Hypothyroidism
If you report symptoms, your medical provider may order lab tests to evaluate your TSH levels. These tests will indicate higher levels of TSH if your T4 and T3 are low. This shows that your pituitary gland is working very hard to produce enough TSH to try to stimulate production of T4 and T3, as well as to change T4 to T3.
While the “normal range” for laboratories that test TSH may be as high as 4.0mlU/L, we usually prefer seeing TSH blood levels that are closer to 2.0 mlU/L.
Why is this? It has been our experience that there is a discrepancy between what some medical providers feel is normal and what is truly best for women as unique individuals. At Women to Women, we use a broader thyroid test to screen women with symptoms of menopause. Approximately 20% of women fall within the “normal” range, but another 35% have subclinical hypothyroidism according to their lab results!
At Women to Women, we also look closely at the changes that have taken place over time, as well as trends in your overall health. These are all factors that we know can influence your hormonal well-being. This is vitally important during menopause, because even very small variations can contribute to hormonal imbalance. When these imbalances are discovered, you can start to give your body the support it needs naturally, before more symptoms start to occur.
Below are the test ranges that conventional medical practitioners feel are normal. Remember, if you have symptoms or your test results are showing an upward trend, we feel it is important to have your thyroid function thoroughly evaluated by an experienced practitioner, regardless of initial test results. Remember also, that the best values lie between the low range and the high range.
T4: 4.8–13.2 mcg/dL
Free T4: 0.9–2 ng/dL
T3: 80–200 ng/dL
TSH: 0.4–4.0 mIU/L (if you have no hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms), otherwise 0.3–2.0 mIU/L (if you’re being treated)
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During perimenopause and menopause, it is even more important to pay special attention to your thyroid health. Your body is going through so many changes at this time that even small modifications can help you find relief from your troubling symptoms.
Thyroid Support
The best way to support thyroid function (and overall health) is through good nutrition, which includes supplementation with an adequate daily pharmaceutical multivitamin-mineral complex, including selenium, iodine vitamin A, and zinc.
Make sure you stay current with routine screenings and wellness exams. These are preventative health maintenance steps you can take. If your family has a history of thyroid disorders, be sure to share this with your medical provider.
At Women to Women, we know that a natural approach can often restore thyroid health and can help to decrease symptoms that may overlap with those caused by menopause. We add prescription medications when needed and we prefer those that are naturally-sourced.
Try these easy tips to support your thyroid health naturally:
- Nourish yourself. You require a wide variety of nutrients daily for your hormonal health. This includes your thyroid health. Vitamin A, EPA and DHA, and zinc, for instance, work to increase T3 binding in your cells. Iodine is the key ingredient in thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Trying to produce T3 and T4 without iodine is like trying to make a roast without the beef! Selenium is also required for the conversion of T4 to T3, so if you are deficient, increasing your intake can make a huge difference.
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