January Is Thyroid Awareness Month
by Wellness Alternatives
Traditional medical guidelines for diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism is very ‘old school’ and inaccurate. Millions of patients suffer from hypothyroidism signs and symptoms and are not getting the care they need. Thyroid testing is difficult for practitioners to interpret and the tests are often inadequate and do not provide a strict diagnosis. Some symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
Fatigue. Dry, cold, and rough skin.
Sensitivity to cold. Difficulty losing weight.
Slow hair growth or excessive hair loss.
Decreased perspiration.
Chronic constipation. Muscle weakness.
Hormone related symptoms. Depression.
Dr. Peterson and Dr. Hecker, with Wellness Alternatives, are trained in Functional Endocrinology and specialize in thyroid and autoimmune diseases. When evaluating thyroid tests, Functional Physicians utilizes a TSH range between 1.8-3.0. If your TSH is not in this range, there is high probability that your thyroid gland is not working properly.
TSH diagnoses only one simple type of hypothyroidism. There are six additional patterns of thyroid metabolism disease. Two examples are: the thyroid hormones binding to elevated estrogens and thyroid hormone resistance due to inflammation.
Second, it is extremely important to measure the active thyroid hormones in the blood. Free T3 and T4, as well as T3 uptake provide this information. For example, it is fairly common to find the Free T4 and Free T3 hormone levels below normal when TSH is in its normal range. These patients have classic hypothyroid symptoms and are frequently misdiagnosed. This is hypothyroidism; just ask these patients how they feel.
Third, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s, a thyroid disease resulting from autoimmune conditions. All suspected thyroid patients should have TPO, TAA (anti-thyroglobulin antibodies) and a Vitamin D level checked to complete the exam.
In summary, initial lab testing should consist of TSH, Free T3 and T4, T3 uptake, TPO, TAA, and a Vitamin D level. According to Dr. Peterson, “If any of these tests are abnormal, patterns of thyroid hormone dysregulation, inflammation, associated adrenal and pituitary function, and root causes of autoimmune disease must be examined to promote a healthy thyroid and the utilization of thyroid hormones.”
January is Thyroid Awareness Month. If your thyroid isn’t working properly, neither are you. Contact Wellness Alternatives if you suspect you have an undiagnosed thyroid condition or unmanaged thyroid symptoms. 636-227-4949. Stlwa.com.