Thyroid

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones that control the body’s metabolic rate.

An underactive thyroid can be the hidden cause of many health problems and is very common and an easily missed diagnosis, especially during menopause. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, depression and heart disease.

An overactive thyroid occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate the body’s metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. It can mimic other health problems which can make it difficult to diagnose.

Hypothyroidism: Symptoms of hypothyroidism include susceptibility to cold; fatigue; weight gain or difficulty to lose weight; lowered stress resistance; recurrent infections; depression; dry skin and hair; brittle nails; thinning of hair; heart palpitations; hoarse voice; infertility; poor concentration; and menstrual problems. It can also influence cholesterol negatively which in turn causes coronary artery disease.

Hyperthyroidism: There are a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including unintentional weight loss; rapid heartbeat; irregular heartbeat; heart palpitations; increased appetite; nervousness, anxiety and irritability; tremors in hands and fingers; sweating; changes in menstrual patterns; increased sensitivity to heat; changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements; fatigue; muscle weakness; interrupted sleep; thinning skin; and fine, brittle hair.

Hypothyroidism: Often missed with standard blood testing. To sufficiently test thyroid function, a full blood panel including TSH, free T4, free T3, thyroglobulin antibodies and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies are required. This gives a more accurate and reliable picture and can help with pointing towards an immune-induced cause for example Hashimoto’s.

Options ranges between synthetic Thyroxine (T4) and bio-identical Triiodothyronine (T3) and T4 preparations, NDT (natural dessicated thyroid). Many people do well on synthetic T4 preparations. If a person is not feeling much different or improved on synthetic T4, then it is worth considering either adding synthetic T3 or using bio-identical T3/T4.

Hyperthyroidism: Blood tests that measure thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can confirm the diagnosis. High levels of thyroxine and low or nonexistent amounts of TSH indicate an overactive thyroid. The amount of irregular TSH is important because it’s the hormone that signals your thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine.

Several treatments are available for hyperthyroidism and once diagnosed, it is best to have treatment initiated by an endocrinologist, in which case, a referral will be put in place.

Treatment for thyroid issues follows the same pathway as other ongoing health conditions whereby an initial appointment is 45 minutes with follow up appointments at 20 minutes.