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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.
Thyroid problems are also known to affect the metabolism. Hypothyroidism results in a slow metabolism and hyperthyroidism a fast metabolism. Many people try to use the excuse of a thyroid problem when it comes to weight loss, but the truth is, such conditions are less common than people think. If you have these symptoms, have your doctor do some blood tests to see if there is an underlying condition contributing to your slow metabolism.