Let’s face it…
You feel like SH*T, but your health check came back with everything within NORMAL ranges.
THIS IS UNDER-DISCUSSED!
When your doctor says “You’re results are normal… you’re fine!”
Are they though? What is really considered as “NORMAL”?
First, let’s take a look at what you may be feeling or experiencing…
- Weight gain, that is hard to shed off despite trying anything and everything out there.
- Sudden weight loss.
- A lump of fat between the shoulders.
- Blurred vision.
- Anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and mood swings.
- Constant fatigue and difficulty in sleeping.
- Muscle weakness, aches, and stiffness.
- Puffy face and feeling bloated.
- Changes in your skin. It may be too dry or oily.
- Fine & brittle hair, which could lead to hair loss.
- Increased or decreased heart rate.
- Excessive sweating.
- Increased hunger.
- Frequent urination and increased thirst.
- Infertility or decreased sex drive.
These are classic examples of [1] HORMONE IMBALANCES and they should not be discounted especially if they’ve started to affect your daily lives.
Of course, these symptoms may be related to other underlying conditions as well and it is best to get yourselves checked if you are going through these for a prolonged period of time.
Now, the serious part…
Thyroid health is one of the most common issues when it comes to hormone imbalances.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test is often the first test doctor orders to access thyroid function. The reference range [2] varies based on age and race, but the typical range is between 0.35 – 4.94 mIU/L. You could be RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of the range, and your doctor may tell you that “your results are perfect”.
But, this is not a direct measure of your ACTUAL thyroid hormones or metabolic rate. To do this, assess FT4, FT3, and Reverse T3. These will give you an ACCURATE reading of your metabolic rate or thyroid function.
If your TSH is normal, but your FT3 is on the low end of the reference while FT4 is in the normal range:
This can easily explain your fatigue, depression and constipation.
If your FT3 is on the low end of the reference, and your TSH is on the higher end of the reference:
This means the brain is working extra hard to make your thyroid glands release more thyroid hormones. This condition is called “subclinical hypothyroidism”, which could be the cause of unexplained and stubborn weight gain. It could be the cause of unexplained and stubborn weight gain. Even when your TSH hasn’t exceeded the upper limit of the reference range [3], many people could feel sluggish or show signs of low metabolism or low thyroid activity with levels as low as 2.5 mlU/L!
So, the real questions is…
ARE YOU AVERAGE?
When your results are within the “reference range”, it means the reading is within the average range of MILLIONS of other people in the world. But, would you say that the average person is perfectly healthy and feeling energized? Doubt it.
THE TAKEAWAY:
Never rely on a single test to assess your health status. Even with a “comprehensive blood test” available in the market, you may overlook some important biomarkers which are highly necessary for your symptoms. It is essential to get professional advice, as everyone is unique in their own way.
Lastly, do NOT wait till it’s too late! It is vital to get yourselves checked if you feel something’s off but you just can’t pinpoint it.
Click HERE to find out more about personalized blood tests and the nutrition and lifestyle plans that go with it that’ll help your symptoms.
References:
[1] Shahid, M.A., Ashraf, M.A. and Sharma, S., 2020. Physiology, thyroid hormone. StatPearls [Internet].
[2] Sheehan, M.T., 2016. Biochemical testing of the thyroid: TSH is the best and, oftentimes, only test needed–a review for primary care. Clinical medicine & research, 14(2), pp.83-92.
[3] Wartofsky, L. and Dickey, R.A., 2005. The evidence for a narrower thyrotropin reference range is compelling. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 90(9), pp.5483-5488.
