What is the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid gland (“thyroid”) is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck just below the Adam's apple.
The thyroid makes and releases the two primary thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The production of T4 and T3 requires three important nutrients: tyrosine, selenium, and iodine.
Calcitonin is another hormone made and release by the thyroid gland. It plays a role in regulating the level of calcium in your blood by decreasing it.
What does the Thyroid Do?
Makes and releases T4 and T3, often collectively referred to as “thyroid hormone” because T4 is largely inactive, meaning it does not affect your cells to a great extent, whereas T3 is active. Once your thyroid releases T4, certain cells in your body convert T4 (“inactive”) to T3 (“active”).
T4 being inactive does not mean T4 is not important. T4 plays a crucial role, functioning as a reservoir for T3 conversion, when needed by your body.
Thyroid hormones impact almost every cell in your body and help regulate many important functions throughout your body, including:
- Rate of metabolism (energy)
- Body temperature
- Growth & development, body and brain
- Heart Rate
- Liver metabolism of excess cholesterol
- Mental well-being and cognitive functions
- Mood and emotions
- Gastrointestinal Motility
- Skin health and maintenance
- Bone health and maintenance
- Quality and texture of hair
- Fertility
- And more…
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), the most common thyroid disorder, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones that your body needs to function properly. The most common form of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis, commonly known as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
Causes of Hypothyroid
- Autoimmune Disease – The most common cause of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s own immune system attacks healthy thyroid tissue.
- Medications – A number of medications can contribute to hypothyroidism, including anti-psychotic drugs, birth-control pills, acid blockers (effect absorption of thyroid medication), and others.
- Iodine Deficiency – Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormone. Less common in the U.S. with the advent of iodized salt.
- Thyroid Surgery – Removing all or a large portion of the thyroid gland can reduce or stop thyroid hormone production.
- Radiation of the Thyroid – The thyroid gland is very sensitive to radiation. Exposure to radiation or radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can effect your thyroid gland, which may lead to hypothyroidism.
- Hyperthyroid Treatment – Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) is often treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications (propylthiouracil, methimazole) that stop the thyroid from producing T4 and T3.
- Pituitary Gland Disorder – Also referred to as secondary hypothyroidism, a relatively rare cause where the pituitary gland fails to produce a sufficient amount TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). This is usually due to a benign tumor of the pituitary gland.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid causes the processes throughout your body to slow down, resulting in the various symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails or hair
- Thinning eyebrows
- Puffy face
- Constipation
- Elevated blood cholesterol
- Slowed heart rate
- Stiffness or pain in joints
- Muscle aches, tenderness, weakness
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Brain fog
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
- Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid)
HYPOTHYROID TREATMENT OPTIONS
Our Physician, Dr. Smith, a Board-Certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist, has a special clinical interest in treating and managing male hormone imbalances, including thyroid hormone imbalance, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
At T2 Health, we take a completely different approach to helping our patients suffering with hypothyroidism. We will help you uncover the underlying causes of your hypothyroid and provide a wide range of integrative treatments tailored to your specific needs and goals to help you truly heal.
Medications
- Pharmaceutical Medications (i.e. Levothyroxine, Liothyronine)
- Compound Medications (Custom preparations)
- NDT’s - Natural Desiccated Thyroid – (i.e. Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid)
Supplemental Medications
Depending on your specific needs and goals, we may also use supplemental medications to support your thyroid optimization protocol, which can help with eliminating or reducing the various related symptoms while addressing the underlying cause of your thyroid condition.
Natural Medicines
At T2 Health, we consider Natural Medicines to be evidence informed natural substances, which may include vitamins, minerals, fish oils, botanical medicines, animal tissue (e.g. glandulars), and other therapeutic natural substances. Depending on your specific needs and goals, we may use natural medicines to support optimal thyroid levels and other bodily functions for increasing hormone health and overall health and well-being.
- Botanical Medicine
- Professional-Grade Supplements
FDA DISCLAIMER
The FDA requires that we include this disclaimer letting the reader know that FDA has not evaluated the above information and also it is not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent any disease. According to the FDA, only drugs, not dietary supplements, can legally make those kinds of claims.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine
At T2 Health, we believe that lifestyle (healthy nutrition, physical active, quality and restful sleep, effective stress management, excessive alcohol, smoking, and healthy and loving relationships) is the foundation of health and well-being. Many of our lifestyle choices can influence our ability to make and release the correct amount of thyroid hormones and overall hormone health. Depending on your specific needs and goals, we may also use the following to establish the foundation of your thyroid optimization protocol, hormone health, and overall health and well-being:
- Lifestyle Medicine & Counseling
- Nutritional Medicine & Counseling
- IV Nutrient Therapy
- Nutrient Booster Injections
Call To Action
Take the First Step to a Whole New You!
Schedule a Free “Discovery” Meeting Today
If you have been suffering from the symptoms of hypothyroid or other hormone imbalances and are looking for a different approach and results, schedule a free, no obligation Discovery Meeting TODAY!
Basically, the purpose of this meeting is to see if we are a good fit for each other, and if it would be beneficial to continue working together. The Discovery Meeting allows you to:
- Tour our office and meet our doctors.
- Discuss your specific needs and health goals.
- Discuss and review different treatment options we offer.
- Discuss and review our Vitality Direct Care.
- Determine if we are a “good fit” for you.
- And have all your questions answered.
It takes less than a minute