Showing posts with label thyroid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thyroid. Show all posts
The 2-Minute Thyroid: The Second Most Important Thing
Secrets Of A World Class Endocrinologist
Author and functional medicine doctor, Datis Kharrazian D.C., tells a story about taking a leading expert on endocrinology and thyroid function to lunch. The esteemed doctor is not only the head of the faculty at a prestigious medical school, but he writes endocrinology textbooks that are used nationwide. During the course of their lunch, the following conversation occurs:
M.D.: “What you say about the immune system and the thyroid is very interesting.”
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
M.D.: (slowly nodding) "Very interesting indeed."
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
Dr.K: "Do you know how understanding how the immune system causes thyroid problems will impact endocrinology?" (He's excited to hear the answer because so many Americans are suffering from hypothyroid symptoms and the medical treatment hasn’t changed much from the 1950s.)
M.D.: "Not at all."
Dr. K: "How can that be?"
M.D.: "We're endocrinologists, not immunologists."
This is the age of (over) specialization and many specialists can't see the forest for the trees. In other words, they're trained in one specific area—not how one system interacts with other systems in the body.
A functional medicine practitioner offers the best chance of a successful outcome for thyroid patients because he can puzzle together information from specialties that relate to thyroid function, including endocrinology, immunology and gastroenterology, for example.
After all, thyroid problems are very complex. Every cell has a thyroid receptor so the impact of thyroid hormone is felt throughout the body. This is why thyroid patients complain of such diverse symptoms such as lack of motivation, osteoporosis, gall bladder disease, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, fatigue, headaches, weight gain, feeling cold all over, hair falling out, dry skin, etc.
Some of these problems are capable of further worsening thyroid symptoms creating a viscous cycle. For example, brain function and thyroid metabolism influence each other: Abnormalities in certain areas of the brain affect thyroid metabolism, which can then exacerbate dysfunction in the brain.
It’s important to understand the different approaches of conventional doctors and functional medicine practitioners when seeking treatment for diseases that are complex.
M.D.: “What you say about the immune system and the thyroid is very interesting.”
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
M.D.: (slowly nodding) "Very interesting indeed."
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
Dr.K: "Do you know how understanding how the immune system causes thyroid problems will impact endocrinology?" (He's excited to hear the answer because so many Americans are suffering from hypothyroid symptoms and the medical treatment hasn’t changed much from the 1950s.)
M.D.: "Not at all."
Dr. K: "How can that be?"
M.D.: "We're endocrinologists, not immunologists."
This is the age of (over) specialization and many specialists can't see the forest for the trees. In other words, they're trained in one specific area—not how one system interacts with other systems in the body.
A functional medicine practitioner offers the best chance of a successful outcome for thyroid patients because he can puzzle together information from specialties that relate to thyroid function, including endocrinology, immunology and gastroenterology, for example.
After all, thyroid problems are very complex. Every cell has a thyroid receptor so the impact of thyroid hormone is felt throughout the body. This is why thyroid patients complain of such diverse symptoms such as lack of motivation, osteoporosis, gall bladder disease, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, fatigue, headaches, weight gain, feeling cold all over, hair falling out, dry skin, etc.
Some of these problems are capable of further worsening thyroid symptoms creating a viscous cycle. For example, brain function and thyroid metabolism influence each other: Abnormalities in certain areas of the brain affect thyroid metabolism, which can then exacerbate dysfunction in the brain.
It’s important to understand the different approaches of conventional doctors and functional medicine practitioners when seeking treatment for diseases that are complex.
What's Your Thyroid Story?
Many of the patients who have come to our clinic tell a similar story: Nobody believed that they had hypothyroidism. The patient did enough research to learn that their symptoms could be caused by hypothyroidism, but their doctor told them that their blood tests were normal.
As their condition worsened they eventually received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and were prescribed medications that helped some. Still many hypothyroid symptoms persisted. So they started their journey within the alternative community. Here they were told that they needed a single nutrient like iodine, tyrosine, zinc or a glandular containing an animal source of thyroid gland.
After years of bouncing from one doctor to the next and taking one pill after another hoping that it was the silver bullet that would make a miraculous difference, the thyroid patient begins to lose hope.
Reality check
The vast majority of hypothyroidism sufferers find themselves in this situation—they’re often left without any significant improvement after years of treatment.
The truth is there is no silver bullet.
Your thyroid physiology is complicated and that’s why you probably haven’t gotten the results you’re looking for – no single thyroid pill or nutrient is capable of correcting the widespread dysfunction in the web of chemical reactions throughout the body.
Volumes of peer-reviewed research illustrate the complexities of thyroid physiology. For example, your thyroid function can be influenced by your blood sugar, cortisol (a stress hormone), testosterone, estrogen, the immune system and brain function. A problem in any one system is capable of affecting all other systems.
