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Four tests â thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies â are required to accurately assess the function of the thyroid gland, our master gland of metabolism. An optimal TSH level should be less than 2.0, not the currently accepted 4.7 reported by most labs.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones. Thyroid hormones control the rate of many activities in your body. These include how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. All of these activities are your body's metabolism. If your thyroid gland is not active enough, it does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet your body's needs.