Are You Tired and Can't Lose Weight?
Ever wonder why you suffer from
hormonal imbalances or any or many of the following? While many of us may chalk it up to old age or individual issues, there may be
one root cause of these seemingly unrelated conditions. The often overlooked
thyroid is frequently the culprit behind so many of our most annoying and even debilitating ailments.
Can't lose weight
| Hair loss
| Low energy
|
Chronic fatigue
| Brittle nails
| Sensitivity to cold
|
Depression
| Anxiety
| Mood swings
|
Low libido
| Dry skin
| High Cholesterol
|
Difficulty concentrating
| Memory Issues
| Constipation
|
Aching joints
| Menstrual irregularities
| Infertility
|
In fact, it is
often undetected due to many health practitioners only looking at one thyroid marker which is the
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). The problem is that this
"standard test" only reflects brain levels,
not tissues and organs that may be starving for thyroid hormone. In fact, by the time the TSH shows out of range levels, many patients have been enduring many of the above symptoms for quite some time.
Other tests that are crucial in reflecting true thyroid disorders are the
T4 (thyroxine) and
T3 (triiodothyyronine) and
Reverse T3. T4 is the thyroid storage gland that regulates cellular metabolism or your body's energy. However, it must convert to T3, the active thyroid gland which regulates body temperature, digestive metabolism and helps burn body fat. Then there's the gatekeeper, rT3, which allows or disallows T3 to be used by the cells.
It ma
y sound complicated but think of your
T4 as gas in your car. However, it has to get to the engine to be utilized to make the car run. Think of the
gas in your engine as your T3. It all can only work if the key is turned on in the ignition
(Reverse T3) signaling all parts to work in harmony. Each part must work in order for the car to run efficiently-same as your body. Therefore, if you
only look at the TSH, you're missing other parts that must work together.Mostly, though, these lab tests may help with confirmation but should be
guided by symptoms. I experienced this myself a few years ago when I went to my General Practitioner complaining of
fatigue, very low energy, always feeling cold and hair loss. At that point, I knew these were probable symptoms of hypothyroid and asked to have the appropriate blood work.
I'll never forget that visit. My GP came into my exam room and with a big smile on his face, he said, "Great news! You're fine. Your TSH is normal."
I looked at him and responded, "But
I don't feel normal. Something is not right."
To that, my (now former) doctor shrugged his shoulders and then gave the same response when I asked him what I should do. He suggested that I check out an endocrinologist but that I was fine.
Now I know better and am familiar with the proper tests to get, but mostly that
symptoms do matter. Don't go through the same frustration as me. You are much more than numbers on a piece of paper. My doctor made me
feel foolish and that perhaps I was
imagining things or
even depressed when I knew I was
none of those.Moreover, be sure to see a
qualified practitioner who actually knows how to identify a poorly performing thyroid. Once again, I learned later that my TSH numbers were in fact
very indicative of hypothyroid if they were read properly.If you are accurately diagnosed with any type of thyroid disorder or dysfunction, you will be most likely prescribed a
synthetic drug called Synthroid or
levothyroxine. Beware of these as they
only target the T4 receptor site. In addition to this synthetic drug having many
side effects, it
doesn't address the T3, the active thyroid (the gas in the engine). In fact, a study published in
Endocrinology in 1996 supported the theory that T4 alone was not enough to fully restore thyroid function for those suffering from hypothyroidism.
The best recommendation is to
request a natural thyroid hormone (Naturethroid) or natural solutions. These are
safer and generally less expensive. Natural solutions may include supplementation of iodine, Vitamins A and D, Iron, Selenium and Zinc.
Food also plays a huge role in optimal thyroid function.
Reducing processed foods, gluten and caffeine reduce stress to the thyroid.Finally, if you find it challenging to
find a health practitioner that takes a more holistic approach, check out the following websites:
www.naturopathic.org
www.abihm.org
www.functionalmedicine.org
www.thyroidchange.org
www.thyroid-info.com
www.thyroiddoctors.com
Let's have a conversation on
Jill the Health Coach FB page!
All material in this newsletter is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication;instead readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information provided has not been approved the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.
