Thyroid Hormone 101

Thyroid hormone is measured in various ways. The typical screening test performed is a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). However, a more global picture of the thyroid function can be obtained with a free T3, and a free T4. The goal of thyroid management is to maximize hormone levels without placing the patient’s labs out of range. If the patient has fatigue, dry skin, constipation, and depressed mood, then a full thyroid panel should be assessed.

Thyroid treatment can be divided into synthetic treatment vs. natural treatment. Synthetic compounds include synthroid, which is a T4 replacement, and cytomel, which is a T3 replacement. Natural compounds include armour thyroid which is a combination of T3 and T4, but has recently been on back order. William’s Brothers in our community compounds animal thyroid hormone, which includes T3 and T4.