Thyroid symptoms and disease have become more and more common in the modern age. Thyroid dysfunction can exist for years without symptoms and can be contributing to other hormone imbalance.

The thyroid gland is in the neck but is controlled by pituitary gland in the brain. They communicate by thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH.

Thyroid gland produces T4 and T4 is then converted to T3, active hormone, when it’s needed.The brain registers levels of T3 and then puts out more or less TSH in response.

When the body needs more thyroid hormone, TSH goes up, when it has enough or too much TSH, goes down.

Hypothyroidism is when TSH is elevated and the thyroid is not putting enough thyroid hormone out. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Brain fog
• Dry skin and hair
• Low sex drive
• Hair loss

Hyperthyroidism is when TSH is low and the thyroid is putting out too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism OR overmedication include:

• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations
• Rapid weight loss
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
  
  

Causes of thyroid imbalance can be from stress and therefore the adrenal glands should also be considered when thyroid labs or symptoms come up. Nutritional deficiencies can also cause thyroid dysfunction.

The good news is everything we have done so far is working towards optimizing your thyroid health. Dietary changes and stress management are a couple that make a big difference. Our team is always considering your thyroid as a part of your greater plan and long term lifestyle practices!