Ideally, you want to work with a doctor who understands these interactions that are capable of affecting thyroid metabolism. That is, you want someone to unfurl the web. As a patient, you will also need to be willing to follow through and make any necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle to improve your health. There may me no silver bullet but you can still hit the bulls-eye for good health.
As their condition worsened they eventually received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and were prescribed medications that helped some. Still many hypothyroid symptoms persisted. So they started their journey within the alternative community. Here they were told that they needed a single nutrient like iodine, tyrosine, zinc or a glandular containing an animal source of thyroid gland.
After years of bouncing from one doctor to the next and taking one pill after another hoping that it was the silver bullet that would make a miraculous difference, the thyroid patient begins to lose hope.
Reality check
The vast majority of hypothyroidism sufferers find themselves in this situation—they’re often left without any significant improvement after years of treatment.
The truth is there is no silver bullet.
Your thyroid physiology is complicated and that’s why you probably haven’t gotten the results you’re looking for – no single thyroid pill or nutrient is capable of correcting the widespread dysfunction in the web of chemical reactions throughout the body.
Volumes of peer-reviewed research illustrate the complexities of thyroid physiology. For example, your thyroid function can be influenced by your blood sugar, cortisol (a stress hormone), testosterone, estrogen, the immune system and brain function. A problem in any one system is capable of affecting all other systems.
Ideally, you want to work with a doctor who understands these interactions that are capable of affecting thyroid metabolism. That is, you want someone to unfurl the web. As a patient, you will also need to be willing to follow through and make any necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle to improve your health. There may me no silver bullet but you can still hit the bulls-eye for good health.
Hypothyroidism & Your Brain: Depression
Many patients suffering from hypothyroidism are depressed—they can't think clearly and have trouble with motivation. They have all but given up. For this reason, next to thyroid hormone replacement therapy, anti-depressants are the most prescribed drugs for patients with hypothyroidism.
Why do depression, as well as other cognitive problems, affect individuals with hypothyroidism? There are several possible reasons, which can be found in the brain.
1. Suppressed frontal lobe activity. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that is referred to as the Executive Center and is responsible for planning, organizing and following through with decisions, recognizing consequences of behavior, and deciding between good and bad.
2. Decreased use of dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for reward-oriented behaviors. Lack of dopamine can cause the feeling of being overwhelmed by stress, hopelessness, preferring to be isolated from others, distraction from tasks, difficulty completing tasks, anger & aggression when under stress, and being tired despite adequate sleep.
3. Increased neurodegenerative changes in the brain. These changes cause premature aging of the brain in hypothyroid patients.
4. Damaged brain tissue. More than 50 percent of patients with autoimmune disease experience an autoimmune attack against more than one part of the body. It is not unusual for a patient with Hashimoto's Thyroid to also suffer an autoimmune attack against the brain.
In our clinic, we specialize in managing hypothyroid patients. We are aware of the detrimental effects of hypothyroidism on the brain and we utilize treatment strategies—nutritional and neurological—to improve cognitive functioning, reduce depression, and counter the aging process.
If you have hypothyroidism, “Don't give up!"
Why do depression, as well as other cognitive problems, affect individuals with hypothyroidism? There are several possible reasons, which can be found in the brain.
1. Suppressed frontal lobe activity. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that is referred to as the Executive Center and is responsible for planning, organizing and following through with decisions, recognizing consequences of behavior, and deciding between good and bad.
2. Decreased use of dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for reward-oriented behaviors. Lack of dopamine can cause the feeling of being overwhelmed by stress, hopelessness, preferring to be isolated from others, distraction from tasks, difficulty completing tasks, anger & aggression when under stress, and being tired despite adequate sleep.
3. Increased neurodegenerative changes in the brain. These changes cause premature aging of the brain in hypothyroid patients.
4. Damaged brain tissue. More than 50 percent of patients with autoimmune disease experience an autoimmune attack against more than one part of the body. It is not unusual for a patient with Hashimoto's Thyroid to also suffer an autoimmune attack against the brain.
In our clinic, we specialize in managing hypothyroid patients. We are aware of the detrimental effects of hypothyroidism on the brain and we utilize treatment strategies—nutritional and neurological—to improve cognitive functioning, reduce depression, and counter the aging process.
If you have hypothyroidism, “Don't give up!"
What You Need To Know About Your Thyroid Medication
Many frustrated patients with hypothyroidism ask me if they can stop taking their thyroid medication, a.k.a. thyroid hormone, or if they can change their medication form. This is something to discuss with the prescribing doctor but I can offer some general information about the medication.
There are four types, or categories, of thyroid meds a doctor may prescribe. How you react to a given medication can offer insight into the nature of your hypothyroidism and how to maximize treatment efficacy.
The categories include:
Synthetic T4 (Synthroid, Levothyroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Levothyroxin, L-Thyroxine): If a synthetic T4 works and you're doing great, you probably are one of the minority (10 percent) of hypothyroid sufferers who does not have Hashimoto's Thyroid. If the effect is less than desirable it suggests there is more to your problem than mere thyroid hormone deficiency.
