Thyroid pooling is an issue that should not be taken lightly. It can be detrimental to hypothyroid patients if left unaccounted for.
In this article, we will be discussing this unusual activity, so read on to find out more.
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In this article:
- What Is Thyroid Problem?
- What Is Thyroid Pooling?
- What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Pooling?
- What Are the Causes of Thyroid Pooling?
- How Do I Know If I’m Suffering from Thyroid Pooling?
- Why Do You Need T3 Tests?
- What Are the Things to Know Before Taking a T3 Test?
- What Is the Procedure for a T3 Test?
- What Does It Mean to Have High T3 Test Results?
- What Does It Mean to Have Low T3 Test Results?
- Is There Any Risk for a T3 Test?
- How Do You Increase Iron Levels in Your Body?
- How Do You Balance Cortisol Levels in Your Body Naturally?
- How Do You Keep a Healthier Thyroid?
Thyroid Pooling Facts You Need to Know
What Is Thyroid Problem?
A thyroid problem is a medical ailment wherein the thyroid gland is malfunctioning. There are two major types of thyroid problems: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. People with this problem often experience abrupt weight loss, hair loss, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, and tremors.
On the contrary, hypothyroidism is due to an underactive thyroid gland. Its symptoms include difficulty in losing weight, irregular menstrual cycles, cold sensitivity, constipation, and fatigue.
Hypothyroid patients may opt for different types of medication that include natural desiccated medicines and hormone-boosting prescriptions. But, if the patient is distressed with thyroid pooling, the recommended dosage and intake may be compromised.
What Is Thyroid Pooling?
By definition, pooling can mean accumulated entities found in a certain body part or organ. Thyroid pooling is when the free triiodothyronine (free T3) lingers in the bloodstream and does not reach their designated cells.
As a result of this build-up, patients taking in medications such as liothyronine sodium and other types of synthetic thyroid hormones can go into an overdose.
Liothyronine sodium is an oral medicine usually recommended for hypothyroid patients. It helps boost metabolism; hence, it is also used by bodybuilders.
When an individual experiences thyroid pooling while taking this stimulant, they become way too hyper due to excess adrenaline.
What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Pooling?
Indications and symptoms of thyroid pooling may or may not be obvious. There are cases wherein the patients notice nothing unusual.
But for some, they exhibit frantic reactions such as higher blood pressure, high hypothyroid heart rate, anxiety, and other distraught symptoms.
What Are the Causes of Thyroid Pooling?
Thyroid pooling happens when the patient experiences an insufficient amount of iron or imbalanced levels of hydrocortisone.
Hydrocortisone or cortisol is a steroid type of hormone emitted by the adrenal cortex that nurses inflammation such as eczema and rheumatism. It can be detected by saliva testing.
How Do I Know If I’m Suffering from Thyroid Pooling?
The only way to be sure is to get a lab test. As mentioned earlier, thyroid pooling can be a tricky and deceiving situation.
Start by getting thyroid function tests such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine 4 (FT4). TSH tests determine the amount of TSH levels within the bloodstream, including the free T3.
FT4 tests surveil the performance of thyroid medications. Upon getting your test results, if the free T3 levels seem normal and yet you display signs of hyperactivity or hypothyroidism, it is best to consult your doctor for thyroid pooling tests.
Additionally, most doctors would just recommend sticking to T4-only medications to balance the T3 levels within the system and stop the thyroid madness symptoms.
Why Do You Need T3 Tests?
Performing T3 tests can help your doctor determine if you have a thyroid problem that causes a wide range of symptoms. Once your doctor confirms you have thyroid disease, they might use a T3 test to check if there were changes in your condition.
A T4 or TSH test also helps your doctor determine the complete picture of what’s going on in your thyroid.
What Are the Things to Know Before Taking a T3 Test?
Before taking a T3 test, it’s crucial to tell your doctor about the medications you’re taking, as they may affect your test results. Letting them know about these medications can help them tell if you need to temporarily stop taking those.
Medications that can influence your T3 levels include:
- Birth control pills
- Medications with hormones like estrogen and androgen
- Steroids
- Thyroid-related drugs
What Is the Procedure for a T3 Test?
A T3 test involves drawing a blood sample from you to be examined in a lab. Normal blood results range from 75-195 ng/dL.
It is important to take note though that a normal T3 test result does not entirely mean you have a healthy thyroid. T4 and TSH tests are still necessary to help your doctor determine if you have thyroid problems despite the normal T3 test result.
