Thyroid Doctor in New York City

Why standard panels fall short

A TSH within the reference range is routinely read as proof of normal thyroid function. For many patients it is not — fatigue, weight change, cold intolerance, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, and cognitive fog persist while labs read as unremarkable.

This test is often unknown and underutilized by other physicians. Its absence is why so many patients cycle through years of appointments without an accurate answer.

The Kellman approach

Dr. Kellman is recognized for expertise in thyroid disease and for the depth of testing he brings to it, detecting low thyroid function more definitively than conventional screening allows.

Because thyroid function is regulated in concert with the gut and immune system, treatment addresses the microbiome and inflammation alongside hormone status rather than treating the gland in isolation.

What a thorough thyroid evaluation can include

• TSH and free T4, the core thyroid tests, read alongside your earlier results rather than against the reference range alone.
• Free T3 and thyroid antibodies (TPO and thyroglobulin) to look for Hashimoto's and other patterns.
• TRH stimulation testing, when it is appropriate for your situation (see below).
• A look beyond the thyroid. Iron or B12 deficiency, anemia, sleep apnea, medication effects and other conditions can cause similar symptoms, and they are checked when your history calls for it.
• Gut and microbiome factors. Digestive problems can affect how thyroid medication is absorbed, and a slow thyroid can slow digestion.

Treatment that fits the cause

Treatment is based on what your evaluation finds. When thyroid hormone is needed, options include T4, T3 or combination therapy, with doses and timing monitored over time. Because the gut and immune system affect thyroid function, care may also address digestion, the microbiome, inflammation and nutrient status.

Related: Hashimoto's · Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) · SIBO and the thyroid

My thyroid labs are normal but I have every symptom. Is that possible?

Yes, and it is one of the most common presentations at Dr. Kellman's practice. Standard screening can read as normal while thyroid function at the tissue level is impaired. More precise testing frequently identifies what the standard panel does not.

What does the microbiome have to do with the thyroid?

Thyroid hormone conversion and immune regulation both depend on gut function. Microbiome disruption can impair conversion and drive the autoimmune activity behind conditions like Hashimoto's, which is why Dr. Kellman assesses both together.

Is Dr. Kellman an endocrinologist?

No. Dr. Kellman is a medical doctor trained in internal medicine who practices functional and integrative medicine, and thyroid care has been a central focus of his practice for more than 25 years. He can work alongside your other doctors, including endocrinologists.

Should I stop my thyroid medication before testing?

No, not unless the clinician ordering the test gives you specific instructions. The time between your last dose and the blood draw can affect results, so make a note of when you took it.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Copies of past thyroid lab reports, ideally with dates, reference ranges and the medication doses you were on at the time, plus a list of your current medications and supplements.

Are thyroid blood tests covered by insurance?

Blood work is typically covered by insurance, but coverage varies by plan, laboratory and test. Dr. Kellman is out of network with all insurance carriers; the office can provide a claim for possible out-of-network reimbursement.