SO WHAT’S THE DEAL

WITH “NORMAL”?

 

 

SO WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH “NORMAL”?

 

You can be “normal” but still feel like this

You’ve had tests before and been told that everything is normal. In tests anyone that falls within the middle ‘Normal’ range is considered to be ok.

When I test I always consider your optimal range, rather than what’s considered ‘normal’

My focus is on the optimal (functional) range - this is the sweet spot when you will begin to feel amazing - thriving not just surviving.

So many benefits to testing

Personalisation: Everyone is biochemically unique. Testing means your programme is YOUR programme.

Targeted: while my comprehensive intake and consultations provides a lot of information about your health status, testing can sometimes provide that missing puzzle piece that helps us unravel root causes.

Motivation: Can be a significant motivator for change and to monitor your progress.

Why Can’t I get these tests on the NHS?

The functional tests I use are not available on the NHS. The tests I use in clinic are designed to look for root causes of your symptoms. Whenever testing can be provided by your GP I will always write a letter to request testing based on your symptoms.

Is my thyroid normal?

TSH and T4 results: Clients often tell me that their thyroid is normal based on TSH and T4 values. This doesn’t provide a complete picture of thyroid function.

High TSH: can lead to an assumption that the thyroid gland isn’t working properly and medications are prescribed. However, I believe it’s important to zoom out and check the other areas in the pathway with the correct nutrients, check blood sugar balance and look to manage stress.

Antibody levels: It’s also vital to check antibody levels to assess whether auto immunity is causing the imbalance (Hashimoto’s or Graves).

What biomarkers are in a full thyroid panel?: Total T4, FT4, FT3, TSH and thyroid antibodies. Possibly rT3.

Why do we need to check these? If you take a look at the diagram below, you can see that the thyroid hormone production is a complex pathway and is not just an on/off switch. 

The thyroid pathway involves more than just TSH and T4 and an imbalance or poorly functioning step on this pathway can results in suboptimal thyroid function.

The thyroid produces 2 hormones: T4 and T3. About 94% is produced as T4 with the remaining being T3.

T4 has to be converted to T3 before it can be used by your body.

Not all the T4 produced by the thyroid gland is converted to T3. About 60% is converted to T3, 20% is converted to rT3 (reverse T3). The remaining 20% is converted to other forms of T3 that can converted to a useful T3 form in the gut, but only if there is a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

Most of the conversion of T4 to T3 takes place in the liver with some conversion also taking place in muscle, heart and nerve cells.

Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction

Cold hands and feet

Dry skin

Slow wound healing

Constipation

depression

Night sweats

Insomnia

Dry brittle hair and nails

Lose of outer 1/3 of eyebrows

Cramps in muscles (while resting)

Weight gain/loss

Fatigue

Palpitations

Cold hands and feet

Dry brittle hair and nails

Dry skin

Lose of outer 1/3 of eyebrows

Slow wound healing

Cramps in muscles (while resting)

Constipation

Weight gain/loss

depression

Fatigue

Night sweats

Palpitations

Insomnia

Contact me here to find out more about testing