What a Low TSH Can Mean with Dr. Brittany Henderson

Medical Myths, Legends & Fairytales

Between the latest online fads and the crazy media headlines, it’s easier than ever to get confused about your health. If you want to make better decisions about your health today so you can feel better and live longer, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve discussed the topic of low TSH levels on the podcast before, and I’ve shared with you my own perspective and the testimonials of healthy patients with varying TSH levels. Too commonly misdiagnosed as a pituitary disease or thyroid hormone resistance, low TSH levels can play a major role in the struggle to overcome sleep disturbances, weight loss or low energy levels.

I wanted to get one more angle on the topic, this time from conventionally trained endocrinologist and thyroidologist Dr. Brittany Henderson. Dr. Henderson has an integrated approach to care and sees the value in lifestyle and diet changes, but she is also no stranger to the harm of misdosing patients with thyroid medications. She has answers to some of the questions that I hear most often regarding TSH levels and thyroid disease, including how to reach optimal dosage levels and how to proceed when your thyroid levels aren’t where they should be. Dr. Henderson’s career evolved from hospital and research to clinical care as she really listened to the stories from patients who were struggling, and her expertise may offer the answers you’ve been looking for. This final conversation on TSH levels is one that you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

[1:07] Today’s topic is low TSH levels and the true effect they can have on your journey to optimal health.

[2:17] Dr. Henderson explains the data behind ‘normal’ and low TSH levels, and why this hormone has to be optimized along with all of your other hormones.

[6:00] The actions of TSH are not limited to just stimulating thyroid hormone production and actions in the fat cell and lipolysis, and TSH should not need to be suppressed.

[8:18] How can TSH levels be relevant when T3 and T4 levels are on the low end of the desired scale? Dr. Henderson explains.

[11:48] Understanding the scenario in which TSH levels can be tested as low while hormone levels are fluctuating, and the expected time it will take for the TSH levels to start moving after pituitary has been overly suppressed.

[13:44] What if you only feel well when your TSH levels are low? Dr. Henderson explains how she adjusts dosage to maximize wellness and the side effects that prove it’s not safe to continue with low TSH levels.

[17:58] A look at ‘subclinical’ thyroid disease and its relationship to diabetes and chronic heart disease as well as the imperfect tools that have to be used to optimize thyroid function.

[21:10] The history of and critical need for correct thyroid hormone dosage amounts to avoid toxicosis.

[25:54] The reasons that you will not find much research on double-blind studies regarding Hashimoto's disease, and where you can get reliable information instead.

[27:49] Dr. Henderson shares the reason for her shift from hospital and research career to clinical care, and offers encouragement for anyone that is wondering how to proceed with their thyroid care.

[33:20] Dr. C concludes with a reminder of the goals and intentions of the conversations that take place on the Medical Myths, Legends, and Fairy Tales podcasts.

[39:31] Do you have a topic you’d like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

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