Treatment for Hypothyroidism
Some 20 million Americans are affected by thyroid disorders….that’s 1 in 13 people! And more than half of those people are unaware they have a thyroid problem because it frequently goes undiagnosed….until it gets severe.
According to the National Women’s Health Information Center, one in eight women will experience a thyroid disorder during their lifetime. This fact may surprise you because you’ve probably never heard it explained to you fully. This is because most doctors are only vaguely familiar with thyroid disorders.
Sharon’s Thyroid Story…
Four years ago Sharon was explaining to her husband that she was experiencing increasing fatigue and irritability. They were fighting over little things which previously were never an issue in 39 years of marriage.
She was gaining weight even though her diet and exercise regimen hadn’t changed, and she was starting to lose hair and from time to time experience heart palpitations.
Eventually, Sharon went to her family doctor for a routine physical and blood workup. Her MD suggested testing for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Sure enough, Sharon’s TSH was 27, more than 25 points above normal, and was diagnosed with low thyroid. Her doctor placed Sharon on synthetic thyroid medication for life. But Sharon Never Felt Better.
Sound Familiar?
That’s because Sharon’s story is identical to the millions of other hypothyroid patients that have been diagnosed. Unfortunately, there is much more to the treatment of thyroid disease than simply replacing low hormones.
For those who suffer from all the classic symptoms of thyroid disease, a visit to their family doctor also ends in disappointment. Many men and women have thyroid disease but because their doctor relies solely on a TSH marker. There are some major problems with relying on TSH alone when it comes to Thyroid disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Thyroid, Hypothyroid, Hashimoto’s Disease
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, affects millions of people worldwide. The thyroid “runs” your metabolism. It is the “gas pedal” of the body.
Thyroid hormones have a direct effect on most organs, including the heart, which beats faster and harder under the influence of increased thyroid hormones (this is why heart problems can often accompany chronic thyroid problems in women, and perhaps why heart problems are more common in women under the age of 50).
Despite its prevalence, it often goes undiagnosed due to the subtlety of its symptoms which can be mistaken for other health issues. This blog aims to shed light on hypothyroidism, discussing its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management strategies.
TSH and Thyroid Disease
TSH Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story When It Comes To Thyroid Disease. While Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a critical marker for thyroid function, it doesn’t provide a complete picture on its own. Here are some reasons why I don’t rely on TSH alone and why I run a Comprehensive Thyroid Panel.
1. Individual Variation: The “normal” range for TSH can vary widely between individuals. Some people may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism even when their TSH is within the expected range.
2. T3 and T4 Levels: The thyroid produces both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), and TSH primarily reflects how much T4 is being produced. However, a person’s symptoms and overall thyroid health can also depend on the levels and ratios of these hormones, particularly the active hormone T3.
3. Conversion Issues: T4 is converted into the more active T3 in the body. Some individuals may have issues with this T4-T3 conversion aka Low T3, which would not be reflected in TSH levels alone.
4. Thyroid Antibodies: Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis involve the production of thyroid antibodies that can affect thyroid function. These antibodies can cause symptoms even if TSH levels are “normal.”
5. Central Hypothyroidism: In central or secondary hypothyroidism, a problem with the pituitary gland (which produces TSH) or hypothalamus prevents proper signaling to the thyroid gland. TSH levels might be normal or low, misleadingly suggesting that thyroid function is adequate. This can be caused by chronic inflammation.
6. Symptoms and Quality of Life: Some patients continue to experience hypothyroid symptoms despite having normal TSH levels. For effective treatment, it’s important to consider the patient’s symptoms and overall well-being, not just their TSH levels.
