Reply To: How do I know if I need to take thyroid?
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Adding on to what has already been mentioned above, which are all good points. One other test for hypothyroidism is the the Achilles reflex test, which I am unsure most modern doctors today even know of or consider valuable. But in essence if you place your foot over your other leg and allow it to relax the Achilles tendon is then tapped using a medical reflex hammer or other instrument such as a screwdriver handle or the handle of a butter knife, you should see a reflex reaction. If the foot reacts and then snaps back quickly to the original position it indicates adequate thyroid, but if the retraction is a slow return it indicates hypothyroidism. This video gives a very good description and demonstration.
Temperature can be a good indicator but it is important to remember that high cortisol also raises temperatures as well so I would not rely on this indicator solely. How you feel and things such as mental clarity are also good indicators as well.
@Cari if your friend is female they might do better on just straight T3 as opposed to a blend initially. They would need to dose more frequently simply because the T3 metabolizes at a faster rate since it does not require the liver to convert T4 into T3. Physiologically females have smaller livers so depending on the condition of your friend their liver may not be able to convert the T4 properly or in high enough levels.
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J.R.K