Synthetic T3 (Cytomel): If Cytomel works best, this suggests that there is a dysfunction in how your body converts T4 to T3. T4 needs to be converted into T3 to be metabolically active. Cytomel bypasses the step. If, however, Cytomel makes you feel worse, it may mean that an excess of T3 has caused certain cells to develop a resistance to it.
Synthetic T3 & T4 (Thyrolar, Liotrix)
Bioidentical T3 & T4 (Armour, Westhroid, Nature-Throid, Dessicated Thyroid): If a bioidentical thyroid hormone combo causes your condition to worsen, it may be because you have Hashimoto's—the bioidentical hormones can provoke an autoimmune attack.
Even across a category your results may differ because brands made by different manufacturers use different drug colorings, binders and fillers. Your body may tolerate some better than others.
In general, you can be best served by working with a doctor who takes a flexible approach to find the thyroid medication that fits your individual needs. Remember, however, in up to 90 percent of hypothyroid cases there are often many other factors influencing hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone alone is most likely not going to tackle all the symptoms.
There are four types, or categories, of thyroid meds a doctor may prescribe. How you react to a given medication can offer insight into the nature of your hypothyroidism and how to maximize treatment efficacy.
The categories include:
Synthetic T4 (Synthroid, Levothyroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Levothyroxin, L-Thyroxine): If a synthetic T4 works and you're doing great, you probably are one of the minority (10 percent) of hypothyroid sufferers who does not have Hashimoto's Thyroid. If the effect is less than desirable it suggests there is more to your problem than mere thyroid hormone deficiency.
Synthetic T3 (Cytomel): If Cytomel works best, this suggests that there is a dysfunction in how your body converts T4 to T3. T4 needs to be converted into T3 to be metabolically active. Cytomel bypasses the step. If, however, Cytomel makes you feel worse, it may mean that an excess of T3 has caused certain cells to develop a resistance to it.
Synthetic T3 & T4 (Thyrolar, Liotrix)
Bioidentical T3 & T4 (Armour, Westhroid, Nature-Throid, Dessicated Thyroid): If a bioidentical thyroid hormone combo causes your condition to worsen, it may be because you have Hashimoto's—the bioidentical hormones can provoke an autoimmune attack.
Even across a category your results may differ because brands made by different manufacturers use different drug colorings, binders and fillers. Your body may tolerate some better than others.
In general, you can be best served by working with a doctor who takes a flexible approach to find the thyroid medication that fits your individual needs. Remember, however, in up to 90 percent of hypothyroid cases there are often many other factors influencing hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone alone is most likely not going to tackle all the symptoms.
Functional Medicine Is Individualized Medicine
When I first consult with a patient who has a chronic illness like hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or fibromyalgia, I communicate the differences in disease classification between allopathic (traditional) and functional medicine.
Allopathic physicians use set criteria to diagnose their patients. Patients are treated using roughly the same approach that, for the most part, involves pharmacological intervention. This model is sometimes critiqued as “one size fits all”.
In contrast, functional medicine practitioners evaluate and treat each patient individually. Even if two people have the same diagnosis, differences between patients are appreciated. In many ways the doctor practicing functional medicine has the more difficult task—to treat the individual, not the condition.
Unfurling The Web Of Disease
In treating patients at the individual level, functional medicine docs take a holistic approach. They evaluate a complex web of chemical interactions in the body in determining a diagnosis and the best course of treatment.
Take, for example, a diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Allopaths typically prescribe thyroid hormone—in reality, Hashimoto's is not primarily a thyroid problem. Because the immune, endocrine (aka hormone-producing), nervous, circulatory and digestive systems are all part of an interactive web, abnormalities in any one system can affect another.
A patient with Hashimoto’s may be suffering from multiple conditions that are exacerbating symptoms. For example, the patient may also have insulin resistance. Through an understanding of the interactions between bodily systems, a functional medicine practitioner can recognize that excess insulin causes abnormal levels of the hormone cortisol. Excess cortisol can in turn interfere with thyroid metabolism in several ways. It can also reinforce insulin resistance, which can create a positive feedback loop that worsens the initial condition.
With the roots of Hashimoto’s exposed, a functional medicine doc will then look into the source of insulin resistance. The differential diagnosis for insulin resistance includes poor diet, hypothyroidism, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal problems and autoimmune disease. Each of these conditions has multiple components and a functional medicine doctor tackles them one by one. As metabolic dysfunctions are revealed, the doctor can see a pattern particular in the Hashimoto's patient.
This in-depth analysis allows for a tailored treatment regimen—a far cry from a one-size-fits-all label.
Patients who are aware of the fundamental difference between allopathic and functional medicine therapeutic paradigms will understand that motivation to cooperate in functional medicine treatment programs can lead to real improvements.
