--- title: Why TSH Thyroid Test Can Be Misleading When You Are Told It's Normal description: Learn why you should not rely on TSH alone for evaluation of your thyroid symptoms. image: https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-15200427-jpg/images/hello_my_name_is_hypothyroidism-resized-600.jpg --- [![Dr Karl Johnson Logo Header](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-1517915219-png/images/logo.png "Dr Karl Johnson Logo Header")](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com) [![contact-img](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-1517915214-png/images/contact-img.png)](http://helpmychronicpain.com/) ## Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson's Chronic Condition Natural Treatment Blog *Intentional musings of a unique Shelby Township Michigan Chiropractic Physician dedicated to helping people find solutions to improving their health by rooting out causes to chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, stubborn thyroid disorder symptoms, balance disorders, chronic knee & shoulder pain, migraines, sciatica, ADD/ADHD/ASD, back pain, peripheral neuropathy, gluten sensitivity and autoimmune disorders so they can Reclaim Their Life!* # From the Desk of Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC..... ## [Why TSH Thyroid Test Can Be Misleading When You Are Told It's Normal](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/bid/105484/Why-TSH-Thyroid-Test-Can-Be-Misleading-When-You-Are-Told-It-s-Normal) Posted by [Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/author/dr-karl-ros-johnson-dc) on Thu, May 24, 2012 Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/ShelbyChronicConditionDoctor) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dr-karl-r-o-s-johnson-dc/26/676/422) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/WellnessChiroMI) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Hypothyroidsim](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-15200427-jpg/images/hello_my_name_is_hypothyroidism-resized-600.jpg?width=206&height=141&name=hello_my_name_is_hypothyroidism-resized-600.jpg)](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/free-thyroid-ebook/)For some time, I have presented my highly acclaimed [Natural Thyroid Solutions Workshop](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/thyroid-seminar-registration/). What do you think the most common reason prompting attendees to attend my workshop? **They are upset they have many, many thyroid symptoms and yet their thyroid tests are normal!** In this blog post, I will attempt explain why this common thread exists among workshop attendees. ## The symptoms and signs of low thyroid function most often cited are: - Fatigue - Weakness - Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight - Thinning hair on scalp/hair loss - Cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures like those around you) - Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches - High Cholesterol - Constipation - Depression - Irritability - Memory loss - Inability to concentrate - Abnormal menstrual cycles/Heavy period - Infertility - Decreased libido There are many other signs and symptoms of thyroid malfunction which you can read about on my [thyroid page](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/Shelby-Township-Thyroid-Answers/). For even more information, read my [thyroid eBook](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/free-thyroid-ebook/) which is still available  at no charge by clicking on the big orange button below. Having thyroid symptoms without having abnormal thyroid tests is more common than you might think. I know I was surprised when I started helping people with this conundrum.  [![Download Dr. Karl Johnson's FREE Thyroid eBook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/67234/88c05daf-ca90-4cb1-b857-6c72a3ef8304.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/67234/88c05daf-ca90-4cb1-b857-6c72a3ef8304) Most often the first thyroid marker tested is TSH, which stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. This hormone is made by your master gland, the pituitary gland, and essentially tells the thryoid gland to kick up its production of thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Often, TSH is normal and will fluctuate up and down, especially when you have the most common cause of low thyroid symptoms in North America. Reportedly 90% of thryoid symptom sufferers are due to an autoimmune process called Hashimoto's. Recently I was reviewing tests submitted from a gentelman who suffers with [vertigo and tinnitus](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/vertigo-dizziness-balance-problems/) as his main health complaint. The blood tests he brought in were sparce, but showed a normal TSH. This man's test results came with the following statment regarding thyroid testing: ![ThyroidTestProtocol resized 600](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-15209110-jpg/images/thyroidtestprotocol-resized-600.jpg)**I feel the described thyroid testing protocol is fundamentally flawed**. I have found that patients with thyroid symptoms often have normal blood TSH levels, even when compared to the tighter [optimal functional