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Thyroid
The best single screening blood test for thyroid function is a free T3 (triiodothyronine) (done by all labs). Other thyroid tests, the TSH and free T4 tests, should be done as follow up if the free T3 is abnormal or low normal. Many doctors use a TSH for screening purposes, but it is not sufficiently sensitive and a free T3 is the test of choice.
Low thyroid function can be treated with oral thyroid replacement (Synthroid or Levoxyl); brand name products should be used. These are actually Thyroxin (T4) which is converted by the body to T3. "Armour Thyroid" used in the past is pig thyroid and should no longer be used. Oral T3 is available as Cytomel but is too short acting to be used. T3 cream can be compounded by a compounding pharmacist and is used in conjunction with the Synthroid or Levoxyl.
Both free T3 and Free T4 blood levels should be measured periodically for monitoring purposes.
Overproduction of thyroid hormone was formerly called Graves’ Disease. It is treated with oral radioactive iodine to inactivate the thyroid gland, or surgical removal. Thereafter, thyroid replacement is given as if the thyroid had been absent to inactive in the first place.
Copyright 2008 Dr. John R. Woodward all rights reserved Thryroid
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