Optimal Thyroid Numbers

Whereicomefrom · Apr 18, 2023

I been looking around trying to find what optimal thyroid numbers are. Not having any luck, everything just gives what's considered in range. Which is a pretty wide gap.

Has anyone seen in info on this before?

Deleted member 16042 · Apr 18, 2023

Controversial stuff, but perhaps look into Westin Childs take on it. There's a chart about 1/3 of the way down the page: Updated Optimal Thyroid Lab tests & Reference Ranges

Keepfit1 · Apr 18, 2023

Whereicomefrom said:
I been looking around trying to find what optimal thyroid numbers are. Not having any luck, everything just gives what's considered in range. Which is a pretty wide gap.

Has anyone seen in info on this before?

In range doesnt mean tiddly. Most Thyroid experts would suspect thyroid issues if TSH is above 2 when not on thyroid meds. TSH is only a rough guide, stronger players are Free T3 and Free T4, they generally should be in upper quartile. However these are only blood, not cell levels, cell levels are what is needed and thyroid experts especially the older ones tend to say look at temperatures, pulse rate, blood pressure and other physical symptoms. Then when we think we have it sussed its important to mention thyroid will only work properly if adrenals are okay. So its a bit complicated for sure but having TSH under 2 and Free T 3 in upper quatile is a starting basic point. The website and book Stop The Thyroid Madness explains all this quite well. Another good book if still in print on thyroid is by Doc Barry Peatfield

Whereicomefrom · Apr 18, 2023

Blackhawk said:
Controversial stuff, but perhaps look into Westin Childs take on it. There's a chart about 1/3 of the way down the page: Updated Optimal Thyroid Lab tests & Reference Ranges

That's what I was looking for. Thank you.

Whereicomefrom · Apr 18, 2023

Keepfit1 said:
In range doesnt mean tiddly. Most Thyroid experts would suspect thyroid issues if TSH is above 2 when not on thyroid meds. TSH is only a rough guide, stronger players are Free T3 and Free T4, they generally should be in upper quartile. However these are only blood, not cell levels, cell levels are what is needed and thyroid experts especially the older ones tend to say look at temperatures, pulse rate, blood pressure and other physical symptoms. Then when we think we have it sussed its important to mention thyroid will only work properly if adrenals are okay. So its a bit complicated for sure but having TSH under 2 and Free T 3 in upper quatile is a starting basic point. The website and book Stop The Thyroid Madness explains all this quite well. Another good book if still in print on thyroid is by Doc Barry Peatfield

I defiantly get those and do some reading. Much appreciated.

Systemlord · Apr 18, 2023

Whereicomefrom said:
I been looking around trying to find what optimal thyroid numbers are.

The ranges are broad for a reason, what’s normal for you may not be normal for someone else because we’d are all built a little different. I tried what some of these articles say is optimal, my results were far from optimal.

Optimal Free T3 for me is at or slightly higher than midrange.

You’re not going to get a definitive answers.

Alecshepard · Aug 26, 2023

Hey so my total free t is relatively low at 108 range of 85-185. I believe this ng/dl. Tsh is never believe 3s. I’ve seen it as high as 4.5. I’ve tested it over 6 times. Total t4 is 6.10 range of 4.90-11.40 mcg/dl. Weird enough I was testing out eating seaweed everyday and my dry skin and hair grew like crazy. I’ve been on trt (I’m 21) for about 8 months now but have been having some problems still and I think thyroid is also in the picture maybe? Shbg pre trt at 23 now around 12-18. What do you think.

tareload · Aug 27, 2023

Whereicomefrom said:
optimal thyroid numbers are

Do not exist. There is widespread confusion on this term. You have not set an objective function. Optimal for WHAT?

Lifespan? Performance? Body composition? Compression of morbidity? What?

At the individual level this is a tall order. Hence as in all of biological systems there is a distribution or range.

tareload · Aug 27, 2023

Keepfit1 said:
Most Thyroid experts would suspect thyroid issues if TSH is above 2 when not on thyroid meds

Then they aren't quite experts then, are they?

We definitely need a dislike button for posts like those found in this thread. Would be good to remove the bias with only a like button. Unfortunately this thread has ventured into the BS zone. Reader beware.