(Clickable table of contents forthcoming)
Thyroid issues
Medical tests
Further tests to consider
Cytochrome P450
Low thyroid function
Nutrient deficiencies
More possible tests
Many – perhaps most – of us may not want to go down the testing route. But if your doctor or insurance is willing to pay, if you are seriously struggling to make progress, then this is worth considering.
Do not forget that Cymbalta/duloxetine – whether we are on it or reducing – can lead to misdiagnosis in other areas. It has the scary ability to ‘mimic’ other health problems. Don’t let doctors remove your thyroid gland. You will be stuck on medication for life.
Did you know that Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms can mimic the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
How many of you have been treated by a well-meaning doctor or naturopath with thyroid medication that you felt you didn’t need?
If you think you may be one of these people, get your test results together for your TSH, T4 & T3 and look again.
If your tests reveal that you’re within the normal range for pre-thyroid medication, you might want to seek a 2nd opinion on your need to take these meds.
If you have not been diagnosed with Hashimotos, you may be taking thyroid medication that you don’t need at all!
Medical tests
Which medical tests can help pinpoint the root cause of what we commonly think of as mood disorders?
Initial tests
Thyroid function tests: TSH, free T3, free T4, thyroid autoantibodies, and reverse T3
Underlying genetic variant: the MTHFR gene test (the MTHFR gene produces the MTHFR enzyme, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which is essential for several bodily processes that directly tie into mental well-being)
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency: serum vitamin B12 levels and homocysteine levels, which can detect B12 deficiency as well
Levels of inflammation: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
Blood sugar balance: Hemoglobin A1C
Vitamin D deficiency: Levels of vitamin D in the blood
Further tests to consider
All pharmaceutical drugs affect all our organs and some can mask underlying health problems. This is difficult for lay people with no specialist knowledge but is offered here in good faith. Perhaps you will be able to make some sense of it.
Mental health, autoimmunity and chronic pain symptoms may be caused by toxicities, sensitivities, deficiencies, infections, imbalances (hormone, thyroid, pituitary, adrenal), physical or emotional trauma, genetic factors, system overloads (mycotoxins), poor coping skills or leaky gut/poor gut health.
If you have tapered off Cymbalta/duloxetine or any other pharma, and still feel out of sorts or sluggish, etc. consider these tests:
Hormone profile – https://www.zrtlab.com/Patients/Hormones-101
Thyroid – https://www.webmd.com/women/thyroid-hormone-tests
Vitamin D – https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/vitamin-d-test
Cortisol – https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cortisol-14668
Electrolyte panel https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/electrolyte-panel-topic-overview
Metabolic panel https://labtestsonline.org/tests/basic-metabolic-panel-bmp
Cytochrome P450 is an enzyme which helps with metabolizing chemicals in the body. It is thought that roughly 10% of the population is missing this enzyme and that is a big problem when taking multiple meds. For more information, see The Effect of Cytochrome P450 Metabolism on Drug Response, Interactions, and Adverse Effects
Low thyroid function is linked to depression and anxiety.
If you have not had your thyroid checked have the following tests done: free T4 and free T3, reverse T3 (very important though most doctors don’t do this test), TSH, TPOAB, and TGAB to check if you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Do not trust your doctor if s/he says your results are fine. Ask for a copy of your results and check in https://www.facebook.com/groups/FTPO60andover to see if your results are actually fine or not. Some have found they could have been treated with thyroid hormones replacement therapy instead of antidepressants.
Nutrient deficiencies: If you have had eating disorders you most likely have deficiencies. Have your B12 and vitamin D3, calcium, magnesium, RBC, iron panel (4 tests), potassium, zinc, selenium tested. Have a 4 point saliva test done: you most likely also have adrenal fatigue.
If you have all of these checked and dealt with, and clean your diet, it could solve some of your problems.
More possible tests
Amino acid analysis
Heavy metal analysis
Intestinal permeability
Vitamin/mineral tests
Comprehensive parasitology
IgG tests for food hypersensitivity
ELISA/ACT for delayed reaction to foods and chemicals
Hormone analysis
Thyroid analysis
Lyme test
MTHFR gene mutation test
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