It is estimated that approximately 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease. Although people of all ages and ethnicities are susceptible, women are up to eight times more likely to have thyroid problems than men. If you suspect you have thyroid disease but your thyroid test came back negative, you're not alone.

This happens more often than you might think.

Three Reasons Your Thyroid Test Came Back Negative

1. Normal is a Relative Term

Many screening thyroid tests will come back negative for thyroid disease if the patient falls in the "normal" TSH range, between 0.5 to 4.5. You will also need a Free T4, Free T3 and Reverse T3 to make an accurate diagnosis. Do not rely on TSH alone! Be sure to also rule out any auto-immune component by checking for thyroid antibodies. About 50% of patients who have thyroid problems have an auto-immune component.

2. Thyroid Levels Fluctuate Daily

Inaccurate thyroid testing is also caused by the fact that your thyroid hormones fluctuate on a daily basis. What you eat and what you're exposed to has an immediate impact on how much of the hormone your thyroid releases.

3. Conventional Tests Don't Measure Hormone Absorption

Your thyroid test may also have come back negative because although your hormone levels fall within the "normal" range, conventional thyroid tests do not measure how much of the hormone you're actually absorbing. If you have become resistant to the hormone due to an autoimmune reaction, you may not be able to utilize it no matter how much your thyroid gland is producing.

Tell-Tale Symptoms of Hidden Thyroid Disease

If your thyroid tests came back normal, but you're still suffering, hidden thyroid disease could be to blame.

Do these symptoms sound familiar?

Hyperthyroidism (Over-Active Thyroid)

• Anxiety

• Shaking Hands

• Hyperactivity

• Irritability

• Excessive Sweating

• Depression

• Heart Palpitations

• Gastrointestinal Discomfort

• Loss of Libido

• Muscle Aches

Hypothyroidism (Under-Active Thyroid)

• Fatigue

• Sensitivity to Cold

• Pale, Dry Skin

• Facial Puffiness

• Unexplained Weight Gain

• Constipation

• Muscle Pain and Stiffness

• Brittle Hair and Nails

• Decreased Concentration

• Leg Swelling

Get Accurate Testing for Thyroid Disease

• Reverse T3 Test

Talk with your doctor about performing a Reverse T3 Test as the rT3 hormone is the opposite of the thyroid hormone T3. It is one of the most accurate tests to diagnose hypothyroidism. Most doctors will not offer this test outright so you will have to ask for it.

• Complete Thyroid Panel + Thyroid Antibodies

The standard thyroid stimulating test (TSH) will often miss hypothyroidism, as it does not directly measure the output of free T3 and free T4 from your thyroid gland. In order to receive a complete and accurate thyroid function diagnosis, I recommend the Complete Thyroid Panel + Thyroid Antibodies from Direct Labs.

This panel of tests will not only tell you whether you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, but Hashimoto's thyroiditis as well. Just take the test order slip to any LabCorp Location to get your blood drawn and LabCorp will send it away for you. You'll get your results in as little as 5 business days!

If you're still struggling with the symptoms of thyroid disease despite normal blood test results, something is amiss. You're not crazy. If your doctor continues to dismiss your understandable concerns, it might be time to get a second opinion.

I've treated patients with thyroid disease and chronic illness for over 30 years and understand how frustrating living with a mystery illness can be.

If you're interested, get in touch with me for a personalized telephone consultation. I can help you get to the source of your symptoms and offer you a personalized dietary, supplement, and lifestyle regimen to help you treat your condition naturally.