Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid hormones affect nearly every function in the body. Having a thyroid disorder completely affects a person’s ability to feel good and function normally. There are a wide variety of thyroid dysfunction symptoms that you can see below, many of which can be debilitating.
Getting thyroid hormones balanced are extremely important for overall health. Many Doctors simply look at blood TSH levels to diagnose and treat a thyroid dysfunction. This often completely misses diagnosing a thyroid problem in the first place and then negatively affects getting a patient’s thyroid symptoms under control. Many Doctors never check thyroid antibodies and miss an underlying autoimmune aspect which is also needed to bring the thyroid back into balance. Many Doctors also commonly treat low thyroid function or Hypothyroidism with a T4 only medication such as Synthroid or Levothyroxine and miss the balancing of vital T3 thyroid hormones for proper thyroid balance.
There needs to be a complete holistic approach to balancing thyroid function. From fully checking all thyroid hormones and antibody markers, to prescribing natural thyroid hormone replacement or custom compounding thyroid hormones when needed for balancing the thyroid. There is not a one size fits all when it comes to thyroid hormone replacement therapies. Dr. Barreda utilizes a wide variety of thyroid hormone medications, along with herbs, vitamins and nutrients when needed. Diet, exercise, gut health, adrenal function, sex hormones and many others can also affect thyroid health. Dr. Barreda has a comprehensive approach to review all bodily systems to achieve a healthy and balanced thyroid function so that people can return to a vibrant state of health.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance:
- Fatigue
- Poor Stamina
- Weight gain
- Decreased Metabolism
- Depression
- Anxiety or Panic
- High Cortisol
- Mood Swings
- Insomnia
- Feeling Cold (or Hot)
- Aches and Pains
- Inflammation and Swelling
- Intolerance to Heat or Cold
- Hair Thinning
- Thinning Eyebrows
- Hair Loss
- Fidgetiness
- Hormone Imbalance
- Loss of Libido (Decreased Interest in Sex)
- Dry Skin
- Having to take afternoon naps
- Excessive Sweating (or no sweating)
- Increased Cholesterol Levels
- Increased Blood Pressure
- Heart Palpitations
- Thyroid Nodules
- Bone Loss
- Lowering of Voice
- Poor Nutrient Absorption
- Digestive Issues
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- Low B Vitamins
- Anemia
- Low Vitamin D
- Sudden Weight Loss
- Brain Fog
- Forgetfulness
- Swollen Face
- Blurry Vision
- Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding
- Excessive or Heavy Bleeding
- Excessive PMS Symptoms
- Infertility (also higher incidence of miscarriage and stillbirth)
- High Thyroid Antibodies
- Enlarged Thyroid or Goiter
- Tightness in the Throat (or feels like something is stuck in their throat)
(Below Article from https://bit.ly/3FqO8At)
What is the function of the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland makes, stores and releases hormones into the bloodstream to carry out their functions. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, in the brain, help control the thyroid gland.
Thyroid hormones affect almost all cell functions in the body.
Let’s talk about the function of thyroid hormones, most notably thyroxine and triiodothyronine, as well as the function of the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing, storing and releasing thyroid hormones that play a role in stimulating and maintaining key cell functions in the body. The thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland are crucial to cells are carrying out cell functions correctly.
Here is a list of thyroid gland functions:
- Producing key thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, using iodine in the food you eat
- Storing thyroid hormones thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin
- Releasing thyroid hormones thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin
- Communicating with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus to ensure that hormones are secreted to meet the needs of the body at any given time
The thyroid gland is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis refers to the healthy functioning of all the body systems.
The thyroid gland ensures that if the body becomes too hot or cold, thyroid hormones are released to try and regulate the body temperature. The same can be said for when a woman is pregnant or requires more energy or is experiencing weight fluctuations. The thyroid gland uses iodine from the foods that we eat and to produce two of the main thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The thyroid gland is closely linked to the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, all three communicate. If thyroid hormone levels drop too low in the body, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) will be released from the pituitary gland. If thyroid hormone levels raise too high, TSH stops being released from the pituitary gland.
Thyroid problems can occur because of a problem in the thyroid gland itself, or a problem in communication between the pituitary gland and the thyroid or inadequate communication between the hypothalamus and the thyroid. Measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) circulating in the blood, helps to determine a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or other conditions of the thyroid.
What is the function of thyroid hormones?
Thyroxine affects almost every organ in the body but there are some functions that are more notable than others.
Some of the functions of thyroxine include:
- Regulating the metabolism
- Stimulating digestion
- Bone maintenance
- Brain development
- Cardiovascular health
Regulating the Metabolism
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and have been associated with weight control and obesity. Small differences in thyroid function can be associated with substantial differences in body weight. and treatment for both hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) can also result in substantial weight change.
Stimulating Digestion
Thyroid hormones play a role in fat metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis and insulin secretion. Thyroid hormones play a role in healthy digestion. Those who are living with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are prone to digestive issues.
Those who are living with hypothyroidism are more likely to suffer from constipation because of reduced gut motility. Some people living with hyperthyroidism may experience increased hunger and suffer from diarrhea, nausea and vomiting because of increased gut motility.
Bone Maintenance
Thyroid hormones may affect bone calcium metabolism directly or indirectly. Thyroid hormones are required for skeletal development and hypothyroidism and thyroid issues may cause issues in bone development. Hyperthyroidism can cause an increase in risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture , even for people with subclinical disease.
Brain Development
Thyroid hormones play an integral role in the development of the brain by regulating cell migration and differentiation (making sure the right type of cells develop in the right area), synaptogenesis (synapses are where two nerves meet and communicate) and myelination (myelin is the substance that covers nerve cells). Thyroid hormones also play a role in the growing embryonic brain.
Thyroid problems can cause fatigue, poor motor control, memory impairment, hyporeflexia, brain fog, depression and anxiety.
Cardiovascular Health
Thyroid hormones play a role in maintaining a healthy heart rate, the elasticity of arteries, blood pressure and circulation. Thyroid hormones influence the force and speed of the heartbeat, your blood pressure and cholesterol. If someone is experiencing hypothyroidism or an under-active thyroid, they may have a slower heart rate (bradycardia) and problems with blood pressure. If someone is experiencing hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid, they may have a higher heart rate (tachycardia) and higher blood pressure.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Barreda by calling or texting 480-281-1797 or send her an email through our contact form.