Many people experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and hair thinning, only to be told their thyroid tests are “normal.” This can be frustrating, especially when the symptoms continue. The problem is that standard lab tests often do not give a full picture of thyroid health, leading to missed diagnoses and untreated thyroid issues.
TSH Alone Is Not Enough
Most traditional doctors only test for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) to check thyroid function. While TSH is important, it does not show how well the thyroid is producing or converting hormones. The thyroid makes T4, but the body must convert it into T3, the active hormone that powers metabolism, energy, and brain function. If conversion is poor, symptoms can still appear, even if TSH is in the normal range. A full thyroid panel, including Free T3 and Free T4, is needed for a more complete understanding.
Reverse T3 Can Block Thyroid Function
When the body is under stress, dealing with inflammation, or lacking key nutrients, it can produce too much Reverse T3 (RT3). Reverse T3 acts like a brake, slowing metabolism and blocking active thyroid hormones from working properly. Standard lab tests do not check RT3, which means many people with thyroid dysfunction go undiagnosed.
Undiagnosed Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the thyroid. This can cause thyroid hormone levels to fluctuate, leading to symptoms long before TSH becomes abnormal. Many doctors do not test for thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG antibodies), which are needed to diagnose Hashimoto’s. Without these tests, the autoimmune condition can go undetected for years.
Finding the Right Doctor for Proper Testing
A functional medicine provider looks beyond basic lab work to uncover the true cause of thyroid symptoms. A full thyroid panel, including TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies, provides a more accurate diagnosis. Functional medicine also looks at gut health, nutrient levels, and stress, which all impact thyroid function.
When thyroid issues are missed, symptoms continue, and health can decline. Proper testing and a personalized approach can help restore thyroid balance, improve metabolism, and bring energy levels back to normal. Finding a doctor who understands comprehensive thyroid testing is the key to getting real answers and feeling better again.