Diagnostic concepts like "subclinical hypothyroidism" have become cognitive barriers to understanding the adaptations and dysfunctions of the aging hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Thyroid diagnostic categories are usually based on whether TSH and FT4 are in range, above range, or below range, in relation to an age-blind reference range. These are convenient biochemical stereotypes. These stereotypes have … Continue reading Four types of unstable thyroid function in the elderly
Scientists that study the effect of age on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T4 (FT4) and Free T3 (FT3) thyroid hormones often exclude the age group from birth up to age 16, 18, or 19. They usually exclude children and teenagers because they know they are different. Describing their TSH and thyroid hormones is its own … Continue reading Pediatric and teenage TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels
Scientists have been explaining that TSH responds to thyroid hormones differently in childhood, early adulthood, late adulthood and very advanced age. This poses a problem for regions that have implemented TSH-only screening for thyroid dysfunction. The effect of age on TSH is one of many factors that can make this screening test less accurate (Ling … Continue reading Age bias may hide hypothyroidism under a normal TSH
In this post, I'll comment on the case study of a woman who suffered for 23 years with undiagnosed central hypothyroidism between 1992 and 2015 (age 34 to age 57) because her TSH was repeatedly in normal range. She developed impaired kidney function, muscle damage, and pericardial effusion. Who saved the day? A biochemist working … Continue reading 23 years of misdiagnosed central hypothyroidism with a normal TSH: Case study
In 2011, Gullo's research team published a landmark study in thyroid therapy titled "Levothyroxine Monotherapy Cannot Guarantee Euthyroidism in All Athyreotic Patients." Gullo and colleagues examined the TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels and the FT3:FT4 ratios of 1,811 thyroidless patients on levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy and compared them with 3,875 healthy controls. Gullo's study shook the … Continue reading Gullo: LT4 monotherapy and thyroid loss invert FT3 and FT4 per unit of TSH
