthyroidism seen in this condition. These antibodies attach to the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor in the thyroid gland and activate it. While Antithyroid Microsomal Antibody levels are usually highest in Autoimmune Thyroiditis, and Thyroid Simulating Immunoglobulins are highest in Grave's Disease, each may be present the both diseases, as well as in family members without clinical disease. There are several other less common antibodies associated with autoimmune thyroid disease but they are usually not measured in the clinical setting. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Reverse T3: Reverse T3 (RT3) is formed when T4 is deiodinated at the 5 position (T3 is formed from deiodination of the 5' position). RT3 has little or no biological activity and serves as a disposal path for T4. During periods of starvation or severe physical stress, the level of RT3 increases while the level of T3 decreases. In hypothyroidism both RT3 and T3 levels decrease. Thus RT3 can be used to help distinguish between hypothyroidism and the changes in thyroid function associated with acute illness (Euthyroid Sick Syndrome). Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Created and maintained by W. Gardner M.D. URL: http://www.hsc.missouri.edu/~daveg/thyroid/thy_test.html Last update: 01/07/02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2004 Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 Has anyone read the book… How I Reversed My Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Hypothyroidism Compiled by: T. Dirgo Edited by: Dirgo Here’s the link…there are several links at the bottom of the page of the link I am sending….the picture of a Hashi’s thyroid was pretty interesting to me. here they are--- Thyroid Function Tests: Total T4 (T4) Free T4 (FT4) Total T3 (T3) Resin T3 Uptake sTSH (TSH) Antithyroid Antibodies Reverse T3 Thyroid Disorders Return to Thyroid Home Page ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Total T4 (T4): The T4 test measure the concentration of Thyroxine in the serum. This includes both bound and free hormone. Only the free hormone, about 0.05% of the total, is biologically active. Anything which affects levels of thyroid binding globulin (TBG), albumin, or thyroid binding prealbumin (transthyretin) will affect the total thyroxine but not the free hormone. Estrogens and acute liver disease will increase thyroid binding, while androgens, steroids, chronic liver disease and severe illness can decrease it. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Free T4 (FT4): The FT4 measures the concentration of free thyroxine, the only biologically active fraction, in the serum. The free thyroxine is not affected by changes in concentrations of binding proteins such as TBG and thyroid binding prealbumin. Thus such conditions as pregnancy, or estrogen and androgen therapy do not affect the FT4. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Total T3 (T3): The TOTAL T3 test measures the concentration of triiodothyronine in the serum. The T3 is increased in almost all cases of hyperthyroidism and usually goes up before the T4 does. Thus the T3 is a more sensitive indicator of hyperthyroidism than the Total T4. In hypothyroidism the T3 is often normal even when the T4 is low. The T3 is decreased during acute illness and starvation, and is affected by several medications including Inderal, steroids and amiodarone. This test measures both bound and free hormone. Only the free hormone is biologically active, but is only 0.5% of the total. Anything which effects thyroid binding globulin (TBG), or albumin will effect the total Triiodothyronine but not the free. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Resin T3 Uptake: The Resin T3 Uptake is used to assess the binding capacity of the serum for thyroid hormone. This is used to help determine if the Total T4 is reflecting the free T4, or if abnormalities in binding capacity are responsible for changes in T4 values. This test is only useful in conjunction with Total T4 or Total T3. In the Resin T3 Uptake test, labeled hormone is added to the patient's serum. If there is an increase in binding capacity, more labeled hormone will be bound to the binding proteins and thus less will be left free in the serum. The free labeled hormone in the serum is measured and usually reported as a percent of the total labeled hormone added. If a patient has a high total T4, it may be due to overproduction of thyroid hormone (Hyperthyroidism) or to an excess of one of the thyroid binding proteins, usually Thyroid Binding Globulin (TBG). If the high Total T4 is secondary to high TBG, the Resin T3 will be low, otherwise it will be normal or elevated. Another way of putting this is that if the Total T4 or Total T3 deviates from normal in one direction and the Resin T3 Uptake deviates in the opposite direction, then the abnormality is due to changes in binding capacity, otherwise it is secondary to a true change in thyroid function (i.e. Hyper or Hypothyroidism). Thus if the binding capacity is increased because of high estrogens, the free labeled hormone will be decreased and the Resin T3 uptake will be decreased. The T4 Uptake is a similar test. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- sTSH (TSH): The high sensitivity thyroid stimulating hormone (sTSH or TSH) assay measures the concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone in the serum. In normal individuals, this is usually between 0.3 and 5.0 mU/ml. TSH is under negative feed back control by the amount of free thyroid hormone (T4 and T3) in the circulation and positive control by the hypothalamic thyroid releasing hormone (TRH). Thus in the case of thyroid hormone deficiency the TSH level should be elevated. A value greater than 20 mU/ml is a good indicator of primary failure of the thyroid gland. A value of between 5 and 15 is a borderline value which may require more careful evaluation. If the hypothyroid state is due to failure of the pituitary gland (TSH) or the hypothalamus (TRH), the values for TSH may be low, normal or occasionally in the borderline range. Thus a TSH above 15 is very good evidence for primary hypothyroidism and a value below 5 is very good evidence against primary hypothyroidism. The presence of low Free T4 with a TSH of less than 10 strongly suggests a pituitary or hypothalamic etiology for the hypothyroidism (secondary hypothyroidism). The TSH alone cannot be