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ISSUE 7
Dr. Mark Rhodes Newsletter
6 April 2005
CONTENTS
Editorial - Thyroid Function And Interpretation Of Test Results
Editorial - Thyroid Function And Interpretation Of Test Results
ISSUE 7 — Dr. Mark Rhodes Newsletter, 6 April 2005
Have you read much on thyroid function and thyroid testing? Does it all make sense to you? If it does, you are way ahead of most people. I was reading through a health-related discussion group some time ago. The group members really wanted some help with thyroid issues. The following was my attempt to put some of the pieces together...
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There have been a lot of posts lately on thyroid function and thyroid testing. The way symptoms and test results fit together definitely doesn't always make sense at first. At least I was really baffled, so I had to figure it out over the last couple of years. My verbal model will be simpler than real life of course, but I think it is not too far off.
First, the brain and thyroid work together communicating through TSH and T4. It's a lot like a thermostat and furnace in the winter. When the brain (thermostat) senses that T4 in the brain (temperature near the thermostat) has dropped too low, it produces more TSH (turns on the switch) to get the thyroid (furnace) going. As soon as the T4 is high enough in the brain, TSH production is decreased. (Unfortunately, just because the thermostat is warm enough does not mean that the rooms at the other end of the house are warm.)
Second, although the thyroid produces some T3, most of the circulating T3 comes from conversion of T4 to T3 in the liver and other tissues. Therefore, the thyroid and brain might be working together pretty well, but if liver function is impaired, a person's T3 in the body might be low.
Third, most of our symptoms are related to T3 levels. Therefore, low T3 in the body and symptoms of hypothyroidism could be the result of low thyroid function overall or normal thyroid function accompanied by poor conversion of T4 to T3.
Fourth, under certain conditions, our bodies sometimes attack our own thyroid glands creating some difficulty in their function.
Fifth, we can't directly measure the T4 level in the brain; we have to infer it from circulating TSH levels.
Sixth, we can measure free TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid microsomal antibodies. (Free fractions of hormones are preferred above total hormone measurements because the less-than-1% that is free is the bioavailable portion.) Test results combined with symptoms and history help a person develop a course of action for getting healthier.
Here are some examples of how a person might test:
fTSH up, fT4 down, fT3 down, and antibodies positive - hypothyroid, impaired thyroid function possibly caused by an autoimmune disease.
fTSH down, fT4 up, fT3 down, negative antibodies - "hypothyroid" symptoms, but brain and thyroid are actually working together; the main problem is peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.
fTSH up, fT4 up, fT3 up, and antibodies negative - hyperthyroid, possible pituitary problem (microadenoma).
fTSH down, fT4 up, fT3 up, positive antibodies - hyperthyroid, possible thyroiditis.
I believe both of the hypothyroid cases could benefit greatly from Virgin Coconut Oil and Thyro-Dyne.
The person with the first case might benefit from additional testing of gastrointestinal function and in trying to calm down the immune response. He or she might also consider taking T4 and T3.
The second case calls for additional liver support. Giving this person T4 almost for sure will not help. He or she might also consider addressing adrenal and sex hormones as high levels can contribute to the T4 to T3 conversion problem.
Dr. Mark Rhodes
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For more information on how you can measure your free TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid microsomal antibodies at home, read about the Short Thyroid Panel.
Practitioners interested in ordering tests for their patients should contact Diagnos-Techs directly (800 878 3787).
Long Break
ISSUE 7 — Dr. Mark Rhodes Newsletter, 6 April 2005
I am sorry it has been so long between the last newsletter and this one. I apologize for the long break. I have been working on other facets of the business and never dreamed it would take so long.
Warm regards,
Dr. Mark Rhodes, Ph.D.
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