Have you been told that your thyroid test is “normal” yet you still feel exhausted, foggy, or unable to lose weight? You’re not imagining things, and you’re not alone. Many people hear this frustrating response, but the truth is, a “normal” test doesn’t always tell the whole story.
When traditional medicine checks your thyroid, it usually measures just one number: TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). While TSH is important, it’s only part of the picture. Your thyroid is like a symphony, and looking at just one instrument doesn’t tell you why the whole performance is out of tune. A functional medicine approach digs deeper by running a full thyroid panel.
This includes TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and antibodies like TPO and thyroglobulin. These tests reveal more about how well your thyroid is functioning and whether other factors might be affecting it.
For example, you could have an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where your body mistakenly attacks your thyroid. This might not show up in a basic test but can cause all the symptoms you’re experiencing. Or, your thyroid hormones might not be converting properly, leaving your body unable to use them effectively.
Another reason you might feel off is that thyroid problems don’t exist in isolation. Functional medicine looks at the root causes, which could include nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, or even stress. Your gut health plays a huge role in how your thyroid works, too. If your microbiome is out of balance, it can impact hormone production and absorption.
What’s great about a functional medicine approach is that it’s personalized. Instead of just treating symptoms, we work to find the “why” behind how you feel. Maybe your thyroid isn’t the only issue—things like adrenal fatigue, poor sleep, or chronic stress could also be part of the picture.
If your thyroid tests are “normal” but you don’t feel like yourself, don’t give up. Your body is sending signals, and with the right testing and care, we can uncover the real reasons behind your symptoms. You deserve to feel your best, and functional medicine can help you get there.