That’s right. If your metabolism is stuck in first gear it may be a direct result of your thyroid not functioning properly and you may not even know it.

Today it is estimated that over 24 million Americans unknowingly suffer with some type of thyroid condition. If you suffer from any of these conditions; you are tired all the time (even after getting sleep), you are unable to lose weight (even with diet and exercise), you are cold all the time (even in warm weather), rapid weight gain, memory loss, bad PMS, hot flashes, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insomnia, joint aches, dry itchy skin, brittle fingernails, loss of sex drive…

just to name a few!

If you have any of these conditions I promise you this is worth the read…

But my doctor says my TSH levels are fine. (I hear this all the time.)

The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or TSH Test is the most common test used in diagnosis of hypothyroidism. This is the test your doctor will most likely do. Unfortunately it can show a proper reading and your thyroid may still not work properly.

This test should not…

Let me repeat…

This test SHOULD NOT be the only test used to diagnose the state of your thyroid.

What should I do?

Check your temperature…

That’s right!!

When you hear the phrase “Take your temperature”, you usually associate it with being sick and looking for a fever. It also plays an import role in your metabolic health! Here is the best 30-second test you can do.

Many recommend it as the best tool to diagnose hypothyroidism is by keeping a basal body temperature chart. The basal body temperature is your temperature when you wake up in the morning. Your oral temperature should be 98.0 in the morning before rising. The oral temperature for the rest of day is 98.6 to 99 (from 8 am to 11 am). Hypothyroid patients can have below normal temperature values by 1-3 degrees. Try taking your temp in the morning (even before you go to the bathroom) for the next 3 days and come up with an average.

What if my temp is low? Does that mean my thyroid is not working?

It is very possible it may not be working properly.

What Tests Should I Do?

Here are other tests to consider. They do carry a cost however if you are able to find a Doctor or Naturopath and have insurance they may pick up the tab for them. Doing all of them would be wonderful however before you even begin them I would make sure to read up on the 30 Second Self-Test I provided. Feel free to copy these and bring them to your doctor to discuss.

24 HOUR CORTISOL SALIVA TEST: An at-home test to evaluate your circadian cortisol levels at key times during a 24 hour period.

AB (Antithyroglobulin): Measures the level of the antibody protein antithyroglobulin in order to discern the presence of Hashimoto’s disease.

B-12 lab test: Measures an essential vitamin, B12, which can be low in hypothyroid patients due to low stomach acid.

DHEA: Measures the mother of all steroid & sex hormones. Usually measured in conjunction with the 24 hour adrenal cortisol saliva test. See above.

FERRITIN: Measures your levels of storage iron, which can be chronically low in hypothyroid patients.

FREE T3 LAB TEST: T3 is the active thyroid hormone. Free in front of the T3 means you are measuring what is available and unbound.

FREE T4 LAB TEST: T4 is the thyroid storage hormone. Free in front of the T4 means you are measuring what is available and unbound.

THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODY (TPO): Measures the thyroid antibody TPO, which will be above the normal level in the presence of Hashimoto’s disease.

TIBC (Total iron binding capacity): measures whether a protein called transferrin, produced by the liver, has the ability to carry iron in the blood.

For those of you looking for more information on the thyroid I just put the finishing touches on what might be the most comprehensive ebook on your thyroid and its function. What I found out will blow your mind! Over 128 pages! Click here to learn more.
http://www.markpatrickmedia.com/thyroid.html

Author's Bio: 

Mark Patrick is a Mind & Body Expert and the Founder of Mark Patrick Media LLC a self-improvement company specializing in Weight Management & Smoking Cessation programs. Like it or not Mark uses a straightforward approach that is changing lives and getting incredible results. He is a member of The National Guild of Hypnotists with over 12 years experience and quickly approaching 250,000 clients with a goal to inspire millions of people and change their lives.