The Thyroid Testing Gap: Why Standard Tests Aren't Enough for Women's Health

I see many women who are experiencing thyroid symptoms, but tell me they have been tested and told all look ‘normal’. However, often things aren’t normal as women are often not getting a full thyroid panel done, which means not getting a proper assessment of the full picture of their thyroid health.

This is concerning because thyroid hormones are crucial for proper bodily function, including energy production, heart rate, muscle function, and brain activity. When the thyroid is not functioning correctly, symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, PMS, low libido, and constipation can occur.

Women are particularly at risk for low thyroid function, especially as they age and enter perimenopause, and a genetic predisposition may increase the likelihood of thyroid issues.

Although doctors are typically willing to test thyroid function, they may only perform TSH and T4 tests, which do not provide the full picture of thyroid function. The reference ranges for thyroid hormones are broad, so even if someone's results are ‘normal,’ they may still be at the lower end of the range. A TSH result above 2.5 may indicate sub-optimal thyroid function, while some practitioners prefer to see levels below 2.5 for optimal health, particularly in pregnant women. Free T3 levels, are also important to consider, as they represent the active thyroid hormone that is responsible for bodily function. However, these levels may not be measured if TSH and/or T4 levels are within the normal range.

It is also essential to understand the cause of low thyroid function, particularly since 80% of thyroid disease cases are autoimmune Hashimoto's or Graves' disease. Treatment protocols for autoimmune thyroid conditions differ from those for other thyroid issues. Many people are treated with Thyroxine without realising they have an immune disorder that requires a different treatment approach. If the immune system is attacking the thyroid, then it's not solely a thyroid issue but rather an immune system problem that requires further investigation. For this, thyroid antibodies need to be tested, however they are often not routinely done.

For those concerned about thyroid function, it's important to ask their GP for all four thyroid measures: TSH, fT4, fT3, and TPO antibodies. A full thyroid hormone blood panel is recommended to identify any potential problems and determine the appropriate treatment protocol. If you suspect you have thyroid issues, it's essential to get properly tested to avoid further complications.

If you struggle to get a full thyroid panel done via your doctor, get in touch, we can organise one for you.