Thyroid Imbalances
Have you been feeling a bit off lately?
Dealing with ongoing fatigue or a lingering mental fog?
Noticing unexplained weight gain, despite no changes to your diet?
Perhaps you’re experiencing more aches and stiffness, or your muscles feel weaker than usual.
Do you find yourself grabbing a sweater in the middle of summer because air-conditioned rooms feel too chilly?
Or maybe you’ve been feeling down, with mood swings or sadness that seems out of the ordinary.
If any of this resonates, it’s possible that an underlying thyroid issue may be at play.
What to Look for
Your thyroid is essential for energy levels and overall bodily function. Located at the base of your neck, this small gland produces hormones that control metabolism, heart rate, digestion, muscle strength, brain development, mood, and bone health. It also determines how efficiently your body burns calories from the foods you eat.
Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) include:
– Constant fatigue, especially toward the end of the day
– Needing a lot of sleep
– Feeling unusually cold
– Constipation
– Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
– Mental fogginess
– Memory issues
– Hair loss
– Dry or brittle hair
– Dry skin and eyes
– Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety
– Irregular menstrual cycles or heavy periods
– Fertility challenges
– Reduced interest in sex
– Elevated cholesterol
– Puffy eyes
– Stiff or sore muscles
Thyroid health is crucial for metabolism. The thyroid directs your body to burn fat for energy, so when thyroid levels are low, your body’s energy production slows significantly.
Our Approach
We perform an in-depth thyroid panel that includes TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and anti-TG antibodies.
We also examine underlying factors that may impact how effectively your body uses thyroid hormones, including stress, inflammation, and digestive health.
"I was told my thyroid looked normal, but I know something is wrong."
We hear this all the time.
Here’s why it leaves so many women frustrated.
There are multiple reasons why your TSH test may fall within the “normal” range, yet you still feel unwell. For one, the lab range for TSH is broad and often debated. Your results may be “normal” but far from optimal.
More commonly, we find that while your TSH levels are fine and your thyroid produces enough hormone, your body may struggle to actually use it. When your cells can’t properly utilize thyroid hormone, you may experience hypothyroid symptoms—even though your TSH levels look normal!
What could be wrong?
Your thyroid gland produces T4 (thyroxine), which circulates in your blood but is mostly inactive on its own. For T4 to support your body’s needs, it must convert into T3, particularly in the liver, where T3 acts as the active hormone signaling your cells to burn fat and generate energy. If your body struggles to convert T4 into T3, your cells don’t receive the message to function effectively.
Some common reasons why T4 may not be converting efficiently into T3 include:
– Stress (elevated cortisol can lower T3 conversion)
– Nutrient deficiencies (certain vitamins are essential for T3 production)
– Gut imbalances (gut bacteria play a role in this process)
– Estrogen dominance (hormonal imbalances can interfere)
– Inflammation
If this is the issue, your thyroid itself may be functioning well, and you may not need thyroid replacement. Instead, we’ll focus on addressing these underlying factors to help your body utilize thyroid hormone properly!
Why are you hypothyroid in the first place?
Most women don’t know the underlying reason for their hypothyroidism because it’s a question that’s rarely explored. But wouldn’t you want to find out?
Environmental factors, like exposure to heavy metals and toxic chemicals, can damage the thyroid gland. Although iodine deficiency can contribute to hypothyroidism, it’s less common today.
The primary cause of hypothyroidism in women—responsible for nearly 90% of cases—is an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s.
Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly targets your thyroid gland, resulting in thyroid dysfunction.
Unfortunately, millions live with chronic autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, often without knowing. Many people go without proper treatment or are misdiagnosed, leaving their symptoms unresolved.
A simple blood test measuring thyroid antibodies, particularly TPO antibodies, can determine if you have Hashimoto’s.
But why is it so important to know if Hashimoto’s is the cause?
When you have an autoimmune disorder like Hashimoto’s, your risk of developing other autoimmune conditions rises significantly. Disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis become more likely, and some individuals may even develop three or more autoimmune conditions.
Supporting your immune system—most of which resides in your digestive tract—is essential. By working to strengthen and balance immune function, we can reduce the likelihood of additional autoimmune issues and help manage the progression of Hashimoto’s. This approach promotes better overall health and minimizes the risk of further complications.
Does this sound like you?
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency:
Feel like you’ve lost some of your strength and muscle tone?
Feel like you’re “off your game”?
Low sex drive?
Feel like you have less energy?
Do you have less drive or just feel generally unmotivated?
Do you struggle with losing weight and can’t seem to shake those extra pounds on your belly?
