Posted by Abby on May 31, 2000, at 12:21:44
In reply to Re: celexa/thyroid T3/T4 ?, posted by Noa on May 30, 2000, at 11:41:00
> Scott, I don't know the specifics for T3/4 ratios. However, I do know that family docs often overlook the need for T3, when T4 levels are normal and TSH is within normal limits. Pdocs like to use T3 to augment ADs and other meds, because it heightens the effectivness of those meds.
>
> I think a good eval of thyroid functioning would include TSH, Total T4, Total T3 at the very least, but there are other tests that are helpful, too. Abby might know them better.
> >I'm getting this from Mary Shomon's book (also check out her web site http://www.thyroid-info.com) --which is okay,but I think I'm going to like Ridha Arem's better. Well, there's the RT3 which is reverse T3 test. RT3 is an inactive form of T3 made when the body is under stress. Some people theorize that the body can get stuck in this mode and then have inadequate levels of T3. I think maybe sopme doctors look atthe ratio of T3 to RT3, but I'd have to look, because I'm really not sure.
Also there's the TRH test---Thyrotropin releasing hormone. Basically this is the hormone which stimulates the production of thyrotropin also known as thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH. Really TRH should be called HSTSH or something.
TRH tests are harder to come by, because doctors don't believe the labs do them. Basically, blood is drawn for a TSH test. Then TRH is injected and 30 minutes later a new blood sample is taken. This makes the TSH go up, and teh amount by which it goes up means something, but I don't really understand it. If it rises over 30 it's supposed to be bad, but I don't know why, because it would seem that thatjust means that the pituitary is sensitive and working well. I guess it means that, though, the TSH is low,something is wrong with the production of TRH, but that given adequate TRH, the TSH rises, since thyroid production is impaired, but I'm just running my mouth speculating.
Abby
P.S. Some people think that your thyroid levels can be fine, but that if you have thyroid antibodies, it is a sign of impending thyroid failure in the manner of the auto-immune disease Hashimoto's, which I guess is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
P.S.2 Also Free T3 and Free T$. Don't know the value of these and why total values are also needed.
poster:Abby
thread:1045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000526/msgs/35372.html