At times we receive laboratory results which just don't seem to reflect what we expect. Some physicians are unconcerned when results are "within normal limits". But "normal" doesn't always apply to thyroid cancer patients when we no longer have a thyroid, leaving us to explore possible causes and solutions ourselves These are some things to… Continue reading Questionable Lab Results
Tag: TSH
Rethinking Hypothyroidism
Why Treatment Must Change and What Patients Can Do Antonio C. Bianco, MD Dr. Bianco's long-awaited book is now available from the University of Chicago Press in several formats. A quick scan until I have the time to read it thoroughly brings out some mind blowing but not unexpected r4esearch based concepts – that many… Continue reading Rethinking Hypothyroidism
Basic T3 Startup
The first step to adding T3 to our thyroid hormone replacement regimen following total thyroidectomy (TT) is understanding what T3 is and how it works. The two thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). A healthy thyroid produces mostly T4 and smaller amounts of T3. This production is controlled by a “negative feedback loop”… Continue reading Basic T3 Startup
TSH Suppression
There are two primary dimensions in follow up treatment for thyroid cancer. The first is focused on preventing and identifying recurrence while the second, often overlooked in the quest to "beat cancer" is supporting your Quality of Life (QoL). Some endocrinologists and other providers may not always be aware of the need to keep TSH… Continue reading TSH Suppression
Suppression vs QoL
Why is TSH suppression so often the sole or primary goal in thyroid cancer treatment with little regard for Quality of Life (QoL)? We are told, over and over, that the vast majority of thyroid cancer patients do just fine for the rest of their lives on synthetic thyroid hormone replacement (THR) therapy evaluated by… Continue reading Suppression vs QoL
Thyroid Cancer Test and ICD Codes
Test and ICD Codes - Current as of 15 December, 2021These test and ICD codes can be helpful if your tests are being ordered by a primary care provider or an endocrinologist who does not specialize with thyroid cancer patients. Lab Corphttps://www.labcorp.com/test-menu/search Order CodeOrder Code NameResult CodeResult Code NameUnits224576TSH+Free T44264 19745TSH T4,Free(Direct)uIU/mL ng/dL10389Triiodothyronine (T3), Free10389Triiodothyronine… Continue reading Thyroid Cancer Test and ICD Codes
What Blood Tests Should I Request?
As thyroid cancer patients, when things are not going well the first place we tend to look is to our thyroid hormone replacement (THR) meds. Just as our thyroid interacted with every aspect of our physical and mental health, metabolism and daily activity, we need to remain aware of how our overall health works withn… Continue reading What Blood Tests Should I Request?
Quick Thyroid Tour
When T4 and T3 go low, TSH goes high. The hypothalamus senses low circulating levels of thyroid hormone —Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) — and responds by releasing thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH - Thyrotropin-releasing hormone is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland.… Continue reading Quick Thyroid Tour
Basic Testing Information
Thyroid Level Testing for Thyroid Cancer Patients This is a basic outline of the thyroid tests most frequently asked about and are needed to properly monitor thyroid hormone replacement (THR) levels for thyroid cancer patients. TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland, a small organ located below the brain,… Continue reading Basic Testing Information
Thyroid Cancer Advocates 