Because of these factors, many experts recommend a comprehensive approach that includes measuring Total T3, free T3, free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies, along with evaluating clinical symptoms, to provide a thorough assessment of thyroid health.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue, tiredness, or sluggishness
- Cold feet and/or hands
- Require excessive amounts of sleep to function
- Gain weight easily
- Have difficult or infrequent bowel movements
- Depression
- Lack of motivation
- Morning headaches that wear off as the day progresses
- Thinning hair or excessive hair loss
- Dryness of the skin and/or scalp
- Mental sluggishness
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Heart Palpitations
- Inward Trembling
- Increased Pulse (even at rest)
- Weight loss without effort
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Anxiety, Depression, Restless
- Insomnia
- Night Sweats
Thyroid Disease and Functional Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Healing
As a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, I take a natural and holistic approach to treating hypothyroidism, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. Here’s how we typically assist patients with hypothyroidism:
1. Comprehensive Evaluation: Certified Functional Medicine Practitioners perform detailed evaluations, including in-depth discussions about symptoms, lifestyle, diet, and medical history. My goal is to get a complete picture of the patient’s health, often involving more comprehensive thyroid testing than conventional practices. This can include testing for free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies to gain insights beyond the typical TSH and T4 measurements.
2. Identifying Underlying Causes: To address the root cause of thyroid problems I will often want to understand things like chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or gut health issues and if my patient has an autoimmune thyroid disorder like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. By identifying these contributing factors, we can develop a more personalized and targeted approach.
3. Personalized Treatment Plans: Functional medicine doctors create personalized treatment plans based on their lab findings. These may include dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, stress management techniques, exercise recommendations, and supplementation to support thyroid function and overall health. They might suggest specific nutrients important for thyroid health, such as selenium, zinc, and iodine, while also addressing potential autoimmune triggers.
4. Diet and Nutrition Guidance: Many functional medicine practitioners emphasize the role of diet in managing hypothyroidism. They often advocate for a diet that supports thyroid function, potentially recommending an anti-inflammatory or autoimmune protocol diet to help reduce immune system activation and inflammation.
5. Addressing Gut Health: Since gut health can significantly impact thyroid function, addressing issues like leaky gut or dysbiosis can be part of the treatment plan. Probiotics, prebiotics, and specific dietary interventions may be suggested to improve gut microbiome balance.
6. Sex Hormonal Balance: In some cases, functional medicine doctors might explore ways to optimize Sex hormones including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Sex hormone imbalances can affect thyroid function.
7. Adrenal Gland Hormones- Cortisol and DHEA are often referred to as the “stress hormones,” These Hormones are produced by the adrenal glands. Both Cortisol and DHEA help the body respond to stress, regulate metabolism, and maintain homeostasis. Cortisol levels and DHEA both influence thyroid function.
7. Regular Monitoring and Adjustments: Treatment approaches are regularly monitored, evaluated, and adjusted, based on how the patient responds. Functional medicine is dynamic, meaning we change to adapt plans as needed for optimal outcomes.
8. Patient Education and Empowerment: Functional medicine doctors focus on educating patients about their condition and involving them actively in their treatment process. Empowering patients with knowledge about managing hypothyroidism can lead to better adherence and health outcomes.
By taking into account the complex interplay between diet, lifestyle, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions, functional medicine aims to optimize health by addressing the unique biochemistry of each patient. This patient-centric approach can be particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions like hypothyroidism.
Living Well with Hypothyroidism- It’s More Than Replacing Hormones!
Managing hypothyroidism involves more than simply replenishing low hormone levels because it addresses broader health aspects. Hypothyroidism can affect various bodily systems and lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Treating it comprehensively requires looking beyond just hormone replacement therapy to include lifestyle changes and nutritional support, and addressing potential underlying causes such as autoimmune conditions, stress, and gut health. A holistic approach can help improve overall well-being, prevent complications, and better manage symptoms.
Living with hypothyroidism requires ongoing management and a proactive approach to health. Regular check-ups and staying informed about your condition are essential. If hypothyroidism goes untreated, misdiagnosed, or mismanaged, it can have several consequences. You have to take responsibility for your health and seek out a doctor who will work with you until the answers and solutions are discovered.