used to screen for secondary hypothyroidism and usually requires a measurement of thyroid hormone levels to be adequately interpreted. Because high levels of free thyroid hormone will suppress TSH levels, in almost all case of hyperthyroidism the TSH values will be less than 0.3 and usually less the 0.1 mU/L. Though TSH is a very effective tool to screen for hyperthyroidism, the degree of suppression of TSH does not always reflect the severity of the hyperthyroidism. Therefore a measurement of free thyroid hormone levels is usually required in patients with a suppressed TSH level. If the Free T4 is normal, the free T3 should be checked as it is the first hormone to increase in early hyperthyroidism. TSH levels can also be effectively used to follow patients being treated with thyroid hormone. High TSH levels usually indicates under- treatment, while low values usually indicate over-treatment. Again, abnormal TSH values should be interpreted with the measurement of free thyroid hormone before modifying therapy because serum thyroid hormone levels change more quickly than TSH levels. Thus patients who have recently been started on thyroid hormone, or who have been noncompliant until shortly before an office visit may have normal T4 and T3 levels, though their TSH levels are still elevated. TSH levels may be affected by acute illness and several medications, including dopamine and glucocorticoids. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Antithyroid Antibodies: Antithyroid antibodies often are associated with and play a role in thyroid diseases. The antibodies of most clinical importance are the Antithyroid Microsomal (measured by the Antithyroid Peroxidase assay and also referred to as anti TPO antibodies), the Antithyroglobulin and the Thyroid Simulating Immunoglobulin. The Antithyroid Microsomal Antibodies are usually elevated in patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) and may be used to help predict which patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (Normal Free T4 and elevated TSH) will go on to develop overt hypothyroidism. Antithyroglobulin antibodies may also be elevated in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, but this is less frequent and to a lesser degree. Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins are associated with Grave's Disease and are the likely cause of the hyperthyroidism seen in this condition. These antibodies attach to the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor in the thyroid gland and activate it. While Antithyroid Microsomal Antibody levels are usually highest in Autoimmune Thyroiditis, and Thyroid Simulating Immunoglobulins are highest in Grave's Disease, each may be present the both diseases, as well as in family members without clinical disease. There are several other less common antibodies associated with autoimmune thyroid disease but they are usually not measured in the clinical setting. Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Reverse T3: Reverse T3 (RT3) is formed when T4 is deiodinated at the 5 position (T3 is formed from deiodination of the 5' position). RT3 has little or no biological activity and serves as a disposal path for T4. During periods of starvation or severe physical stress, the level of RT3 increases while the level of T3 decreases. In hypothyroidism both RT3 and T3 levels decrease. Thus RT3 can be used to help distinguish between hypothyroidism and the changes in thyroid function associated with acute illness (Euthyroid Sick Syndrome). Return to Menu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Created and maintained by W. Gardner M.D. URL: http://www.hsc.missouri.edu/~daveg/thyroid/thy_test.html Last update: 01/07/02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2004 Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 first figure out what kind of thyroid problem you have--exactly! some do well on synthroid if they have no t3 problem or adrenal issues--but I would rather you take armour because of the long term use of synthroid and possible calcium depletion that can happen with long term use of it. some have to be on synthetics and some are better off on glandulars--- a lot depends on your conditions. I am all for the body healing if it can--and I do believe it can if given the proper nutrients but long term damage can impair glands and they need replacement hormones as well. So everything depends on your condition--but most doctors (MD's) will just treat the symptoms not try and heal you---that is just not something they have the time to do. The majority of thyroid patients never get the proper tests needed to determine what is really going on with their body. Oh I just have low thyroid, daughter has hypo and so does mom--they do suffer with weight--while I maintain my build most of the time--I don't have the answer for this yet---but I feel it can only be repaired with proper thyroid treatments. We have had posters here on 800 calories per day and still not lose--- so it's not what you eat it's how you burn those dam calories!!!! but many do better on low carbing---(no sugar, white flour--breads, pasta type diet)--allowed are -whole grains and brown rice, veggies, meats and chicken (lean), fish and some fruits--- walking seems to be the best--swimming is not good if it chills the thyroid patient---but great if it's warm water!!!! tina > Tina.. > > Do you have a problem with your weight? I know my dr''s just going to keep > me on my Synthroid..but what can I do ..once I get my values? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2004 Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 this is such a joke this dosage issue---armour you take twice a day-- that is the only difference because both types have to be adjusted to your symptoms and test results so what is the issue?? It's big pharma makes bigger bucks with synthroid types--armour is very cheap compared. the only time a patient needs synthetics is when they are allergic to armour or their antibodies increase because of it--and that is very rare!!!!!or you just need only T4-- armour as you know contains all the hormones from the thryoid because it's animal thyroid glandular. > > Tina.. > > > > Do you have a problem with your weight? I know my dr''s just going > to keep > > me on my Synthroid..but what can I do ..once I get my values? > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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