Labwork is very important when trying to find things like our optimal dosing for thyroid meds, if and why we have high Reverse T3 and if we need to increase/decrease any supplements we take.
Below is a list of labs with optimal ranges that are important to thyroid patients. They are grouped by panels. Keep in mind, that if you take T3 medication only or along with NDT, optimal FT4 will be suppressed and optimal FT3 will be at the top of the range and sometimes a bit over, based on patient experience.
Here is wisdom on the correct timing of labwork
WOMEN: Please note, we have found that iron testing is not as accurate during menstruation due to loss of iron in blood, so we have found it best to wait to test at least a week past your cycle.
We also have found that copper naturally goes up during menstruation due to loss of zinc in blood, so we have found it best to wait to test at least a week past your cycle.
**VERY IMPORTANT REGARDING POTASSIUM TESTING
Make sure to remove the tourniquet at least 2 minutes prior to the draw and no fist clenching, otherwise you will get a falsely high reading.
Adrenals
*A four-point 24-hour saliva test for adrenals measures what is unbound and available to use at 4 different times throughout the day. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND BLOOD CORTISOL testing for an HPA Axis Dysregulation as it measures both bound and unbound and is usually only done at one time during the day.
IMPORTANT: Click here for more information regarding proper testing of adrenals
*ALDOSTERONE TESTING
For information regarding testing Female Sex Hormones click here
IMPORTANT: It is always recommended by TAWKI that you look for a doctor who will work with you on your journey and treat you with TAWKI guidelines. Below is a list by country as to where you can order your own lab work. To order, follow the link and set up an account including the lab location where you will need to go to have the blood drawn. Then order the labs you want online and pay by credit card.
The following USA states do NOT allow you to order your own labs: New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Also, Canada does not offer any self-testing.
(That being said, you can always get the labs done out of state/country if you’re able to, say while visiting family or friends).
UNITED STATES:
https://www.ultalabtests.com/tawki
UK/EU:
https://www.medichecks.com/
https://bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk
https://www.bloodtestsdirect.co.uk
AUSTRALIA:
https://imedical.com.au/order/blood-tests
Some Additional Pages that support what we have learned regarding testing.
https://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2017/05/diy-thyroid-2/
Elaine Damerau Swanson is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), HTMA Practitioner, Certified AIP Coach and Functional Blood Chemistry Specialist who offers packages to only see her and also packages to see Elaine and a prescribing Dr via video conference calling. For more information, please see Elaine’s website “Farm or Pharma” page here: https://farmorpharma.com/
Blog on Nutrients for Thyroid health: https://farmorpharma.com/your-thyroid-hormones-need-specific-nutrients-to-function-at-their-best/