Thyroid Optimization
Thyroid optimization refers to the process of ensuring that thyroid hormone levels are within an optimal range to support overall health and well-being. This involves diagnosing and treating thyroid dysfunction, which can significantly impact metabolism, energy levels, mood, and other bodily functions. Assessing thyroid function is completed through bloodwork that measures several different thyroid hormones and a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms that are usually present with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid optimization involves a combination of medication, holistic care, integrating lifestyle changes and nutritional/dietary support. Many individuals might have already been told that their thyroid levels are "normal", yet they still struggle with symptoms of an unoptimized thyroid. Our goal is to help optimize your thyroid function, reduce your symptoms, and help you feel better.
how common is thyroid dysfunction?
In the United States, thyroid disorders are relatively common, and a significant number of cases remain undertreated or undiagnosed. Approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. However, up to 60% of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems. Despite this higher risk, many women do not receive adequate screening or treatment. Undiagnosed or inadequately managed thyroid disorders can lead to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, infertility and significant impact on quality of life due to symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances.
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What are the benefits of thyroid optimization?
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Improved Energy Levels: Proper thyroid function boosts metabolism and energy.
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Better Weight Management: Balanced thyroid hormones support healthy weight. When metabolism increases, so does fat burning and weight loss.
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Enhanced Mood and Cognitive Function: Optimizing thyroid levels can improve mood, focus, cognitive performance and brain fog.
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Overall Health: Balanced thyroid hormones contribute to cardiovascular health, bone health, and general well being.
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Skin & Hair Health: Optimal thyroid levels promote collagen production which is crucial for skin elasticity and firmness and helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Optimal thyroid levels also help play a role in the hair growth cycle and promoting healthy hair growth. Balanced thyroid function helps maintain appropriate sebum levels, which contribute to skin hydration and hair texture.
What are the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction?
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Fatigue: Feeling tired despite getting enough sleep.
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Weight gain: Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain.
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Cold sensitivity: Feeling unusually sensitive to cold temperatures.
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Dry skin, hair and brittle nails: Skin may become dry and hair may become brittle and thin, nails may easily break.
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Menstrual irregularities: Changes in menstrual periods, such as heavier or more frequent periods.
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Depression: Feeling sad or depressed.
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Joint pain: Aching or stiffness in joints.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid gland, which means the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones (free T3 and free T4) to meet the body's needs. Hypothyroidism can be caused by iodine deficiency, certain medications, thyroid surgery, or autoimmune thyroiditis (hashimotos).
Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone levels are abnormal, but the individual may not yet experience significant symptoms of hypothyroidism, symptoms are usually mild. Thyroid hormones may still be "within range", but the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) may be elevated. It is crucial to optimize the thyroid of indiviuals with subclinical hypothyroidism before it progresses to full-blown hypothyroidism.
Hashimotos Thyroiditis
A large portion of individuals with hypothyroidism may also have Hashimoto's. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. The autoimmune attack can lead to inflammation of the thyroid and gradually impairs its ability to produce thyroid hormones. Overtime, the damage can lead to hypothyroidism.