Diagnosis
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What’s wrong with calling TSH, FT3 and FT4 “thyroid function tests”?
A Google search for “thyroid function tests” brought up a definition square at the top of the search results. It says that “Thyroid function tests” is a collective term for blood tests used to check the function of the thyroid. A TFT panel typically includes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin) and thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) depending on local laboratory policy.” (Thyroid Function…
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Are normal thyroid reference ranges risk-free zones?
Commonly, when scanning laboratory results, a physician will look for values that are “out of range” (high or low). It is often presumed that if FT4, TSH, and FT3 are all “in the normal range,” those hormone levels won’t be a problem for the heart, the liver, the kidney, the brain, and so on. It…
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Cognitive barriers to analyzing “normal” thyroid lab results
Here is a common moment that occurs now and then in doctor’s offices. The physician looks up from their computer screen and tells the patient, “Your thyroid function tests came back normal, so nothing is wrong with your thyroid.” That statement reveals the dismal state of medical ignorance about normal-range thyroid lab results. It’s not…
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Reverse T3 in the context of health status, dosages, and thyroid levels
A collection of research graphs and quotations showing diverse Reverse T3 levels coexisting with health, in various illnesses, and alongside various T3 and T4 levels.
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Infographic: Screening for hypo
This post continues our opening series on “Developing Infographics for thyroid testing.” In this post I discuss the scientific basis and potential usefulness of an infographic meme on “Screening for hypo, before therapy begins.” Antibodies Q: Why doesn’t this meme mention antibodies? A: This one is not about diagnosing autoimmune etiology. First we need to…