Hypothyroidism and Treatment

Hypothyroidism is becoming more common as awareness about it increases, however; it is also regularly under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed as: depression, chronic fatigue, arthritis, fibromyalgia, ADD and chronic headache in countless patients. While hypothyroidism affects men and women at any age, the symptoms can take a number of years to develop and oftentimes they are dismissed as part of the natural aging process. These symptoms can become more and more obvious to the patient and can quickly become more severe leading to severe physical and psychological problems if left untreated. Thyroid function can be easily affected by hormonal imbalance, adrenal fatigue, inadequate nutrition, and medications.

Millions of people have their symptoms dismissed,and are left untreated since their lab results, typically their TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, is “within normal limits” even though their actual thyroid hormones( T3 and T4) are in the low normal range. The majority of these people may be suffering from what is known as subclinical hypothyroidism and may experience mild to severe symptoms that can worsen with time, if not treated appropriately.

Often we see patients with symptoms of thyroid insufficiency (see below for the symptoms) who have a normal TSH level but a low normal thyroid hormone ( low normal T3/T4). Most of these patients respond very well to a T3 /T4 combination treatment (natural thyroid treatment), once we increase their hormone level to a supra physiologic range (or a high normal range). Thyroid receptors at the cell level lose their sensitivity ( genetic or as part of the aging process) therefore mimicking the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Increasing the level of thyroid hormones in the blood after starting the treatment helps to activate those lazy receptors therefore alleviating the symptoms of thyroid insufficiency. 

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

Fatigue, Weight gain, Cold hands and feet, Cold intolerance, Constipation, Puffy eyes/ face, Hair loss, Brittle nails, Dry skin, Low energy, Weak muscles, Sore joints, Depression, Forgetfulness, lack of concentration, insomnia, hot flashes, water retention, Chronic Headache and irregular menstrual cycle.

The Benefits of Natural Thyroid Treatment:

The benefits of optimizing the thyroid and all of its components can be quickly noticed by an increase in energy, weight loss, improved mood, regulated body temperature, new hair growth, and stronger nails. Symptoms will typically resolve at a faster pace if the patient is also balancing hormones, restoring the adrenal glands, and has a healthy lifestyle.

It is very important to diagnose hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism as early as possible to prevent a decline in physical and psychological well-being. 

How to start;

A detailed blood thyroid panel( and not just TSH) is ordered through Quest 

diagnostic. Once results are received, patients are seen by Dr. Motamedy to formulate a customized hypothyroidism treatment plan that may include a combination of natural T3, T4( and not synthetic thyroid medication), and recommendations for additional testing to treat for other wellness related conditions such as: hormonal imbalance, adrenal fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, weight gain, and allergies. Regular visits, with blood work, are typical and a necessary part of treatment to ensure each patient is getting the correct dosage of thyroid as his/ her needs change. The treatment is in the form of pills or capsules to take every morning on an empty stomach.For more information about our thyroid hormone therapy call us or send us a message using the form on our contact page. You can describe your symptoms and someone will get back to you with the recommended blood test and treatment plan.