Allopathic physicians use set criteria to diagnose their patients. Patients are treated using roughly the same approach that, for the most part, involves pharmacological intervention. This model is sometimes critiqued as “one size fits all”.
In contrast, functional medicine practitioners evaluate and treat each patient individually. Even if two people have the same diagnosis, differences between patients are appreciated. In many ways the doctor practicing functional medicine has the more difficult task—to treat the individual, not the condition.
Unfurling The Web Of Disease
In treating patients at the individual level, functional medicine docs take a holistic approach. They evaluate a complex web of chemical interactions in the body in determining a diagnosis and the best course of treatment.
Take, for example, a diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Allopaths typically prescribe thyroid hormone—in reality, Hashimoto's is not primarily a thyroid problem. Because the immune, endocrine (aka hormone-producing), nervous, circulatory and digestive systems are all part of an interactive web, abnormalities in any one system can affect another.
A patient with Hashimoto’s may be suffering from multiple conditions that are exacerbating symptoms. For example, the patient may also have insulin resistance. Through an understanding of the interactions between bodily systems, a functional medicine practitioner can recognize that excess insulin causes abnormal levels of the hormone cortisol. Excess cortisol can in turn interfere with thyroid metabolism in several ways. It can also reinforce insulin resistance, which can create a positive feedback loop that worsens the initial condition.
With the roots of Hashimoto’s exposed, a functional medicine doc will then look into the source of insulin resistance. The differential diagnosis for insulin resistance includes poor diet, hypothyroidism, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal problems and autoimmune disease. Each of these conditions has multiple components and a functional medicine doctor tackles them one by one. As metabolic dysfunctions are revealed, the doctor can see a pattern particular in the Hashimoto's patient.
This in-depth analysis allows for a tailored treatment regimen—a far cry from a one-size-fits-all label.
Patients who are aware of the fundamental difference between allopathic and functional medicine therapeutic paradigms will understand that motivation to cooperate in functional medicine treatment programs can lead to real improvements.
Cleansing with ClearVite
For many of our patients with chronic conditions, cleanses are a way to give the body a “tune-up”.
At Better Body Solutions we usually recommend a 3-week cleanse for patients with chronic conditions ( e.g. thyroid, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia) or weight-loss issues. During the cleanse we use ClearVite, a multi-nutrient supplement made by Apex Energetics that is designed to “clean” the intestines and liver, which is the main site of detoxification in the body. This particular detox program is less restrictive than some and includes vegetables, fruits and fish. We use the supplement 1 to 3 times per day and we modify the diet to remove unhealthy foods.
Cleanses, such as ClearVite, can provide some health benefits by giving the body a break from hi-fat and unhealthy diets. For example, by avoiding certain foods that may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, an individual may experience relief from inflammatory conditions, such as ulcerative colitis.
In particular, cleanses may be able to help with the diagnosis of food allergies and sensitivities. At the end of the ClearVite program we add restricted foods back one at a time to determine if the body can tolerate them. In this way the ClearVite cleanse is an elimination challenge. It's usually pretty obvious when someone adds a "bad" food back into their diet because they get symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, headaches and rash.
It is possible that the drastic diet adjustment brought about by cleanses may result in health improvements such as weight loss, increased energy, improved digestion and elimination, and clearer skin. These benefits will only persist, however, if permanent adjustments to diet are made. Furthermore, a cleanse should never be done unless under the supervision of a medical professional.
Immune System Imbalances In Hashimoto's Thyroid
Hashimoto's Thyroid can be thought of as an immune system problem. Often Hashimoto’s—an autoimmune disease—is caused by an imbalance in two types of immune cells called helper T cells. Helper T cells are important for normal immune responses and they come in two forms: Th1 cells initiate immune responses to kill foreign pathogens like bacteria and viruses—they aim to keep us disease-free. Conversely, Th2 is not involved in the destruction of foreign invaders, but help to identify them.
Normally, Th1 and Th2 cell levels are kept in an appropriate balance but in the case of Hashimoto’s Th1 is often dominant over Th2. This results in an overactive immune system that cannot distinguish harmful organisms from normal cells and tissues.
Diagnosing Hashimoto’s
It is often the case in conventional medicine that blood testing of Th1 and Th2 is not performed. An imbalance between Th1 and Th2 is not considered as a factor in Hashimoto’s and therefore the underlying aspects of the etiology are ignored.
Clinically, we can use a so-called Th1/Th2 challenge to determine ways to alleviate Hashimoto’s symptoms. This is accomplished by alternately supporting the Th1 and then the Th2 immune system with nutrition for a few days each. This way, we can establish foods and supplements that may be exacerbating or alleviating symptoms.
