In this episode, Dr. Abby breaks down the gap between traditional thyroid screening and functional thyroid screening. Learn why checking just TSH if not the best approach, the reality behind common thyroid conditions, and the exact nutrients your body needs to thrive.

Key Takeaways & Clinical Pearls

1. The Essential 5-Part Thyroid Lab Panel

Checking only TSH doesn't show the full picture. Dr. Abby recommends requesting these five:

• TSH: The brain's signal to the thyroid.
• Free T4: Your inactive storage hormone (cash in the bank).
• Free T3: Your active metabolic hormone (cash in your pocket).
• Reverse T3: The body's emergency brake, triggered by high stress or gut issues.
• Thyroid Antibodies (TPO & TgAb): Markers showing if the immune system is attacking your thyroid.

2. Thyroid Conditions Explained

• Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid function causing low energy, constipation, and a sluggish metabolism.
• Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid function causing anxiety, a racing heart, and heat intolerance.
• Hashimoto’s: An autoimmune condition that targets the thyroid. Because it is heavily tied to gut health and systemic inflammation, you cannot fully heal it without addressing the gut-immune connection.

3. Nutrients to Build & Convert Hormones

• Selenium: The ultimate converter. Eating 2 Brazil nuts a day provides a clinical dose to help convert T4 into active T3 and calm antibody flares.
• Zinc: Crucial for TSH production and tissue absorption (always balance with copper).
• Tyrosine & Iodine: The physical building blocks of thyroid hormone, best sourced from clean fish and sea vegetables.
• Adrenals / Nervous System: Chronic stress stops active T3 conversion, making stress management foundational for thyroid healing.

Connect with Dr. Abby

Dr. Abby is accepting new functional health patients for extensive lab reviews, hormone mapping, and lifestyle consulting at Thrive Medical WNY (available in-person and virtually).

• Practice: Thrive Medical WNY
• Booking Link: Booking Link Here]
• Instagram: @dr.abbyborkowski