Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Difficulty concentrating and short term me
Recurrent and chronic infections
Loss of energy (malaise/fatigue)
Decreased mental sharpness, “brain fog”
Difficulty losing weight
Depression or mood swings
Brittle fingernails with ridging
Enlarged thyroid gland
Dry skin and Hair loss
Fluid retention
Weight gain
Enlarged tongue with teeth indentations
Cold extremities and cold sensitivity
Tiredness after a full night’s sleep
Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
Muscle pain and cramps
Low basal body temperature
Menstrual irregularities
Cold intolerance
Joint pain
Constipation
Headaches
Why Hypothyroidism is Commonly Misdiagnosed
This is frustrating because their doctor has dismissed their symptoms of hypothyroidism in lieu of one blood test result, the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test.
Why The Normal Laboratory Range Fails the Patient
The “normal laboratory range” of thyroid hormone is an arbitrary value, defined statistically as plus or minus two standard deviations from the mean. This so-called “normal range” is as wide as the Grand Canyon and as tall as the Empire State Building. In practice, it means that approximately 90-95 percent of the population will always fall within the normal range. However, it’s assured that 90-95 percent of the population does not feel healthy, well, or full of energy.
There is another reason why lab tests should not be the sole factor in determining whether an individual has hypothyroidism: thyroid hormone levels decline with age, with predictable effects on energy and well-being. It is the relative decline in your thyroid hormone level that matters, not your level compared to some arbitrarily defined standard.
Our Approach to Hypothyroidism Treatment
The Main difference is our approach is that we treat to optimal function.
However, the primary criterion for diagnosis and for evaluating the effects of treatment is how the patient feels. If the symptoms of hypothyroidism are present, we treat accordingly.
We will monitor you and incrementally adjust your dose, checking your thyroid lab values to assure that they are within safe ranges, until your symptoms of hypothyroidism are resolved.
Natural vs. Synthetic Thyroid
We treat with desiccated thyroid. Examples of brand names of desiccated thyroid are Armour Thyroid or Nature-Throid. Such desiccated thyroid preparations contain both the inactive and the active forms of thyroid hormone. Common synthetic thyroid preparations such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, and other levothyroxine sodium products contain only a synthetic version of T4, the inactive form of thyroid hormone. This may work for you if your body is perfect at converting the inactive T4 to the active T3 that your body can actually utilize.
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