Do I Have a Thyroid Imbalance?
Hypothyroidism
The most common type of thyroid dysfunction is due to a condition called “hypothyroidism”, in which the thyroid gland is either not producing enough thyroid hormone T4, or the body is not properly converting the hormone to its useful form T3.
Hypothyroidism can be caused by a number of factors, including nutrient deficiencies (specifically Selenium, Iodine, and Zinc), adrenal imbalance (high cortisol caused by excessive stress, poor diet, toxic exposures, etc.), high estrogen, low Vitamin D, and low progesterone.
The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Low basal temperature (cold intolerance)
- Dry and coarse skin
- Hair loss
- Cold hands and feet
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Depression
- Poor memory, forgetfulness, dementia
- Nervousness and tremors
- Immune system problems
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Frequent sinus infections
- Poor resistance to infection
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is much less common than hypothyroidism and occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive, producing more hormone than the body actually requires.
Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Palpitations
- Bulging Eyes
- Heat Intolerance
- Weight Loss
- Thinning of Hair
- Diarrhea
- Loss of Menses or Decreased Flow
- Swelling in the Front of the Lower Legs
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Increased Reflex Reaction
- Dry Mouth
- Excessive Sweating
- Insomnia or Shortened Sleep Cycles
My Doctor Says My Thyroid is Normal but I Still Have Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance. Why is this?
Most conventional doctors only test for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), which is not always an accurate indicator of overall thyroid function. It is possible for TSH levels to be normal when levels of T3, the body’s active thyroid hormone, are low. As many doctors do not test for this, thyroid imbalance often goes undiagnosed and symptoms persist. Thyroid imbalance is caused by a number of underlying factors, making it possible for simple screening tests to come back indicating normal thyroid levels, when in fact, thyroid dysfunction is present.
My Doctor has Already Prescribed Thyroid Medication but I Don’t Feel Better. What’s Happening?
Most doctors prescribe two types of thyroid medication: Synthroid and Armour. Synthroid is composed of T4 only and does not include T3, the body’s active form of thyroid hormone, while Armour is composed of pig thyroid hormone, which is not bioidentical, and often elicits an immune response in the body. Some people respond poorly to these medications while others are given improper dosages based on inaccurate testing. As mentioned above, thyroid imbalance can be the result of a variety of imbalances including low Vitamin D, low iodine, low iron, high estrogen, high cortisol, and low progesterone. Without accounting for and adjusting all of these factors to their proper balance, it is difficult to treat thyroid imbalance even with medication. If these other factors are not addressed, it is highly possible to be on thyroid medication and still retain the symptoms of thyroid imbalance.
How do I get Started?
Contact our office at 512-473-8900 for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haest, or fill out the contact form to the right and someone from our office will contact you.
You may also contact us online.
