In the traditional medical model we are taught in medical school to simply measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to manage thyroid issues. TSH isn't even a thyroid hormone. That is totally and wholy inadequate. That's akin to me looking at your car in the parking lot and telling you how well the tranmission works. Impossible. A Free T4 level isnt even an "active" hormone, so once again this can't tell me the whole story. A complete thyroid panel includes TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO & ATA antibodies, and SHBG. Each of these gives insight to actual performance. Without it, you are guessing and working in the dark.
Lab alone is not enough. Your symptom complex makes up 50% of the picture. Then and only then can we assess proper thyroid performance and make intelligent adjustments to your treatment.
