According to a recent report on NBC’s TODAY Show, 1 in 8 women can expect to have issues with their thyroid within their lifetime, the majority of which are unaware that the thyroid is to blame.
What is the thyroid and what does it do?
The thyroid is among the largest endocrine glands in the human body. The thyroid gland is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones, which are play a large role in our metabolism. Thyroid hormones include thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and reverse triiodothyronine (Reverse T3). The thyroid gland is affected by a variety of factors including, nutritional deficiencies, elevated stress levels and of course hormonal imbalance.
What are the symptoms of a thyroid imbalance?
Typical symptoms of an underactive thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism) include:
- Fatigue
- Thyroid weight gain
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Cold intolerance
Typical symptoms of an overactive thyroid disorder (hyperthyroidism) include:
- Heart palpitations
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Osteoporosis (in severe cases)
- Heart intolerance
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Trembling of the hands
- Muscle weakness
- Increased bowel movements
- Hair loss
- Breathlessness
What you can do about it:
Although the TSH assay has been hailed as the “gold standard” in testing by leading endocrinologists, there are many factors that come into play, that often negate the efficacy of the test. This is why many people aren’t even aware that a thyroid imbalance is to blame. In addition to the TSH, BodyLogicMD’s hormone therapy doctors also test the levels of T3 and T4. The additional testing can identify underlying hormonal imbalances that the TSH often fails to detect, yielding a more accurate diagnosis. If testing indicates a thyroid imbalance, BodyLogicMD physicians use bioidentical hormones integrated with customized fitness and nutrition to restore optimal balance.
Here’s a clip from this morning’s segment of the TODAY Show, discussing how hormone therapy can help women and men afflicted by thyroid disease:
Menopausal Signs May Signal Thyroid Problem
I am going to a Body Logic clinic in Atlanta, GA. I took a blood and saliva test. I found out I have a thyroid condition called Hashimotos. I also found out that my hormones were way out of whack – almost nonexistent in some areas. Dr. Donohue said he couldn’t believe I was actually functioning with my hormones so out of balance. I’ve been on bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for about 10 months. Because of Hashimotos I have to take Synthroid vs a plant based product, but that’s okay. After 6 months I tried a compounded T3/T4, but it didn’t work for me due to the antibodies, so I went back to Synthroid. That’s okay with me. I am now using a Prog/Est/Test cream, take Adrenals and a good multi + a good oil. I also went gluten free. I still have a way to go, but compared to how I felt before I started….I feel GREAT! I am so thankful for Body Logic!