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