Nutrition and Hashimoto’s
In the case of an imbalance between Th1 and Th2, the goal is to reduce your intake of substances that make that imbalance worse. For example, if you have Hashimoto’s and we determine that your Th1 levels are above normal then you may want to avoid nutrients that support Th1 function such as echinacea, astragalus, maitake, beta-glucan, glycyrrhiza and Melissa officinalis.
You may want to ingest supplements that instead support Th2 function. These include caffeine, green tea, grape seed extract, resveratrol, white willow bark, Pycnogenol and lycopene. Before taking any supplements, always speak with a medical professional.
Normally, Th1 and Th2 cell levels are kept in an appropriate balance but in the case of Hashimoto’s Th1 is often dominant over Th2. This results in an overactive immune system that cannot distinguish harmful organisms from normal cells and tissues.
Diagnosing Hashimoto’s
It is often the case in conventional medicine that blood testing of Th1 and Th2 is not performed. An imbalance between Th1 and Th2 is not considered as a factor in Hashimoto’s and therefore the underlying aspects of the etiology are ignored.
Clinically, we can use a so-called Th1/Th2 challenge to determine ways to alleviate Hashimoto’s symptoms. This is accomplished by alternately supporting the Th1 and then the Th2 immune system with nutrition for a few days each. This way, we can establish foods and supplements that may be exacerbating or alleviating symptoms.
Nutrition and Hashimoto’s
In the case of an imbalance between Th1 and Th2, the goal is to reduce your intake of substances that make that imbalance worse. For example, if you have Hashimoto’s and we determine that your Th1 levels are above normal then you may want to avoid nutrients that support Th1 function such as echinacea, astragalus, maitake, beta-glucan, glycyrrhiza and Melissa officinalis.
You may want to ingest supplements that instead support Th2 function. These include caffeine, green tea, grape seed extract, resveratrol, white willow bark, Pycnogenol and lycopene. Before taking any supplements, always speak with a medical professional.
Why Your Doctor's Not REALLY Treating Your Hashimoto's Thyroid
Fifth in our thyroid series.
Most cases of hypothyroidism in the U.S. are due to an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you are suffering from this disease you may be surprised to find out that your doctor isn’t treating it at all. In fact your M.D. may be ignoring it completely.
In Hashimoto’s, your body (specifically, your immune system) attacks your thyroid gland. No medical treatment exists for Hashimoto’s. There are, however, treatments for other types of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and Crohn’s disease. Treatments for autoimmunity include strong anti-inflammatory drugs like cortisone shots, and immunosuppressants. These can have serious side effects and aren’t effective in Hashimoto’s so they’re not used.
What is done about Hashimoto’s? Not much. Hashimoto’s gradually destroys the thyroid gland so a blood test may look normal even though many patients have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, etc. The well-intentioned (but uninformed) doctor says, “Well, it’s not your thyroid. I’ll put you on an anti-depressant and you should start to exercise.”
When hypothyroidism becomes present, patients with Hashimoto’s are treated the same as other hypothyroid patients: They are given thyroid hormone in one form or another and that’s it. The immune system is totally overlooked. Thyroid hormone alone is a one-size-fits-all type of therapy that is really only indicated for cases of uncomplicated primary hypothyroidism (PH). PH is one of over 20 patterns of thyroid dysfunction and it’s not the most common, by far. In previous posts about the thyroid, I’ve described some of these patterns and written about the many chemical reactions that need to take place for your body to properly manufacturer, activate, transport and utilize thyroid hormone. See the links below.
The bottom line here is that if you have Hashimoto’s you need to work with a doctor who practices Functional Medicine and appreciates the underlying biochemistry of the immune system and thyroid metabolism. A functional medicine doctor will perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, help you make lifestyle changes to promote better health, and provide you with nutrutional supplements that support normal thyroid function.
With a complete diagnosis, healthy lifestyle guidance, and nutritional supplements you’ll have more manageable symptoms including more energy, easier weight loss and better skin.
Thyroid Links:
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Is Your Thyroid Hormone Activated?
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
How Estrogen Hijacked The Thyroid Cab
Most cases of hypothyroidism in the U.S. are due to an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you are suffering from this disease you may be surprised to find out that your doctor isn’t treating it at all. In fact your M.D. may be ignoring it completely.
In Hashimoto’s, your body (specifically, your immune system) attacks your thyroid gland. No medical treatment exists for Hashimoto’s. There are, however, treatments for other types of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and Crohn’s disease. Treatments for autoimmunity include strong anti-inflammatory drugs like cortisone shots, and immunosuppressants. These can have serious side effects and aren’t effective in Hashimoto’s so they’re not used.
What is done about Hashimoto’s? Not much. Hashimoto’s gradually destroys the thyroid gland so a blood test may look normal even though many patients have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, etc. The well-intentioned (but uninformed) doctor says, “Well, it’s not your thyroid. I’ll put you on an anti-depressant and you should start to exercise.”
