top of page
Search

Why a “Normal” TSH Isn’t the Whole Story: A Functional Medicine Guide to Thyroid Testing

  • Catherine Brigger
  • Dec 5
  • 3 min read


ree

If You’ve Been Told “Your Thyroid Is Normal”—But You Still Feel Off…

Let’s talk about one of the most common (and frustrating) stories we hear at True Rejuvenation: You’re tired, gaining weight, can’t think straight, maybe your hair is thinning or your periods are a mess. You finally get your doctor to order a thyroid test. The result? “Your TSH is normal!”

But you still feel terrible.

You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. Here’s why a “normal” TSH is just the tip of the thyroid iceberg.

Thyroid tests and when they became available:

📅 Condensed Timeline Overview

Year

Test Introduced

1956

TPO Antibodies

1961

TSH (first immunoassay)

1964

TgAb / TGA Antibodies

1973

Free T4

1975

Free T3

1976

Selenium blood testing

1980

Reverse T3

1980s

Zinc testing becomes standardized

1990

Iodine (urinary iodine standardized testing)

Why Medical Schools Still Teach Outdated Thyroid Testing

It’s wild, but true: Many medical schools are still teaching the same thyroid basics they taught decades ago. The focus is almost entirely on TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)—a single number, measured in your blood, that’s supposed to tell the whole thyroid story.

But research has shown for years that TSH alone misses the mark for many people—especially women, those with autoimmune issues, and anyone with subtle or early thyroid dysfunction. Yet, most doctors are taught to trust TSH and move on.

When Physician Egos Get in the Way

Here’s the tough truth: Sometimes, the biggest barrier to better thyroid care isn’t a lack of science—it’s ego. Many doctors are uncomfortable admitting that what they learned in school might be outdated. If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook, or if your labs don’t match what they expect, it can be easier for them to say “it’s all in your head” than to dig deeper.

We see this all the time: Patients are told they’re anxious, depressed, or just need to lose weight. Instead of more testing, they’re handed birth control, antidepressants, or told to “just relax.”

The Real Numbers: Thyroid Disease in America

  • Estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.

  • Up to 60% of those are undiagnosed.

  • Women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.

  • Many are misdiagnosed and prescribed birth control or antidepressants instead of getting to the root cause.

(Sources: American Thyroid Association, Hollowell et al., 2002; Vanderpump, 2011)

Why "Normal" TSH Isn’t Enough

TSH is just one marker. It tells you how loudly your brain is “yelling” at your thyroid, but it doesn’t show what your thyroid is actually doing.

A full thyroid panel should include:

  • TSH

  • Free T4

  • Free T3

  • Reverse T3

  • Thyroid antibodies (TPO, TG)

  • Iodine

This full picture can reveal:

  • Early or subtle hypothyroidism

  • Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s, Graves’)

  • Conversion problems (your body can’t turn T4 into active T3)

  • High reverse T3 (stress, illness, or chronic dieting)

A Functional Medicine Approach: Listening, Testing, and Personalizing

At True Rejuvenation, we do things differently:

  • We listen first. Your symptoms matter as much as your labs.

  • We test thoroughly. Every new patient gets a full thyroid panel and related biomarkers—no shortcuts.

  • We personalize care. If your labs are “normal” but you feel terrible, we keep digging until we find answers.

What to Do If You’re Not Being Heard

If you’ve been dismissed, told you’re fine, or handed a prescription that doesn’t feel right, you have options:

  • Ask for a full thyroid panel (not just TSH!)

  • Track your symptoms and bring them to your appointment

  • Seek out a functional medicine provider who will listen and look deeper

You Deserve Better—And Real Answers

You know your body best. If you’re struggling with fatigue, weight changes, brain fog, or any of the classic thyroid symptoms, don’t settle for “your TSH is normal.”

Ready to get real answers and a plan that’s tailored to you? Schedule your comprehensive hormone evaluation at True Rejuvenation in Erie or Ridgway, or book a telemedicine consult today.

References

  1. Hollowell JG, Staehling NW, Flanders WD, et al. Serum TSH, T(4), and thyroid antibodies in the United States population (1988 to 1994): National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002;87(2):489-499.

  2. Vanderpump MPJ. The epidemiology of thyroid disease. Br Med Bull. 2011;99:39-51.

  3. American Thyroid Association. "Thyroid Disease Information." https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page