Thyroid hormone deficiency is often overlooked, even with traditional lab testing, and can go unnoticed for years. At Weston HCG Center, we use advanced thyroid testing to successfully diagnose both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. During our therapy, thyroid hormone levels are closely monitored to minimize symptoms and optimize treatment.
What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on either side of the neck. It has two side lobes that are connected by a bridge in the middle. The thyroid produces hormones that regulates the body’s metabolism and how it consumes energy, how it reacts to other hormones, and its production of proteins such as those found in hair and nails. The thyroid is very important because it impacts energy levels, skin, hair, body temperature, weight regulation, and many other factors that affect one’s quality of life.
There are two main thyroid hormones, T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These hormones together help the body to produce and regulate the hormones dopamine and adrenaline (also called epinephrine). T4 is inactive and is stored in the body until it needs T3, the active thyroid hormone. When needed, the proper amount of T3 and T4 will be converted for a healthy, functioning metabolism. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough T4, or when the body doesn’t properly convert T4 to T3, hypothyroidism symptoms will begin to present themselves.
The most common type of thyroid dysfunction is due to a condition called hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid gland either doesn’t produce enough T3, or the body isn’t properly converting the hormone to its beneficial form of T3.
There are many factors that can cause hypothyroidism, including nutrient deficiencies (particularly iodine, zinc, and selenium), high estrogen, low vitamin D, low progesterone, and adrenal imbalance, which can result in high cortisol caused by excessive stress, toxic exposures, and poor diet.
Women are more likely than men develop thyroid problems, probably because hormonal imbalance can work as a trigger. The amount of estrogen and progesterone in a women’s body is a delicate balance that can be disrupted during times of stress, or during pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause.
The majority of those with low thyroid issues suffer from:
People with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) tend to have a very low basal metabolic rate, which causes weight gain or makes it difficult to losing weight.
Those with hypothyroidism can see weight gain even when calories are severely restricted due to the “metabolic burn” falling as calories are reduced. In order to repair your metabolism, understanding your entire health picture is critical, not just your thyroid.
Typically, most thyroid problems occur within the gland itself and aren’t apparent until a broader pattern of hormonal imbalance presents itself. This is why menopause, weight gain, and thyroid issues often appear together.
Adrenal imbalance has many symptoms similar with thyroid disorders, which leads to confusion between diagnosing the two. There are theories suggesting that adrenal stress impairs thyroid function due to the overproduction of cortisol, blocking efficient conversion and outlying cellular use of the thyroid hormones on multiple levels. We’ve observed this in our clinical practice at Weston HGC Center, so therefore we evaluate and, if needed, test for adrenal function in conjunction with thyroid testing.
Likewise, insulin resistance also tends to present many of the same symptoms as hypothyroidism and is often found to coexist with it. Because insulin resistance is tied to poor nutrition, it can impair thyroid function. Women with symptoms of thyroid disorder should also be evaluated for insulin resistance.
Unfortunately, thyroid imbalance can be the result of many other imbalances, including low iodine, high estrogen, deficiencies in Vitamin D, high cortisol, and low progesterone.
At Weston HCG Center, we consider all factors and help you adjust them into proper balance. Without balance, it’s difficult to treat thyroid imbalance, even with medication.
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