When hypothyroidism becomes present, patients with Hashimoto’s are treated the same as other hypothyroid patients: They are given thyroid hormone in one form or another and that’s it. The immune system is totally overlooked. Thyroid hormone alone is a one-size-fits-all type of therapy that is really only indicated for cases of uncomplicated primary hypothyroidism (PH). PH is one of over 20 patterns of thyroid dysfunction and it’s not the most common, by far. In previous posts about the thyroid, I’ve described some of these patterns and written about the many chemical reactions that need to take place for your body to properly manufacturer, activate, transport and utilize thyroid hormone. See the links below.
The bottom line here is that if you have Hashimoto’s you need to work with a doctor who practices Functional Medicine and appreciates the underlying biochemistry of the immune system and thyroid metabolism. A functional medicine doctor will perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, help you make lifestyle changes to promote better health, and provide you with nutrutional supplements that support normal thyroid function.
With a complete diagnosis, healthy lifestyle guidance, and nutritional supplements you’ll have more manageable symptoms including more energy, easier weight loss and better skin.
Thyroid Links:
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Is Your Thyroid Hormone Activated?
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
How Estrogen Hijacked The Thyroid Cab
Is Your Thyroid Hormone Activated?
Fourth In Our Thyroid Series
As I’ve mentioned in other posts in Better Body Solutions’ thyroid series (type “thyroid in the search box for other articles) is that oftentimes a patient with abnormal thyroid-type symptoms, will be told that their thyroid is fine. Unfortunately, many doctors do not look at enough lab markers or appreciate the complex chemical interactions of the hormonal system as a whole, to detect what’s really going on. Additionally, conventional medical approaches to hypothyroidism are typically limited to supplying pharmaceutical thyroid hormone. What I’m doing for the person with under or over-active thyroid symptoms is to give them the knowledge to look at their blood tests and know enough to ask their doctor questions or to expose the limitations of conventional approaches and encourage the patient to find an doctor with more knowledge in these areas. We also recommend supplementation and lifestyle changes that can be taken with medications that encourage improved thyroid gland function.
When your doctor orders routine blood tests to screen for thyroid problems one of the few tests that he orders is a T4 test. T4 is inactive thyroid hormone. It has very limited metabolic effect. To be activated T4 needs to be converted into T3. T3 is the active thyroid hormone. To the degree that T3 isn’t manufactured a patient can experience hypothyroid symptoms. Yet, their doctor will look at the blood tests (T4) and say that there is no problem. The real problem is that the doctor didn’t order a “Free T3 test” which tests the amount of unbound (free) T3.
So, to review, T4 needs to be converted into T3 because T3 is the active thyroid hormone that affects metabolism. If your body is not converting T4 into T3 it may due to abnormal cortisol (stress hormone) levels or inflammation in the body. An abnormal stress response is the most common cause of this under-conversion problem and many patients will have symptoms of abnormal adrenal (stress) function {LINK}.
Better Body Solutions Thyroid Tips:
1. If your initial thyroid testing is normal but you still have symptoms of low thyroid, ask for a “Free T3 test.” This is rarely done in conventional medical practice.
2. If the Free T3 test is low (compared to a functional normal) ask for a salivary cortisol panel. This test will see if you produce too much or too little thyroid hormone throughout the day.
3. Consider nutritional support for your adrenal (stress) gland or to reduce inflammation.
4. Work with a knowledgeable practitioner to guide you. Do not attempt to diagnose yourself.
As I’ve mentioned in other posts in Better Body Solutions’ thyroid series (type “thyroid in the search box for other articles) is that oftentimes a patient with abnormal thyroid-type symptoms, will be told that their thyroid is fine. Unfortunately, many doctors do not look at enough lab markers or appreciate the complex chemical interactions of the hormonal system as a whole, to detect what’s really going on. Additionally, conventional medical approaches to hypothyroidism are typically limited to supplying pharmaceutical thyroid hormone. What I’m doing for the person with under or over-active thyroid symptoms is to give them the knowledge to look at their blood tests and know enough to ask their doctor questions or to expose the limitations of conventional approaches and encourage the patient to find an doctor with more knowledge in these areas. We also recommend supplementation and lifestyle changes that can be taken with medications that encourage improved thyroid gland function.
When your doctor orders routine blood tests to screen for thyroid problems one of the few tests that he orders is a T4 test. T4 is inactive thyroid hormone. It has very limited metabolic effect. To be activated T4 needs to be converted into T3. T3 is the active thyroid hormone. To the degree that T3 isn’t manufactured a patient can experience hypothyroid symptoms. Yet, their doctor will look at the blood tests (T4) and say that there is no problem. The real problem is that the doctor didn’t order a “Free T3 test” which tests the amount of unbound (free) T3.
So, to review, T4 needs to be converted into T3 because T3 is the active thyroid hormone that affects metabolism. If your body is not converting T4 into T3 it may due to abnormal cortisol (stress hormone) levels or inflammation in the body. An abnormal stress response is the most common cause of this under-conversion problem and many patients will have symptoms of abnormal adrenal (stress) function {LINK}.
