What is Hypothyroidism?
Each of us have a butterfly-shaped gland called a thyroid, which produces hormones that are essential to our metabolism.
Patients with hypothyroidism don’t produce enough of those hormones, which can cause a variety of symptoms such as gaining weight, feeling tired and more.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism can include:
- Weight gain
- Inability to lose weight
- High cholesterol
- Low energy levels
- Dry skin
- Cold intolerance
- Loss of hair on outer third of eyebrows
- Dry, course hair
- Hair loss
- Cold hands and feet
- Muscle pains
- Constipation
- Joint pain
- Fertility issues
- Depression
- Inability to focus
- Irritability
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Decreased libido
- Goiter (lump on the thyroid gland)
No Two Patients Are The Same
Results may vary from patient to patient and we cannot guarantee exact results for each patient.
Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism. The body sees the thyroid gland as a foreign invader and builds antibodies that will attack. If you have Hashimoto’s, medication can make you feel better for a while. However, if Hashimoto’s is the underlying cause of your hypothyroidism, we will need to further address your immune system to determine what is causing this condition.
If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in the past, or if it runs in your family, please let us know and we will test you for thyroid antibodies. If you have other autoimmune conditions, it is more likely that you will have Hashimoto’s.
Thyroid Testing
Our providers will test your TSH, T3, and T4 hormones in our comprehensive lab panel. By doing this, we will be able to tell if you are having conversion issues and can get you on the right medication that includes both hormones.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones. When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to signal the thyroid gland to produce more hormones.
T4 Hormone
T4 is considered an inactive prohormone. Most of it is converted into the active form, T3 (triiodothyronine), in various tissues throughout the body. T3 is the more biologically active form of thyroid hormone that affects the body's metabolism and energy levels.
T3 Hormone
It’s a lot less common for providers to test your T3 levels. But, this is an important test also. Some people do not convert T4 into T3 properly. This is why some who have commonly been prescribed a T4 drug such as Levothyroxine will continue to feel bad.
Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired?
Speak with our new patient advisor today and take the first steps towards a happier and balanced mood.
