The thyroid gland is in charge of regulating the body’s metabolic rate. If the thyroid gland is sluggish and not producing enough thyroid hormones, the body’s metabolism slows down.

TWO PRIMARY THYROID HORMONES

THYROXIN (T4)

T4 is the storage form of thyroid hormone. The body converts this to triiodothyronine (T3), the active form. Most synthetic thyroid medications such as Synthroid or Levothyroxine are pure T4 only. Unfortunately some individuals are unable to covert T4-T3, this could be due to nutrient deficiencies, certain medications or a lack of the enzyme that aids in the conversion process.

TRIIODOTHYRONINE (T3)

T3 is the most active form of the Thyroid hormone. This hormone does most of the work and affects most of the body’s system that depends on hormones.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF UNDERACTIVE THYROID INCLUDE:

  • Constipation

  • Fatigue

  • Weight gain

  • Low libido

  • Infertility

  • Muscle weakness

  • Water retention/edema

  • Headaches

  • Rough dry skin

  • Mestrural irregularities

  • Poor concentration

  • Brittle nails

  • Thinning hair

  • Increased appetite

  • Cold intolerance/low body temperature

  • Feeling depressed or anxious

COMMON CAUSES OF UNDERACTIVE THYROID

HYPOTHALAMIC DYSFUNCTION

Sometimes that thyroid gland may be fine but it’s not getting adequate stimulation from the hypothalamus and is basically “asleep”. If this situation, there is less or decreased signal to the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones.

HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS

This is an autoimmune process in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. The thyroid is unable to make/produce thyroid hormones. This can be diagnosed by a blood test called: “anti-TPO antibody”. If the anti-TPO antibody test is elevated, you likely have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and may need to take a thyroid supplementation for the rest of your life.

ARE YOU SICK AND TIRED OF FEELING SICK AND TIRED YET YOUR PROVIDER TELLS YOU YOUR LABS ARE NORMAL?

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM, DON’T LOOSE HOPE. THERE ARE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU

AT RESTORE HEALTH AND WELLNESS, OUR FOCUS IS SYMPTOM CONTROL RATHER THAN CHASING LAB VALUES!