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What Does It Mean to Have High T3 Test Results?
Excessive high T3 levels are common in pregnant women and people with liver disease. If you’re not pregnant or you don’t have liver disease, high T3 levels may indicate issues with your thyroid like:
- Toxic nodular goiter
- Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis
- Painless thyroiditis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Grave’s disease
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis Definition: A condition involving attacks of muscle weakness when a person has an overactive thyroid
Aside from that, the elevated levels may also show you have high protein levels in your blood. In rare cases, these may show you have thyrotoxicosis or thyroid cancer.
What Does It Mean to Have Low T3 Test Results?
Low T3 levels may indicate hypothyroidism or a long-term disease. If you were sick enough to be admitted to a hospital, your T3 most likely becomes low.
These are the reasons why doctors don’t rely entirely on the T3 test to check the condition of the thyroid.
Is There Any Risk for a T3 Test?
Yes, there are minor and major risks in taking the test. When a medical professional takes a blood sample from you, you might experience a bit of discomfort and bruising or minor bleeding after the activity.
You may also feel light-headedness. Serious symptoms like inflammation of the vein, excessive bleeding, infection, and fainting are rare.
How Do You Increase Iron Levels in Your Body?
Thyroid pooling may cause your iron levels to deplete so it’s a must that you watch your diet as it plays an important role in increasing the levels of iron in your body. You can eat foods rich in the nutrient such as:
- Dark chocolate
- Tofu
- Broccoli
- Turkey
- Quinoa
- Pumpkin seeds
- Red meat
- Legumes
- Liver and other organ meats
- Spinach
- Shellfish
How Do You Balance Cortisol Levels in Your Body Naturally?
Try these natural ways to balance cortisol in your body:
- Performing meditation – It lowers cortisol, reduces anxiety, and slows your mind down.
- Trying supplements – Taking fish oil, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex can supply your body with the nutrients it needs to strengthen the immune system.
- Having a massage – A massage can also help you relax and stay calm to lower stress levels.
- Exercising – This means doing light exercises to help your muscles relax.
- Avoiding processed foods – A study revealed that people who suffer from chronic stress had a high food intake for snack-type foods.
- Minimizing alcohol – Long-term and heavy alcohol consumption can trigger an increase in cortisol levels.
- Following a sleeping schedule – Getting to bed the same time and waking up the same time create an ideal circadian rhythm that helps balance hormone levels naturally.
How Do You Keep a Healthier Thyroid?
To avoid thyroid dysfunction and keep the organ healthy, it’s best to follow best practices that you can make a habit.
1. Keep Your Adrenal Glands Healthy
The adrenal and thyroid glands work closely together, so adrenal dysfunction can influence your thyroid, affecting major metabolic processes. The best way to keep your adrenals healthy is to get a good night’s sleep regularly.
You can read novels, listen to your favorite playlist, meditate, or take an aromatic bath before bedtime to promote faster and restful sleep.
2. Get Regular Thyroid Tests
If you think you’re seeing signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or other thyroid issues, visit your doctor for consultation. The symptoms of these diseases are common to other illnesses not related to the thyroid as well, so your doctor should conduct further tests to get a better picture of your condition.
It’s also important to strictly follow your doctor’s advice and prescription, so test results are accurate and clear.
3. Avoid Gluten in Your Diet
Gluten is a type of protein that can trigger the immune system to attack the thyroid. This can result in a wide range of other symptoms.
Make sure to check the label on your purchases.
4. Eat Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances in the body that fight against free radicals causing damage to the thyroid cells. A lack of these substances can damage the thyroid.
Add these fruits and vegetables to your diet:
- Spinach
- Beets
- Beans
- Red cabbage
- Kale
- Raspberries
- Goji berries
- Artichokes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pecans
- Dark chocolate
5. Manage Stress Levels
Stress itself can slow down your thyroid function making you gain unwanted weight. It can also be an environmental factor for an overactive thyroid.
Try to make time to relax every day to lower daily stress levels. If it’s difficult for you to do it every day, start with relaxation activities like meditation at least twice a week and work your way up.
If you are suspecting you may be experiencing thyroid pooling, you should schedule an appointment with your endocrinologist. Lab tests are necessary to ensure your body’s status and health condition and stop the thyroid madness.
This should not be taken lightly, especially if you are already a hypothyroid patient, to avoid an overdose on the medications.
What are other thyroid complications you want to know about? Share your questions in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on March 7, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
