Hypothyroidism

What is hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland is a small endocrine gland that sits directly under the atom's apple. Structurally, it looks like a butterfly and plays a highly critical role in your body. It controls body temperature, metabolism, energy, and weight.

People can develop thyroid disease for several reasons, such as genetic predisposition, autoimmunity, toxin exposure, nutrient deficiencies, and infections. It is most commonly seen in women, and often it is diagnosed between the ages of 20-40.

Symptoms of thyroid disease include weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, depressed mood, loss of eyebrows, hoarseness of voice, and dry skin. Routine blood work can help identify a thyroid problem, and more comprehensive testing can help you learn if your thyroid gland is working optimally.

A thyroid ultrasound can help you learn about the size of the gland if it contains any nodules (growths on the thyroid gland; can have one or many) and if there are signs of autoimmunity (your immune system attacking the gland).

Generally, a normal thyroid gland should not be felt in your neck. If your neck is swollen or enlarged, it is a good idea to get it checked out!

Learn how to optimize your hormones by understanding what they do in your body. An optimal thyroid gland can help ensure that your body temperature is well regulated has a thriving metabolism where you can quickly lose weight and feel energetic and happy.

How NES can optimize your hormones to treat your hypothyroidism

At NES, we help you learn about these endocrine glands and educate you on how these hormones work in your body. We also help you understand how hormones work together and create a treatment plan that is completely individualized to your needs.

We test for markers that contribute to the underlying cause of thyroid diseases such as nutrient deficiencies (ex. Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin B12/Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin D), detailed thyroid markers such as antibodies (ex. TPO antibody, TGB antibody, TSI) and thyroid hormones (ex. T4, T3, fT4, fT3, RT3). 

What our process typically looks like

At your doctor's appointment, your doctor will order a comprehensive thyroid panel. Examples of markers that may be run include TSH, FT3, FT4, Anti-TPO, thyroglobulin, ferritin, zinc, iodine. 

By assessing these markers, your doctor will be better able to determine whether you're a candidate for thyroid medication and evaluate for nutrient deficiencies or excesses that could exacerbate your condition.

This information is helpful in generating treatment recommendations for you.

The treatments will also usually consist of diet and lifestyle recommendations, supplement recommendations, stress management recommendations, medications, possible imaging, referrals to specialists, future lab recommendations, and next steps for follow-up.

Want to know more about hypothyroidism? Read this article!