Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is an agent of inflammatory processes, directly activating and causing tissue to release inflammatory cytokines and interleukins 2. This hormone is often used as a diagnostic tool for thyroid function, but its measurement can be misleading due to the stress caused by hypothyroidism and bad diet, which produces stress hormones that lower TSH production 4. In fact, a stressed, tired, low-energy person will have very low TSH production because of the stress hormones, even if they are hypothyroid 4. Furthermore, TSH itself can produce lipolysis, raising the level of circulating free fatty acids, which can contribute to functional hypothyroidism 1.

The medical profession estimates thyroid function based on TSH, but this can be problematic, as TSH rises when we are deficient in actual thyroid function 6. Additionally, TSH excess can be produced by a deficiency of iodine, as well as by a blockage of the gland's functions, such as from excess iodine 7. This highlights the limitations of relying solely on TSH measurements for diagnosing thyroid function.

In contrast, actual thyroid hormone can shut down toxic inflammatory processes, and a sufficient level of thyroid hormone can completely turn off the pituitary's production of TSH 8. This suggests that TSH is not a reliable indicator of thyroid function, and that a more comprehensive approach is needed to diagnose and treat thyroid-related issues.