Better Body Solutions Thyroid Tips:
1. If your initial thyroid testing is normal but you still have symptoms of low thyroid, ask for a “Free T3 test.” This is rarely done in conventional medical practice.
2. If the Free T3 test is low (compared to a functional normal) ask for a salivary cortisol panel. This test will see if you produce too much or too little thyroid hormone throughout the day.
3. Consider nutritional support for your adrenal (stress) gland or to reduce inflammation.
4. Work with a knowledgeable practitioner to guide you. Do not attempt to diagnose yourself.
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
This Is The First In Our Thyroid Series (Repost)
Many of our patients who are hoping to lose weight have thyroid problems that have gone undiagnosed or somewhat ineffectively treated. The medical approach to treating hypothyroid patients is oftentimes very simple. They prescribe a synthetic or less commonly, a natural hormone to make-up for poor thyroid function. My patient population though, commonly complains of symptoms even though they’re taking thyroid medication. If this sounds like you, please know that there is hope.
If you suffer from hypothyroidism you know how much it affects the way you live and feel. Common symptoms include weight gain, depression, lack of motivation, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, intolerance to cold, muscle aches, poor memory and decreased libido.
Clinical Tidbit: A high TSH score on your blood test is a sign of primary hypothyroidsim.
Now the good news. Fortunately, there are blood tests and treatments, although not routinely run, that are available to determine the more subtle nature of thyroid problems. I practice metabolic medicine and love treating thyroid patients who I really believe are under-served by conventional measures. Because I don’t prescribe thyroid medication, I look at the problem from a more holistic vantage point. The is quite important because everything from cortisol (stress) levels to the immune function to hormones like estrogen (birth control, hormone replacement) can significantly impact thyroid function.
Stay tuned for more information on your thyroid and your quality of life. We’ll teach you how to read your blood tests, what to ask your doctor and tell you about natural, alternative strategies to help improve thyroid function.
Many of our patients who are hoping to lose weight have thyroid problems that have gone undiagnosed or somewhat ineffectively treated. The medical approach to treating hypothyroid patients is oftentimes very simple. They prescribe a synthetic or less commonly, a natural hormone to make-up for poor thyroid function. My patient population though, commonly complains of symptoms even though they’re taking thyroid medication. If this sounds like you, please know that there is hope.
If you suffer from hypothyroidism you know how much it affects the way you live and feel. Common symptoms include weight gain, depression, lack of motivation, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, intolerance to cold, muscle aches, poor memory and decreased libido.
Clinical Tidbit: A high TSH score on your blood test is a sign of primary hypothyroidsim.
Now the good news. Fortunately, there are blood tests and treatments, although not routinely run, that are available to determine the more subtle nature of thyroid problems. I practice metabolic medicine and love treating thyroid patients who I really believe are under-served by conventional measures. Because I don’t prescribe thyroid medication, I look at the problem from a more holistic vantage point. The is quite important because everything from cortisol (stress) levels to the immune function to hormones like estrogen (birth control, hormone replacement) can significantly impact thyroid function.
The thyroid gland makes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones determine how quickly your body burns energy.
Stay tuned for more information on your thyroid and your quality of life. We’ll teach you how to read your blood tests, what to ask your doctor and tell you about natural, alternative strategies to help improve thyroid function.
How Estrogen Hijacked The Thyroid Cab
Third In Our Thyroid Series
If you take HRT or the birth control pill and have low thyroid symptoms this post will be especially interesting to you.
Have you ever arrived at the airport or a train station and no taxis were available?
Our clinic is currently located on 40th and Lexington (we're moving soon) just downstream from Grand Central. Many times I’ve tried to hail a cab outside the clinic, only to watch a sea of taxis, full of passengers, roll right by. There were no cabs to be had…they were all occupied.
If you are taking estrogens and have experienced symptoms of hypothyroidism only to be told that your thyroid is normal, you may want to show your doctor this post. I’ve read that many doctors are confused by this particular thyroid pattern and it goes completely unnoticed by mainstream medicine. However, the problem isn’t the thyroid at all – estrogen is stealing all of the taxis.
Active thyroid hormone or T3 is necessary to establish a normal metabolic rate. If there are inadequate amounts of T3 produced it’s quite common to experience fatigue, depression, weight gain, dry hair and constipation. However with this pattern it is also possible for normal amounts of T3 to be produced and to experience the same symptoms. Just like someone arriving at Grand Central, T3 needs to circulate. It needs a taxi (a thyroid binding protein). Without a taxi, the hormone won’t be able to reach the tissues around the body where it is to have an influence. It is in effect, “all dressed up with no place to go.”
Birth control pills and estrogen replacement therapy put extra estrogen into the system which effectively hogs all the cabs. Estrogen attaches to thyroid binding protein. In this fairly common scenario the thyroid is producing thyroid hormone normally, but the T3 is not reaching the tissues necessary to influence metabolism.
