The problem with the typical thyroid test

Most likely, every year you go to the doctor and do your routine lab work. They check your thyroid, cholesterol, basic metabolic function, and everything comes back within "normal ranges".

But you can't help but feel like something is "off"...

Most routine lab work only checks for one thyroid marker, something called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and if you're lucky, maybe they throw in total T4.

I think it's important to note that while we would typically blame the doctor for not testing further markers, it's really about the insurance companies not wanting to pay to cover the expense.

Your doctor would have to battle the insurance on your behalf or you would have to pay a hefty out-of-pocket expense. It's not that your doctor doesn't care, but they may be placed under certain constraints by the insurance companies (don't even get me started on this issue, another post about this to come).

The problem with only checking TSH, is that it doesn't give a full picture of what's really going on.

A good thyroid panel should check:

• TSH
• Total T3
• Total T4
• Free T3
• Free T4
• TPO
• Reverse T3

I get my thyroid checked every 6 months with a full comprehensive panel. I recently tried the Paloma Thyroid Test and wanted to give it an honest review, but first let's dive into a few of the basics so you can understand if a Thyroid Test is right for you!

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid, simply put, is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. It is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolic function and other important factors.

It's part of the body's endocrine system and helps to regulate temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism.

For a tiny little gland, it has a load of responsibility.

What is Hypothyroidism?

When the thyroid isn't functioning properly, it can cause a cascade of issues in the body.

Hypothyroidism happens when thyroxine (T4) production slows down, and you don't produce enough hormones to support important functions.

If left undiagnosed, it can create a domino effect that will cause other issues over time.

If your thyroid isn't functioning at an optimal level, other systems have to pick up the slack, causing imbalances.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

• fatigue
• weight gain
• brain fog
• intolerance to cold
• dry skin
• constipation
• thinning hair
• weakness
• loss of libido
• menstrual changes
• puffiness or feeling of being "swollen", especially in the face
• depression

What about Hashimoto's?

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease that is often the root cause of hypothyroidism. It's a condition where the immune system attacks healthy thyroid tissue, causing inflammation.

This condition affects roughly 14 million people in the United States, making it one of the most common conditions.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms above or suspect you have a thyroid issue, check with your doctor or keep reading to find out why I recommend the Paloma Test!

Why the Paloma Thyroid Test?

I was sent a Paloma Thyroid Kit to try and review a couple months ago. I actually did a full video on the experience you can watch here!

Because I don't have health insurance, access to high quality lab testing that is also affordable, is a big deal for me.

I also have many clients who find it difficult to get a full thyroid panel due to insurance coverage, which is why I love this at-home kit.

Here are some of the pros and cons of this kit:

PROS:

• It's extremely cost effective at just $99
• It's easy to do: from the comfort of your own home, simple instructions and takes 5 minutes
• Fast results! I got my results back in less than a week and they were easy to understand
• Tests for majority of thyroid markers to give a full picture of what's going on
• Paloma is the first online medical practice focused solely on hypothyroidism
• Can take results to your doctor to evaluate if medication is needed

CONS:

• Currently not available in the states of NY, NJ, RI and MD
• Doesn't test for reverse T3 (although they are adding this soon!)

The pros outweigh the cons by a lot, and as a registered dietitian I highly recommend this test to anyone who is concerned about their thyroid function.

If your thyroid isn't working, neither are you...

The thyroid regulates so much of how the body functions that if it's not working properly, neither will you. I always say it's better to stop guessing and start assessing. If you can understand what's going on inside your body at a hormonal level, you can better understand how to optimize your lifestyle for overall health.

If you think your thyroid could be an issue, bring it up to your doctor and see what tests they will run. If you have trouble getting a full thyroid panel because of insurance, then I highly recommend the Paloma Thyroid Kit.

I filmed a video from start to finish taking my at-home test. Watch it below to see how easy it really is!

Watch my video of the experience here!