range](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/why-we-look-at-functional-lab-ranges-not-just-pathological-ranges/) as recommended by the Endocrine Society (which is 1.8-3.0 mIU/L). ### Strategically, like other health care practitioners who use the [functional medicine approach](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/what-makes-me-unique/), I always look at all 10 thyroid tests and often find several thyroid markers out of range. An example of such out of range testing is shown below: ![Normal Thyroid resized 600](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/hs-fs/file-15204001-jpg/images/normal_thyroid-resized-600.jpg) As you can see, the standard TSH and T4 markers are normal, however free T3 (fT3) and Thyroxine Binding Globulin (TBG) and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO - Ab) are all out of range. This particular patient actually has Hashimoto's (an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland) and a problem with low levels of the protein that carries thyroid hormones in the blood stream (TBG). ## If a doctor ONLY ordered TSH and T4 on this patient, they would have told the patient that their tests are normal. This is why only testing TSH can be misleading. I have written [other posts](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/?Tag=Hashimoto%26%2339%3bs) that explore the reasons Hashimoto's is triggered by various substances, and environmental factors, which I recommend you read and share. I also highly recommend that you attend my thyroid workshop, or order my [free thyroid eBook](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/free-thyroid-ebook/), my [insiders secrets to thyroid recovery report,](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/Download-Insiders-Secrets-Thyroid-Recovery-Report/) as well as watch my thyroid workshop DVD, if you cannot attend in person. I am also working on a webinar that you can sign up for to learn more about how to get your autoimmune thyroid condition tamed, so you can feel full of zest again. [![Click me](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/67234/bca5596b-4ff0-48bb-a930-d17c0f3743c5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/67234/bca5596b-4ff0-48bb-a930-d17c0f3743c5) If you would like to order the thyroid seminar DVD, call my office at 586-731-8840. Please share this post with others you feel would benefit. Just click on any of the social sharing options at the top of this post. Thank you! If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with low thyroid symptoms despite having medical managment. Thank you, help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! ## All the best – Dr. Johnson – Digging Deeper To Find Solutions Topics: [Hypothyroidism](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/hypothyroidism), [autoimmune](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/autoimmune), [Hashimoto's](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/hashimoto39s), [TSH](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/tsh), [Thyroid Tests](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/blog/topic/thyroid-tests) ### STAY INFORMED - Sign Up For Dr. Johnson's Blog Updates Search This Blog Search Google [![I Could Use Some Help With My Health](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/67234/18beb174-b53e-4a4d-8018-f3bb7049a9e7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/67234/18beb174-b53e-4a4d-8018-f3bb7049a9e7) ### Call Dr. Johnson #### 586-731-8840 ### Follow Me ### Latests Posts ### Most Popular Posts [![Reclaim Your Life Book 3D Reflect](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/67234/9f6ed339-86f2-4e81-afff-effda60643ed.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/67234/9f6ed339-86f2-4e81-afff-effda60643ed) [Powered by Eventbrite](http://www.eventbrite.com/) - [Home](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/) - [About Dr. Karl R.O.S. 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Johnson, DC, BCN **| 51735 Van Dyke Avenue Shelby Township, MI 48316 | For appointments call: 586-731-8840 Use of this site constitutes your agreement to our [Terms of Service](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/terms-of-service) and [Privacy Practices](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/privacy-policy) [© 2021 Johnson Chiropractic Neurology & Nutrition](https://www.helpmychronicpain.com/terms-of-service)   Notice: Dr. Karl R.O.S. Johnson, DC, BCN, DNMSc, FICPA, FIFHI is state licensed by the chiropractic board in Michigan to provide conventional chiropractic health care services and is also certified by the International Association of NeuroMetabolic Professionals to provide natural health services and therapies. The services provided to clients are intended to improve the adaptive physiology of the client through nutritional, exercise, lifestyle and physiological education, information, recommendations, and training. Conventional chiropractic and neurometabolic services are completely separate services and each is provided in strict compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by the separate agencies. If you wish to receive natural health services you must first sign a Client Services Agreement.