Thyroid

Why do I have symptoms and yet my blood work is normal?

Most doctors rely on the TSH test (thyroid stimulating hormone test) to determine if a person has thyroid dysfunction. This test has become the “gold standard” in the medical community. Unfortunately, there have been no studies published that show you have optimal thyroid function simply because your TSH is within normal range. In our office we run several non-typical thyroid hormone tests including a Reverse T3 which gives a much more accurate way of determining your thyroid function.

What causes thyroid dysfunction?

• Environmental Challenges
• Pesticides and Chemicals – which disrupt hormones
• Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation
• Heavy Metal Toxicity
• Iodine and Selenium Deficiency
• Leaky Gut Syndrome – which affects 95% of Americans
• Poor Nutrition
• Pathogens
• Cellular Inflammation
• Chronic Stress

Why do I still have symptoms even though I am taking thyroid medication?

There are several factors to consider when it comes to thyroid dysfunction, and the problem is much more complex than just taking a simple thyroid hormone medication like Synthroid, Levolthyroxine, Armour, etc. First, the prescription hormone must be converted from the inactive form to the active form once inside the body. This conversion takes place primarily in the liver and the gut. If someone is experiencing a sluggish liver or a leaky gut the hormone will not convert properly resulting in a continuation of symptoms.

Secondly, if a person is toxic or under a lot of stress the inactive from of the hormone may convert to Reverse T3 creating a condition known as Reverse T3 Dominance. Until the toxicity and stress are addressed and removed the symptoms will not go away regardless of how much thyroid medication a person takes. Lastly, the thyroid gland does not work a by itself, but works in synergy with the hypothalamus gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and the liver. All must be functioning properly in order to have optimal thyroid function.

What is autoimmune thyroid?

Autoimmune thyroid can present as autoimmune hypothyroid which is also known as Hashimoto’s, or it can present as autoimmune hyperthyroid which is also known as Graves’s disease. Autoimmune is a condition in which the body attacks itself. In the case of autoimmune thyroid, your body is attacking its own thyroid gland, thyroid hormone receptors, or thyroid hormones, etc. In our office we do special testing to determine if someone’s thyroid condition is autoimmune. This is something we definitely want to know because our treatment approach will be different.