Thyroid Disease Patty McGee Thyroid Disease Patty McGee

You Can Reverse Thyroid Disease. Here's How.

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Are you one of the 20 million Americans who is affected by Thyroid disease? 

January is Thyroid Awareness month, and this one has special meaning to me because of my personal experience with thyroid disease. 

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's disease, and more, you’ll want to read on. There’s so much hope and proof that you can reverse this disease - and most likely not need medication for the rest of your life, as many doctors prescribe. 

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is located in the lower front of the neck, under the Adam's apple.  

What does the Thyroid Gland do?

The Thyroid gland’s job is to make hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body.  Thyroid hormones help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles and other organs working as they should.

Here’s the Science

The Thyroid gland secretes three hormones

  • T3 - triiodothyronine

  • T4 - thyroxine

  • Calcitonin - peptide hormone

The thyroid hormones determine metabolic rate and protein synthesis, essential for all body functions and growth and development.  Calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis (balance).

The brain plays an essential role in how the thyroid gland functions.  The anterior pituitary gland secretes a hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which regulates T3 and T4 in thyroid gland. TSH is regulated by the hypothalamus which produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (THR).

Most common Thyroid terms and disorders:

  • Hyperthyroidism - excess secretion of thyroid hormone - overactive thyroid

  • Goiter - enlarged thyroid - autoimmune response to overactive or underactive thyroid 

  • Hypothyroidism - deficient secretion of thyroid hormone - underactive thyroid

  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis - autoimmune disease due to iodine deficiency  

  • Thyroiditis - inflammation of the thyroid

  • Thyroid Nodules 

  • Thyroid Cancer 

Two disorders that relate to the Thyroid gland and are most common are Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism, both considered autoimmune diseases.( www.thyroid.org) American Thyroid Association)

Statistics related to Thyroid Disease

  • 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease

  • Up to 60% of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition

  • Women are five times more likely than men to have thyroid problems

  • One woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime

  • Undiagnosed or untreated thyroid disease may put someone at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and infertility.  

Source: Cleveland Clinic 

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

Hypothyroidism (underactive)

  • fatigue

  • depression

  • forgetfulness

  • weight gain

  • frequent and heavy menstrual period

  • dry coarse hair

  • hoarse voice due to goiter (enlarged gland)


Hyperthyroidism (overactive)

  • irritability

  • nervousness

  • muscle weakness

  • weight loss

  • sleep disturbances

  • vision problems, eye irritation, bulging

  • goiter (enlarged gland)

Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disease is described as an abnormal condition and response to a functioning body part.  It can be triggered by infection or other environmental and genetic factors.  As a result of the trigger, inflammation occurs causing the immune system to work against itself, resulting in disease or system failure.   

A Conventional Medicine approach includes:

  • surgery

  • medication

  • radiation therapy

A Functional Medicine approach includes:

  • Getting to the root cause - decreasing inflammation

  • Stress reduction

  • Identifying food sensitivities & allergies

  • Address leaky gut & dysbiosis (microbial imbalance)

Do This

Take preservatives out of your diet and do these things instead to improve the symptoms associated with Thyroid Disease.

  • Take Probiotics

  • Drink More Water

  • Eat Fruits and Vegetables

  • Eat Lean Protein

  • Eat Whole Grains

  • Walk in nature for 30 minutes a day

My Story

At the age of 30 after the birth of my oldest son, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. My symptoms included fatigue, difficulty losing weight, and a large goiter in my neck.  

The endocrinologist prescribed Synthroid and told me I would have to take it for the rest of my life if I did not want to develop cancer of the Thyroid. 

About four years ago after the death of my mother and a major career change, I began learning about functional medicine and integrative nutrition. I slowly began to apply these principles to myself.  I started sleeping better, exercised more and most importantly changed my diet completely.  I lost thirty pounds and eventually my Thyroid began to function normally on its own. 

Today, I no longer take any medications.  

If you want support to reverse your Thyroid problems, please make an appointment with me to discuss your situation.

I understand what it feels like to be told you have to be on a medication your entire life. If you’re like me and hate taking prescription drugs, let’s definitely talk.

Stay happy and healthy!

-Patty

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