Ep. #132 | TSH Is Not A Thyroid Hormone

Listen on iTunes 

Listen on Stitcher  

Listen on Spotify 

In this episode of The Simplicity BiteSessions, I am talking all about TSH, which is not a Thyroid Hormone. TSH is often used to test the condition of the Thyroid if you are exhibiting Thyroid issues; however, TSH does NOT give the full picture. Testing for TSH can give you an idea as to whether your Thyroid is under or over producing hormones. Unfortunately, screening for TSH is problematic because by the time changes in the amount of hormone that is produced it could indicate that the problem is well underway. I recommend a series of tests that will provide a more holistic approach to detecting issues with your Thyroid including: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO (Thyroid peroxidase), and TGAB (Anti-Thyroid Globulin).

Here are the topics you are about to listen to in today’s “bite” session: 

  • We need to do better for women who are having signs and symptoms of thyroid issues and being tested incorrectly
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  • TSH tests is not a full thyroid work up
  • Not a reliable screening
  • The screening is an outdated approach 
  • Functional practitioners and allopathic practitioners agree that it is not a full thyroid screening
  • TSH is produced in the pituitary gland in the brain
  • TSH’s job is to stimulate the Thyroid to produce its hormones (T4 and T3)
  • TSH is used for screening for Thyroid disease under the assumption based on how well you Thyroid is producing hormones
  • Screening for TSH is problematic because by the time changes in the amount of hormone that is produced it could mean that there is something already going on
  • Ranges of TSH can vary; however a number lower than 1 is concerning and will require more questions.
  • Testing needs to be more holistic
  • Here is a list of tests that you should be requesting:
    • TSH – it’s part of the entire system and can provide information in conjunction with the rest of the list.
    • Free T4
    • Free T3 – T4 and T3 need one another so it’s important to test both.
    • Reverse T3
    • TPO – Thyroid peroxidase
    • TGAB – Anti Thyroid Globulin

Hoping that this mini-episode helps you better understand your symptoms, how and when they are showing up in your body, mood, and emotions. Wishing more simplicity and ease in all that you do! 

You can connect to this episode on iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher by searching The Simplicity Sessions, or visiting www.jennpike.com/podcast. 

Online working with Jenn:  

To register for my signature program The Hormone Project and work with me 1:1 to support your health, hormones, and more, please join the waitlist at www.jennpike.com/thehormoneproject

You can now start this program at any time, take it at your own pace, and have a live group, weekly coaching classes, with me and my team as well. You will get lifetime access to the program, starting with a 1:1 session with me, testing, classes, core modules, my recipes, exercise calendar, and masterclass series. We are waiting for you to join the Hormone Project

The Synced Program is now available for registration, learn how to tune your body to the lunar cycle, and acquire a multidisciplinary approach to balance your body in less than 30 minutes a day! This is a membership site where you will get lifetime access to more than 60 classes according to each phase, plus the masterclasses I give every month. 

Learn more about our amazing show partners 

Create a more simple life with Saint Francis Herb Farm products. You can purchase Saint Francis Herb Farms products online using the code Jennpike15 and save 15% off all of your purchases or directly at your closest Health Food Store.  

While shopping at Skin Essence enter the code jennpike20 on your first order for 20% OFF your purchase and jennpike15 for 15% OFF on all following orders. www.skinessence.ca — Canada www.skinessenceorganics.com — USA and International. 

When buying at SUNWARRIOR use the code simplicity2020 and save 10% off your purchase. 

Learn more about Jenns work:  

Jenn Pike   

Ignite your Life with Jenn Pike 

The Hormone Project  

The Simplicity Project Shop for books, DVDs, programs, and much more! 

Simplicity TV on Youtube 

Quotes: 

TSH is not a Thyroid hormone 

Detecting Thyroid issues needs a more holistic approach 

TSH’s job is to stimulate the Thyroid to produce its hormones (T4 and T3) 

Additional Information About Jenn: 

Jenn studied and graduated with honors in Human Anatomy and Physiology with such a passion that it propelled her to continue her education over many years. Jenn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Faculty of the Toronto Yoga Conference, Pre & Post Natal Yoga Expert, STOTT Pilates trained instructor, Twist Sport Conditioning Coach, Spin Instructor Crossfit Level 1 Coaching, among other certifications she got along the way. She is also a guest Holistic Expert for Breakfast Television, Global, CHCH, Rogers Tv and writes columns for STRONG Fitness Magazine, iRun magazine, Savvy Mom and contributes to Inside Fitness Magazine, The Toronto Star and Sun. She is also a proud educator and ambassador to Genuine Health, Nature’s Emporium, and Juice Plus. 

Jenn is a proud mama to two beautiful souls and her best teachers of life. She resides on Lake Simcoe in Keswick with her husband and two