Thyroid Hormone Health for Women

The Thyroid Gland Location and Function

The thyroid gland location is positioned in the front of the neck below the larynx or voice box. The gland produces thyroid hormones which are a major factor in metabolism for women. These hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are produced from the iodine found in the food you eat. These thyroid hormones include thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and reverse triiodothyronine (Reverse T3). Many things can affect this gland, especially stress, hormone balance and nutritional deficiencies.

Hypothyroidism in Women

When the thyroid gland is underactive, the metabolism slows down and you suffer from symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Thyroid Weight Gain
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Hair Loss
• Cold intolerance

Thyroid symptoms in women come from having the far more common underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) than to have an overactive thyroid. In fact, some estimate that as many as 1 in 7 adults suffer from hypothyroidism. Many women have the symptoms of low thyroid hormones but are told that their lab tests are “normal” and that there is not a problem. However, the Society of Endocrinologists stated in 2002 that the lab ranges were actually incorrect and hypothyroidism was being under diagnosed. At this point, most labs have not adjusted their ranges so a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test originally read as “normal” may actually show hypothyroidism.

Similar symptoms afflict woman with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain illness. The condition causes severe joint and muscle pain and fatigue. A significant number of hypothyroidism sufferers were subsequently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, indicating a connection between the two conditions. This connection is not yet comprehensively understood.

Hyperthyroidism in Women

Thyroid symptoms in women can also be a result of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). These include:

• Heart Palpitations
• Weight Loss
• Anxiety
• Osteoporosis (in severe cases
• Heat Intolerance
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Trembling Hands
• Muscle Weakness
• Increased Bowel Movements
• Hair Loss
• Breathlessness

In hyperthyroidism, the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are being produced too much. These high levels of thyroid hormones result in an increased metabolism which causes the weight loss. However, some women with this condition overeat because of the increased appetite, and may still experience thyroid weight gain. The symptoms may be hard to notice at first, but become gradually more severe over time. Older sufferers may not experience many of the symptoms and may just lose weight and become depressed.

Thyroid Hormones

Most physicians test only the TSH as a measure of thyroid function. There are many things that can level this test, so it is not a good indicator all by itself. If you have symptoms, you should request a free T4, a freeT3 and a reverse T3 test which is a much better indicator of the actually amount of active thyroid hormones your body has.

More importantly, of the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland, T4 is the most produced and has very low activity. Once the T4 is released, it is converted to the active thyroid hormone, T3, in your body. Many things affect your ability to make this conversion. Stress and high cortisol will reduce this conversion. If you are nutritionally depleted in iodine, selenium and vitamin A, you will also have reduced activity of your thyroid hormones.

Reverse T3 is a hormone created from T4 by your body when your cortisol level is very high. Reverse T3 has no activity which helps your body slow its metabolism way down when it perceives a serious problem (like whatever caused the high cortisol levels).

The Solution

When hypothyroidism is treated, it is important to follow levels of T3 and T4. Synthroid and Levoxyl are bioidentical medications commonly used for treatment but are only T4. If you have trouble converting T4 to T3, they will not be effective. Cytomel is a bioidentical medication containing only T3 which can be used in conjunction with Synthroid or Levoxyl for those that have trouble with conversion. Armour thyroid is a bioidentical hormone which combines T4 and T3 (in a 4 to 1 ratio of T4 to T3). The combination can also be compounded specifically for each patient as needed.

While all of this information can seem overwhelming, it is important to know that a BodyLogicMD expert bioidentical hormone physician can help you understand the levels of the hormones secreted by the thyroid glands in your body and what needs to be done to balance them. This includes customized natural hormone replacement, supplements, and a fitness and nutrition guide. BodyLogicMD will help you balance your thyroid hormones and others, and keep them balanced for the optimal health of your body.

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To get started, leave us your information and we will contact you to find out exactly how we can help. We order the initial labs you’ll need for your first visit and we’ll schedule the appointment with your new BodyLogicMD physician. Before your visit you’ll spend time on our website completing a thorough questionnaire in the convenience of your home.

 

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At your hour-long initial consultation, your BodyLogicMD physician will meet with you personally to discuss your symptoms, review your results and talk through the appropriate treatment to meet your individualized needs. Our highly experienced physicians undergo hundreds of hours of training in bioidentical hormones and have helped thousands of women and men suffering the symptoms of hormone imbalance.

 

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Finally, if necessary, your BodyLogicMD physician will prescribe the customized compounded bioidentical hormones and other pharmacy-grade supplements for your personalized program. The compounding pharmacy will contact you and send these directly to your home or office as you request.