Hypothyroidism
Quick look at Hypothyroidism:
Most common presenting symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Hoarseness
- Muscle weakness
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
- Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
- Thinning hair
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Impaired memory
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
How Do You Know if You Have an Underactive Thyroid?
For the average person, there are recognizable symptoms that can clue you in as to if thyroid dysfunction may be an issue. We will cover those in a bit, but it is also important to mention that the underlying cause of hypothyroidism can be very nuanced. Many times, hypothyroidism presents symptomatically as a very nondescript set of low-grade symptoms. For this reason, it becomes even more important to start with the right objective tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
Like most issues with the body, pinpointing the exact reason for the malfunction requires the proper testing. Here at Hill Functional Wellness, we will review your medical history and have you fill out a thorough symptom survey to gain a better idea of your current health status. When an underlying thyroid condition is suspected, we will have a number of blood tests completed to analyze the thyroid-specific markers of your physiology.
Conventional medical diagnosis relies almost completely on the blood TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels. This approach, as we will see in a second, is very narrow in its diagnostic scope. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland, and it acts to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce active thyroid hormone (T3) as well as a latent-form of thyroid hormone (T4). It acts through what’s called a ‘negative feedback loop’, meaning that as the secretion of TSH increases the production of T3 and T4. This increase will, in turn, decrease the secretion of TSH. This is assuming all is well with the other aspects of the complex thyroid physiology.
What we have found is that much more than a simple TSH test is needed to properly understand the nature of each person’s hypothyroid condition as well as its root cause. Part of our baseline analysis of every patient includes a much more comprehensive look at thyroid physiology:
- TSH
- T3
- T4
- Free T3
- Free T4
- Reverse T3
- T3 Uptake
- FTI (free thyroxine index)
- Thyroid antibodies (when indicated)
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Here is a list of some of those oft difficult-to-detect symptoms to look out for:
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Hoarseness
- Muscle weakness
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
- Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
- Thinning hair
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Impaired memory
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
As stated above, the initial stages of hypothyroidism can be difficult to detect and discern. The downside to this is that the longer the condition persists, the more likely other issues can take root and grow as well. A few examples of related issues that can stem from hypothyroidism are: obesity, goiter development, cardiovascular disease, depression, peripheral nerve damage, myxedema, infertility, and birth defects.
The direct cause of hypothyroidism can vary. However, the two most common root causes are nutrient deficiency and autoimmune disease (most commonly, Hashimoto’s disease).
The basis of any autoimmune disease is the immune system responding to an insult, and, in turn, attacking healthy tissue. This causes an inflammatory response and potential damage to the cells of the thyroid gland. One common type of offender is toxic heavy metal exposure, which is one area that we focus on uncovering through our Functional testing program. Women are eight times more likely than men to develop Hashimoto’s disease during their lifetime than men.
The other main cause of hypothyroidism centers around nutrient deficiency. Iodine, zinc, and selenium are essential for thyroid hormone production. Inadequate intake of any or all of these trace minerals can spell disaster for the thyroid gland.
Some other potential causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Over-response to hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid surgery
- Certain viruses
- Radiation therapy or radiation exposure
- Medications (i.e. Lithium)
Health Effects of Hyopthyroidism
When gone untreated or inadequately addressed, hypothyroidism can have lasting health effects.
The unique characteristic that makes thyroid disorders so impactful is the fact that thyroid hormone acts upon every cell in the human body. It dictates the metabolic rate of the body - how fast or slow processes occur in our cells - so many health effects can be difficult to tie directly to thyroid function.
One example of this phenomenon is gastrointestinal function. When the metabolic rate of the GI system declines, the rate of digestion and motility (how fast food travels through) slows. Symptoms like constipation, infrequent bowel movements, and gastric reflux can result from hypothyroidism.
Other examples of this in other systems of the body include decreased heart rate (and poor circulation), diminished cognition, slow recovery from exercise, and inability to lose weight.
Traditional Medical Approach to Hypothyroidism
In the world of conventional medicine, the standard of care for the treatment of hypothyroidism often leaves much to be desired.
Assessment oftentimes only consists of a baseline blood test of T4 and TSH. As we discussed earlier, these tests are important to know, but they do not tell the whole story. The thyroid gland is highly sensitive to input from toxic substances like chemicals, heavy metals, hormone-like molecules, and, in the case of autoimmune thyroiditis, the immune system. A simple T4 and TSH screen will not detect these types of inputs.
After a diagnosis is made, the usual mode of treatment is the use of exogenous (externally sourced instead of internally produced) thyroid hormone medications.
As is the case for any hormonal medication, thyroid medication (armor thyroid, synthroid, and levothyroxine sodium are among the most commonly prescribed) impacts the body's negative feedback loop that regulates production and utilization of endogenous (naturally made) thyroid hormones.
Most patients who start on this treatment route have a difficult time changing course in the future, as it can have long-term impacts that limit the body's ability to recover on its own. Add this to the fact that the traditional medical route does not emphasize the underlying root cause of hypothyroidism, and health independence becomes more and more difficult.
How We Approach Hypothyroidism
It goes without saying that knowing how to treat hypothyroidism requires making the correct diagnosis and understanding the driving force(s) of that diagnosis.
At Hill Functional we pride ourselves on creating a personalized plan for every patient that walks through our doors. After identifying your exact issue utilizing thorough testing and analysis - whether it is primarily thyroid related or not - we will work with you to tailor a healthcare plan that sets you up for success. This includes providing you with the knowledge you need to become less dependent on us for future help.
There are very effective dietary, lifestyle, and supplement-related interventions that have helped our hypothyroid patients find a new healthy status-quo without having to become dependent on medications.
Final Thoughts on Hypothyroidism
Evidence-based treatment is what we stand for, and what is deduced from your test results will guide our steps of treatment. Through these dietary changes, lifestyle-related recommendations, supplement plans, and more therapies, we will guide you toward the ultimate goal of health independence.
Contact us today to tell us about your possible hypothyroidism concerns, and we’ll do our best to meet you where you’re at and help you find what your body specifically needs to thrive!