I found this blog pretty informative:
Updated - The Top 5 Myths About Natural Desiccated Thyroid | Dr. Alan Christianson
The Role of Testing
If someone is on NDT, and a doctor runs a test like:
In this case, the doctor might notice that T3 is too high. This will then lead them to believe that you need less, because of the fact that your ratio is too high.
The real problem here actually is not the ratio, but the timing of the testing itself.
Key Insight: If you take a blood test right after taking your NDT tablet, your TSH and Free T4 might remain normal, but it can make your Free T3 score look shockingly high. This is only a question of timing, and nothing more!
Testing Your Thyroid: The Definitive Guide to Optimal Ranges | Dr. Alan Christianson
What time of day do I test?
Do your blood tests first thing in the morning, before eating, and before taking your thyroid medication – you will want to take your daily dose of medication immediately after your tests.
Common Issues with Thyroid Testing
These are some of the common issues we might encounter when testing our thyroid gland:
- T3 Too High – it is typically because you took your thyroid medication before an examination. Overall, it speaks to the absorption cycle of T3 in your body, and this could lead to well-intending doctors prescribing improper medications.
- TSH Too Low – It’s a bit controversial, but it’s a tough thing to understand. There might have been some who work on a too low TSH, but it’s a numbers game. A low TSH is fine for some, but not fine for others. It’s a risk factor, and so it’s worth understanding. Toxicology and adrenal function are important “root causes” to identify when this is the case.
- Erratic Antibody Levels – thyroid antibodies are good to confirm diagnoses, but they don’t rule it out when they aren’t around. They’re also important to note for fertility (6). High antibodies, four digits and above, can cause issues. Otherwise, there probably isn’t a lot to say about your problems. They can go up and down randomly, so keep that in mind and do not worry too much.
- TSH Drift – Your TSH isn’t going to level out immediately. It can take about three months for your TSH to level out after you have made a change in your lifestyle. If it’s moving down, it might be enough to say that it was the intent that is wanted, but it won’t reach that state until enough time has passed. Patience is key, so make sure you are keeping an eye on it’s steadiness.
When should I test?
A schedule for testing looks a little something like this:
- Full panel of testing begins to understand your body’s baseline for health.
- After treatment has started, there will be focused re-tests that are dialed in specifically on treatment.
- After your body has reached a steady state, there are tests once a quarter (one or two).
- Post-program, you will be looking at tests twice a year.
You may also enjoy tests approximately four weeks after dosage changes. As well, any time that you have unusual symptoms where you think your thyroid might be the culprit – this is going to circle back to the importance of self-exams and your thyroid health!
