Thyroid hormones are essential and primary regulators of the body's metabolism. The thyroid gland has a profound impact on overall health via its modulation of vitamin utilization, mitochondrial function, digestive process, muscle and nerve activity, oxygen utilization, hormone secretion, sexual and reproductive health, and many other key physiological parameters.

For this reason, thyroid imbalances can affect virtually every metabolic process in the body, exerting significant effects on mood and energy level. In fact, thyroid dysfunction has been called "the Great Imitator" for the wide range of conditions it can mimic.

Numerous studies have uncovered evidence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with fibromyalgia. Based on a study of patients seeking treatment at a university rheumatology clinic, German researchers recently reported that individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) had baseline imbalances of several hormones. This included significantly lower levels of triiodothyronine (T3), the body's most potent, bioactive thyroid hormone.1 After stimulation by thyroid-releasing hormone, both pituitary and thyroid gland response were more blunted in patients with fibromyalgia; as a result, their bodies produced significantly less thyroid-stimulating-hormone and thyroid hormones than did healthy controls.1,2

Indeed, some researchers have reported that as many as 80% of FMS patients who don't respond well to conventional therapy may suffer from a form of subclinical hypothyroidism that arises in response to chronic dysfunction of the central nervous system.3

The clinical significance of thyroid regulation in fibromyalgia may also extend beyond imbalances of thyroid hormones. Thyroid autoimmunity can also play an important role in mechanisms linked to chronic musculoskeletal pain. One cross-sectional study found that the prevalence of thyroid microsomal antibodies was significantly higher in people suffering from long-term musculoskeletal complaints throughout the body. Researchers suggested that for patients with chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain, thyroid autoimmunity, rather than thyroid hormone dysfunction, may be an important factor to address.4

The Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment provides a thorough analysis of thyroid secretion and metabolism, including peripheral thyroid conversion and thyroid autoimmunity. By measuring hypersensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free serum thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyroine (fT3), Reverse T3 (rT3), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG), and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), this test can provide important clinical clues for treating patients with treatment-resistant fibromyalgia which may be partly caused by thyroid dysfunction.

References:
1. Riedel W, Layka H, Neeck G. Secretory pattern of GH, TSH, thyroid hormones, ACTH, cortisol, FSH, and LH in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome following systemic injection of the relevant hypothalamic-releasing hormones. Rheumatol 1998;57 Suppl 2:81-7.

2. Neeck G, Riedel W. Thyroid function in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.J Rheumatol 1992 Jul;19(7):1120-2.

3. Abud-Mendoza C, Magana-Aquino M, Medina R, Grimaldo JI, Rodriguez-Rivera G, Gonsalez-Amaro R. Hypothalamus-hypophysis-thyroid axis dysfunction in patients with refractory fibromyalgia," Arthritis & Rheumatism, Abstract Supplement, Vol. 40, #9, September 1997.

4. Aarflot T, Bruusgaard D. Association between chronic widespread musculoskeletal complaints and thyroid autoimmunity. Results from a community survey. Scand J Prim Health Care 1996 Jun;14(2):111-5.


All lab tests can be done through the mail in the privacy of your own home, except blood tests, we send you to a lab to have your blood drawn for these. After you pay for the test we mail you the kit, the results take two weeks, the test results will be mailed to us and we will call you to go over the results, its that easy! All tests include the consultation for the report of findings.

Click on area of interest on the right for more information

Call our office for details. 800-956-7083 OR 818-707-3126