Four types of unstable thyroid function in the elderly

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

Reference list for analyzing normal thyroid lab results

This list provides all references in alphabetical order for the following series of posts: Series introduction: Cognitive barriers to analyzing "normal" thyroid lab resultsBarrier 1: Are normal thyroid reference ranges risk-free zones?Barrier 2: What's wrong with calling TSH, FT3 and FT4 "thyroid function tests"?Barrier 3: Can a normal TSH rule out thyroid disease? 3.1: Age … Continue reading Reference list for analyzing normal thyroid lab results

Thyroid disease in Ukrainians’ lives

When we think of the many challenges Ukrainians are facing with courage today, we should remember that they lived through Chernobyl, and that they are a people living with thyroid diseases. Partly because of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown disaster in 1986, thyroid disease and lifelong thyroid therapy has become an important part of Ukrainians' past … Continue reading Thyroid disease in Ukrainians’ lives

TBAb hypothyroidism diagnosed in a mother and baby

In this post, I'd like to share with you a real-life story, suitable for the holiday season, that might warm your hearts as much as it warmed mine. And by the end, it might even motivate you to learn more or take action. Newsflash from 2016: A newborn baby's hypothyroidism with a TSH of 117 … Continue reading TBAb hypothyroidism diagnosed in a mother and baby

A complete pathway map of T4 and T3 metabolism and clearance

Biochemical pathway maps are an important aspect of medical education and medical problem-solving. They help us to view a network or series of chemical reactions in cells. In this article, I present a comprehensive science-based pathway map showing all the major pathways of both T4 and T3 hormone metabolism, also including their urinary clearance. I … Continue reading A complete pathway map of T4 and T3 metabolism and clearance