How Can I Balance My Thyroid?
How Can I Balance My Thyroid?
The thyroid and adrenal glands regulate multiple functions throughout the body. If thyroid hormone and cortisol levels are incorrect, the rest of the body will not function correctly; these critical hormones are just as important as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and growth hormone.
Many patients, especially women in their 30s and 40s, are diagnosed with hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid by their primary care physician or endocrinologist. These doctors only diagnose overt hypothyroidism or severe hormonal deficiencies; we call it clinical hypothyroidism. Suppose a patient has some or all of the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism, but the results of blood tests show that levels are within the normal range. In that case, no thyroid replacement therapy is given for symptomatic relief.
So, what happens to patients that test on the low side of “normal” and suffer from symptoms of hypothyroidism? These patients have sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Estimates suggest that 20–40% of the population suffers from sub-clinical hypothyroidism. In medical school, we were taught that there is no “sub-clinical” hypothyroidism and that only patients with overt thyroid deficiencies should be treated. The philosophy was that patients are either deficient or not; everything in the middle is normal. With the advent of anti-aging medicine, everybody is treated to ensure they reach an optimal hormonal balance and the hormonal levels of their youth. Whether you have sub-clinical or clinical hypothyroidism and a severe or mild deficiency, you do not have to endure your symptoms of hypothyroidism and the adverse effects they cause.
What Are The Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
A “sluggish” thyroid can cause various symptoms, including cold hands and feet, chronic fatigue, hair loss/thinning, low libido, depression, weight gain, and an inability to lose weight. These are all symptoms of slow metabolism. Sufferers might also experience pale/leathery skin, stiff joints, atherosclerosis, easy bruising, muscle cramps, persistent lower back pain, mental sluggishness, emotional instability with crying spells, temper tantrums, mood swings, and increased susceptibility to colds, viruses, and respiratory illnesses.
How Does An Underactive Thyroid Affect The Other Hormones in the Body?
Because hormones regulate each other, a deficiency in one can create excesses of another, and vice versa, creating numerous possibilities for hormonal imbalance and unhealthy symptoms. Imbalances of estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol are linked to low thyroid. Approximately 80% of hypothyroid patients have low cortisol or “adrenal fatigue” and vice versa.
Why Do Patients With An Underactive Thyroid Struggle to Feel “Normal” After Treatment?
Thyroid replacement therapy (primarily synthetic hormones such as Synthroid and levothyroxine etc.) improves some of the symptoms of hypothyroid patients; however, it is common for patients not to feel as good as they did before because they were treated thoroughly! They may treat for their thyroid deficiency, but all the other hormones that are out of balance or expressed abnormally are overlooked. It is crucial to test ALL hormones and treat ALL hormonal imbalances simultaneously to return to peak health.
Do I Know If I Have An Underactive Thyroid?
If you experience two or more of the symptoms below, you may benefit from natural thyroid supplementation:
- Tired all the time
- Weight gain
- Poor concentration
- Depression
- Brittle hair and nails
- Cold hands and feet
- Inability to lose weight
- Mood changes
- Slow pulse
- Forgetful
- Hair loss
- Thinning skin
- Constipation
- Aches and pains
- Low libido
What If I Am Already on Thyroid Replacement Therapy?
At AAI Rejuvenation Clinic, we are always the entire patient, not just the test result. First, we will test the levels of your thyroid hormones and gather data on all your symptoms to determine how you are responding to your current therapy. We will switch you from synthetic to bioidentical thyroid replacement therapy and fine-tune the dose. It is also essential to test your cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and GH levels to detect any imbalances and treat them accordingly.
How Can I Balance My Thyroid?
Although it might seem overwhelming, you can normalize your hormone levels and feel like you again, as long as you have the supervision and guidance of a qualified physician.
Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect from thyroid replacement therapy at AAI Rejuvenation Clinic:
- Identify your symptoms.
- Test your thyroid levels (this involves 5–7 blood tests, not just the usual test your general practitioner typically orders.)
- Find a board-certified anti-aging medicine doctor specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
- Detoxify to help your thyroid work at its maximum potential.
- Supplement with nutraceuticals (pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements that are prescription strength, free from harmful contaminants, and absorbed by the body). The only way to ensure your body has the building blocks to regenerate and function correctly.
- ALWAYS use a bioidentical thyroid hormone that has the exact chemical structure of the hormones produced by the body and is derived from a natural source.
- STOP using all synthetic hormones, including Premarin, Provera, Progestins, birth control pills, pellets, injections, and intrauterine devices. These all contain synthetic hormones that can cause hormonal imbalances and affect the thyroid.
- Use only “hormone-free” foods and products.
- Minimize stress and use stress-handling techniques like yoga, meditation, and prayer.
- Stop smoking ASAP.
- Eat more fiber.
- Get 7–8 hours of deep, restful, uninterrupted sleep per night. It is the only way to ensure that body tissues regenerate after use during the day.
The thyroid gland produces several hormones that play a role in regulating metabolism and energy production in the body. The two hormones the thyroid gland produces are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
T4 is the primary produced by the thyroid gland, and it is converted into T3 in the liver and other tissues in the body. T3 is the more active form of thyroid hormone, and it regulates metabolism and energy production in the body.
Imbalances in thyroid hormone levels can significantly impact overall health and well-being. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can occur when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, depression, cold intolerance, and dry skin.
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, can occur when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It can result in various symptoms, including weight loss, increased appetite, heat intolerance, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
Treatment for thyroid imbalances typically involves hormone replacement therapy, which may include taking synthetic thyroid hormone in the case of hypothyroidism or medications that decrease the production of thyroid hormone in the case of hyperthyroidism. At AAI Rejuvenation Clinic, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including blood testing, to measure thyroid hormone levels. Personalized treatment plans are developed to address each patient’s needs, including thyroid imbalances.
**NOTE** The content in this page is subject to interpretation and is the opinion of the content writer. We do not claim it to be fact. We encourage you to consult a medical doctor before taking any prescribed medications or supplements.
Conclusion
Supporting Hormones health is essential for overall well-being and vitality. By incorporating regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and IV therapy, you can help maintain optimal testosterone levels and lead a healthy, balanced life. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your lifestyle or starting any new treatments to ensure they suit your needs.
At AAI Rejuvenation Clinic, we advise anyone to think seriously about beginning Hormone treatment if there is no medical need for it. However, we will take every precaution to ensure that you read your program’s positive benefits by providing the latest at-home hormonal mouth-swab testing to ensure we are continually monitoring your progress and aware of any adverse side effects. Fill out the Medical History Form, or if you need more information, call us at (866) 224-5698 or (866) AAI-Low-T.
Low Hormone Symptoms
- Motivation
- Sex Drive and Desire
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Cholesterol
- Low Energy
- Memory Loss
- Osteoporosis
- Wounds & Illness
- Muscle Mass
- Sleep Disturbances
- Thyroid Dysfunction
- Weight Gain