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Understanding thyroid function, optimization strategies, and the role of peptides in thyroid health
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that acts as your body's thermostat and engine:
The Analogy: If your metabolism is a car engine, thyroid hormones are the accelerator pedal. Too little = sluggish, cold, tired. Too much = racing, anxious, overheated.
Releases TRH
Releases TSH
Produces T4 (inactive)
Convert T4 → T3 (active)
| Marker | Standard Range | Optimal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSH | 0.5-4.5 mIU/L | 1.0-2.0 mIU/L | Lower = more thyroid activity |
| Free T4 | 0.8-1.8 ng/dL | 1.2-1.5 ng/dL | Storage hormone; mid-upper range optimal |
| Free T3 | 2.3-4.2 pg/mL | 3.2-4.2 pg/mL | Active hormone; upper half optimal |
| Reverse T3 | 10-24 ng/dL | <15 ng/dL | High = stress/inflammation blocking T3 |
| TPO Antibodies | <35 IU/mL | Undetectable | Elevated = Hashimoto's autoimmunity |
| Thyroglobulin Ab | <20 IU/mL | Undetectable | Another autoimmune marker |
T4→T3 conversion happens primarily in the liver and gut. Optimize these factors:
Monitor TSH at baseline and periodically. Clinical thyroid cancer risk in humans appears low.
GH can affect thyroid hormone metabolism:
Thyreogen is a thyroid-specific bioregulator peptide (Russian origin):
Potential thyroid-related effects:
Definition: TSH 4.5-10 mIU/L with normal Free T4
Treatment considerations:
Optimization approach before medication:
"Normal" lab ranges are based on population averages, not optimal function. A TSH of 3.5 is "normal" but may cause symptoms in someone whose optimal is 1.5. Also check Free T3 and Reverse T3—you may have a conversion issue.
The risk in humans appears very low. Rodent thyroid tumors occurred at much higher exposures than human therapeutic doses. However, avoid if you have personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2 syndrome. Monitor TSH periodically.
Generally yes, but some considerations: GLP-1s may affect levothyroxine absorption (take separately). GH peptides may increase T4→T3 conversion, potentially requiring dose adjustment. Always inform your prescriber and monitor thyroid labs.
Potentially. BPC-157 has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit autoimmune conditions (theoretical). LDN (low-dose naltrexone) is more established for Hashimoto's. Focus first on gut health, gluten elimination, and reducing inflammation.