COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 172
● Free T3: 1.8 pg/mL (ref range 2.3-4.2)
This pattern could represent either central hypothyroidism or
non-thyroidal illness syndrome. The Rockwell approach would:
● Consider the clinical context (recent severe illness)
● Evaluate other pituitary hormones if central hypothyroidism is
suspected
● Measure reverse T3 (elevated in NTIS)
● Repeat testing after recovery from acute illness
In most cases, values normalize as the patient recovers, confirming
NTIS rather than true thyroid pathology.
Integrating Thyroid Assessment with Systems Biology
The Rockwell approach recognizes that thyroid function does not
exist in isolation but interacts with multiple physiological systems.
Comprehensive assessment should consider:
Adrenal-Thyroid Axis
Cortisol and thyroid hormones have reciprocal relationships, with
each affecting the production, metabolism, and cellular actions
of the other. Chronic stress and HPA axis dysfunction can
significantly impact thyroid function and should be assessed
concurrently [17].
Thyroid-Gut Connection
Intestinal health influences thyroid function through multiple
mechanisms:
● Conversion of T4 to T3 in gut tissues
● Absorption of critical nutrients (iodine, selenium, zinc)
● Bacterial conversion of inactive to active iodine
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