Bioidentical Hormones Expert Discusses Thyroid Imbalance and Your Health

GREENVILLE, SC? January, 2011 - Struggling with weight gain? Tired all of the time? Well according to Dr. Kenneth Orbeck, Medical Director of BodyLogicMD of Greenville, your thyroid hormones may be to blame. Thyroid imbalances affect over 200 million women and men across the globe. In light of Thyroid Awareness Month, the highly trained physicians at BodyLogicMD are shedding some light on thyroid imbalance and what can be done to ease symptoms and regain balance.

"I have steady pace of patients with the same story ­? they're gaining weight and they're tired all of the time," shares Dr. Orbeck. "The thyroid helps control a variety of bodily functions such as appetite control, the ability to metabolize cholesterol, and regulating body temperature and blood pressure."

Symptoms of thyroid imbalance depend on which type of imbalance a person is suffering from. When the thyroid is "underactive" and not producing enough thyroid hormones, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. Conversely, when the thyroid is producing excess hormones, the condition is referred to as hyperthyroidism or "overactive" thyroid.

According to Dr. Orbeck, hypothyroidism occurs with a considerably higher frequency and symptoms typically include hair Loss, fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, constipation and cold intolerance. While hyperthyroidism isn't as prevalent, the symptoms can be just as debilitating and include muscle weakness, breathlessness, heart palpitations, anxiety, osteoporosis (in severe cases), trembling hands, hair loss, insomnia, weight loss, fatigue, heat intolerance and increased bowel movements.

"Many individuals with symptoms of thyroid imbalance have been told that they're levels are "normal." However, the Society of Endocrinologists stated in 2002 that the lab ranges were actually incorrect and many cases of thyroid imbalance were more than likely misdiagnosed," warns Dr. Orbeck. "To this day, many labs have not adjusted their ranges, and countless women and men are still unaware that the symptoms they're experiencing are in fact the result of a thyroid imbalance."

BodyLogicMD affiliated physicians offer state-of-the-art diagnostic testing to detect underlying thyroid imbalances, using blood, saliva and urine. Based on the results, a doctor can customize a treatment plan designed to mitigate symptoms and restore male thyroid health as well as thyroid health for women. If you think that you might be suffering from an underlying thyroid imbalance, consult with your physician or contact a BodyLogicMD affiliated physician today to get started on your road to hormonal balance.

More about Dr. Orbeck

Dr. Kenneth Orbeck received his undergraduate degree from Calvin College in 1983 and completed his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in 1987, where he served as Student Chairman for the American College of General Practitioners. Before practicing medicine, Dr. Orbeck fulfilled his Internship at Mt. Clemens General Hospital in 1988. Dr. Orbeck is currently an active member of the Fellowship for Anti-Aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine (FAAFM), and the Age Management Medical Group (AMMG).