Hint: A low T3 Uptake on your blood test is the hallmark of this pattern.
If you take HRT or the birth control pill and have low thyroid symptoms this post will be especially interesting to you.
Have you ever arrived at the airport or a train station and no taxis were available?
Our clinic is currently located on 40th and Lexington (we're moving soon) just downstream from Grand Central. Many times I’ve tried to hail a cab outside the clinic, only to watch a sea of taxis, full of passengers, roll right by. There were no cabs to be had…they were all occupied.
If you are taking estrogens and have experienced symptoms of hypothyroidism only to be told that your thyroid is normal, you may want to show your doctor this post. I’ve read that many doctors are confused by this particular thyroid pattern and it goes completely unnoticed by mainstream medicine. However, the problem isn’t the thyroid at all – estrogen is stealing all of the taxis.
Active thyroid hormone or T3 is necessary to establish a normal metabolic rate. If there are inadequate amounts of T3 produced it’s quite common to experience fatigue, depression, weight gain, dry hair and constipation. However with this pattern it is also possible for normal amounts of T3 to be produced and to experience the same symptoms. Just like someone arriving at Grand Central, T3 needs to circulate. It needs a taxi (a thyroid binding protein). Without a taxi, the hormone won’t be able to reach the tissues around the body where it is to have an influence. It is in effect, “all dressed up with no place to go.”
Birth control pills and estrogen replacement therapy put extra estrogen into the system which effectively hogs all the cabs. Estrogen attaches to thyroid binding protein. In this fairly common scenario the thyroid is producing thyroid hormone normally, but the T3 is not reaching the tissues necessary to influence metabolism.
Hint: A low T3 Uptake on your blood test is the hallmark of this pattern.
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Second In Our Thyroid Series
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease. It means that your body’s immune system is attacking your thyroid and causing it to become inflamed. HT is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Here are some typical symptoms associated with hypothyroidism:
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido
There are simple blood tests available to determine if a patient has Hashimoto’s. We run tests for two thyroid antibodies: Antithyroglobulin and Thyroid Peroxidase. If either of these tests is positive a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s must be considered.
The medical approach to treat HT is to prescribe natural or synthetic thyroid hormone. Our approach which is often times complimentary to medication, is to first run other specialized blood tests to determine which parts of the immune system is attacking the thyroid. When we know more about how the abnormal immune function we prescribe nutritional supplementation to tone down the attack on the thyroid and balance the immune system in general.
Unfortunately, hypothyroidism and especially Hashimoto Thyroiditis is under-diagnosed.
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease. It means that your body’s immune system is attacking your thyroid and causing it to become inflamed. HT is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Here are some typical symptoms associated with hypothyroidism:
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido
There are simple blood tests available to determine if a patient has Hashimoto’s. We run tests for two thyroid antibodies: Antithyroglobulin and Thyroid Peroxidase. If either of these tests is positive a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s must be considered.
The medical approach to treat HT is to prescribe natural or synthetic thyroid hormone. Our approach which is often times complimentary to medication, is to first run other specialized blood tests to determine which parts of the immune system is attacking the thyroid. When we know more about how the abnormal immune function we prescribe nutritional supplementation to tone down the attack on the thyroid and balance the immune system in general.
Unfortunately, hypothyroidism and especially Hashimoto Thyroiditis is under-diagnosed.
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
This Is The First In Our Thyroid Series
Many of our patients who are hoping to lose weight have thyroid problems that have gone undiagnosed or somewhat ineffectively treated. The medical approach to treating hypothyroid patients is oftentimes very simple. They prescribe a synthetic or less commonly, a natural hormone to make-up for poor thyroid function. My patient population though, commonly complains of symptoms even though they’re taking thyroid medication. If this sounds like you, please know that there is hope.
If you suffer from hypothyroidism you know how much it affects the way you live and feel. Common symptoms include weight gain, depression, lack of motivation, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, intolerance to cold, muscle aches, poor memory and decreased libido.
Clinical Tidbit: A high TSH score on your blood test is a sign of primary hypothyroidsim.
Now the good news. Fortunately, there are blood tests and treatments, although not routinely run, that are available to determine the more subtle nature of thyroid problems. I practice metabolic medicine and love treating thyroid patients who I really believe are under-served by conventional measures. Because I don’t prescribe thyroid medication, I look at the problem from a more holistic vantage point. The is quite important because everything from cortisol (stress) levels to the immune function to hormones like estrogen (birth control, hormone replacement) can significantly impact thyroid function.
The thyroid gland makes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones determine how quickly your body burns energy.
Stay tuned for more information on your thyroid and your quality of life. We’ll teach you how to read your blood tests, what to ask your doctor and tell you about natural, alternative strategies to help improve thyroid function.
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