Research Reviews
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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…
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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…
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Ingbar and Braverman’s historic study of LT4 monotherapy
As part of my post on “The thyroid gland is a T3 shield,” I reviewed a research article by Ingbar and team from 1982. Wow. What a treasure. The title of this article is “Elevated serum thyroxine concentration in patients receiving ‘replacement’ doses of levothyroxine.” Just look at that title. They began their title with…
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Prevalence rates for 10 chronic disorders at various FT4, TSH and FT3 levels
Which FT3, FT4 and TSH levels have the highest and lowest prevalence rates for 10 common health disorders? Hypertension Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) Depression Diabetes Coronary artery disease Heart failure Atrial fibrillation Peripheral vascular disease Renal failure (kidney failure) Dementia Is high-normal TSH and low FT3 associated with one condition, while high-normal FT4 and low or…
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Japanese thyroid scientists examine symptoms in relation to FT3 and TSH
I would like to applaud a 2019 article by Mitsuru Ito and colleagues from the Center for Excellence in Thyroid Care at Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan. Dear researchers, your article, “Thyroid function related symptoms during monotherapy in athyreotic patients” showcased research on Free T3 levels and symptoms that is potentially meaningful to the life and…