Thyroid Disorders, Thyroid Testing, Urine Thyroid Assessment

When Obvious Thyroid Problems are Deemed "Normal"

Are you suffering from symptoms that sound like they are related to abnormal thyroid function? You are not alone - thyroid function, particularly functioning below normal capacity is very common.

Unfortunately, standard screening lab tests through your family doctor have been found to not accurately reflect thyroid function. In particular, the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test uses a "normal range" that includes people suffering from abnormal thyroid function.

By some estimates, as many as 2 million Canadians could have undiagnosed thyroid disease. Thyroid disease refers to both hypo and hyperthyroidism, but hypothyroidism is by far the most common. Even mild hypothyroidism can have significant health consequences, so early detection is important.

Naturopathic evaluation and treatment options are available at Zen-tai Wellness Centre. Please contact us for more information.

Conditions and Symptoms Associated with Hypothyroidism

Weight Gain

Difficulty Losing Weight

Cardiovascular Disease

Fatigue

Dry, Flaky Skin

Brittle Nails

Dry, Brittle Hair

Muscle Cramps

Depression

Headache

Constipation

Cold Extremities

Conditions and Symptoms Associated with Hyperthyroidism

Approximately 75% of cases of hyperthyroidism are due to Grave's disease. Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine (which destroys the thyroid and stops the excess production of hormones), or surgery to remove the thyroid.

Weight Loss

Increased Appetite

Nervousness

Restlessness

Heat Intolerance

Increased Sweating

Fatigue

Frequent Bowel Movements

Menstrual Irregularities in Women

Goiter

Urinary Thyroid Assessment

The Urinary Thyroid Assessment measures unconjugated free triiodothyronine (T3), unconjugated free thyroxine (T4) and selenium in a 24 hour urine collection. There are several reasons why a urinary thyroid assessment may be beneficial:

A specimen collected over a 24 hour period may better reflect the average behaviour of the thyroid gland, since thyroid gland activity varies through the day. Urinary thyroid hormone levels correlate well with classical symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Quantities of T3 and T4 in a 24 hour urine are significantly higher than those found in a spot serum sample, so levels can be more reliably measured.

Selenium is a cofactor for 5'-deiodinase, the enzyme required to convert T4 to T3. A low 24 hour urinary selenium level likely correlates with overall selenium deficiency and decreased tissue availability of T3 due to decreased conversion of T4 to T3.