The Thyself Blog
Thyroid Health, Explained Clearly
Evidence-based articles for thyroid patients.
What Is a Normal TSH Level? A Guide for Thyroid Patients
The standard TSH range is 0.4–4.0 mIU/L, but many patients feel best at the lower end — and TSH alone rarely tells the whole story.
TPO Antibodies: What High Levels Mean for Hashimoto's
High TPO antibodies are the hallmark of Hashimoto's thyroiditis — but what the number means, and whether it can come down, is nuanced.
How to Prepare for a Thyroid Appointment: A Checklist
Most thyroid patients leave appointments with more confusion than answers. A structured brief changes that — here's how to build one.
Free T3 vs Free T4: The Difference and Why Both Matter
Your thyroid mostly makes T4, but your cells run on T3. Understanding the conversion explains why many patients feel hypothyroid despite normal labs.
Ferritin and Thyroid Health: Why Low Iron Worsens Symptoms
Ferritin is rarely tested alongside thyroid panels, but iron deficiency impairs thyroid hormone production and T4-to-T3 conversion.
Hashimoto's Flares: What Triggers Them and How to Track
Hashimoto's flares aren't random — they're responsive to specific triggers. Understanding the mechanisms is the first step to tracking your patterns.
Vitamin D and Hashimoto's: What the Research Says
Vitamin D deficiency affects 50–90% of Hashimoto's patients. The research on whether supplementing helps is more nuanced than yes or no.
Should You Fast for Thyroid Labs? Prep Guide
Fasting isn't always required for thyroid labs, but biotin can skew results. Here's how to prepare so your numbers are accurate and comparable.
Levothyroxine and Coffee: How Long to Wait Before Drinking
Coffee can measurably reduce levothyroxine absorption. Here's how long to wait, what the studies show, and how to test your own timing.
What Blocks Thyroid Medication Absorption? Timing Guide
Calcium, iron, and antacids can quietly block levothyroxine. A timing chart for supplements, food, and medications that interfere.
Hashimoto's Diet: What the Evidence Actually Supports
Gluten, soy, iodine, cruciferous vegetables, selenium: what published research supports for Hashimoto's, and what it doesn't.