Thyroid imbalances can cause fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain, often overlooked as common symptoms. These could be more than just daily nuisances; they might be signs of hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid isn’t functioning as it should.
Here’s an eye-opening fact: women are significantly more likely to face thyroid issues than men. In fact, 1 in 3 women has hypothyroidism, a condition often overlooked and undiagnosed. And for some, this escalates into Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that further complicates your hormonal balance.
But here’s the good news: you’re not powerless. There are effective steps you can take to support your thyroid and balance your hormones. Understanding your body and implementing the right strategies can transform your health journey.
The Thyroid and Hormones
If you’re a woman and have been feeling exhausted, facing irregular menstrual cycles, enduring hot flashes, or noticing mood swings? These symptoms might not just be ‘a part of life’—they could be signaling an issue with your thyroid.
The thyroid, a small but mighty gland in your neck, is a powerhouse in regulating many of your body’s key functions. It influences your energy levels, metabolism, digestion, brain health, bone development, heart rate, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, and even how warm or cold you feel.
Sometimes, when you visit a doctor with these concerns, they might do basic tests and say everything is ‘normal’. But here’s the catch: standard tests can often miss the nuances of thyroid health. That’s where specialized, comprehensive lab testing comes in, offering a deeper insight into how your thyroid is really functioning.
By partnering with a practitioner who truly understands the intricate dance of hormones and thyroid health, you can unlock a world of knowledge. They’ll guide you through advanced testing and personalized strategies to bring your body back into balance.
Imagine feeling energized, having regular menstrual cycles, stable moods, and no more bothersome hot flashes. It’s not just a dream—it’s what happens when your thyroid is in sync with your body.
Managing Thyroid Imbalance with Lab Testing
When you get lab testing done, it’s important not to run TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) only. TSH is actually a pituitary hormone, and when you run lab work to determine thyroid function, it’s important to ask for Free T3, Free T4, Total T3, Total T4, Reverse T3, and Thyroid antibodies. By getting the proper lab testing done, you can see precisely how well your thyroid is functioning. The liver is a vital organ for thyroid function, as T4 is converted to T3 (the active hormone) in the liver.
Common Signs of Thyroid Imbalance
- •Feeling cold when other people do not
- •Chronic constipation or loose stools
- •Muscle weakness, muscle pain or joint pain
- •Unintended weight loss or weight gain
- •Feeling sad or depressed
- •Exhaustion or nervousness
- •Rapid heartbeat or slow heart rate
- •Dry skin
- •Dry and thinning hair
- •A hoarse voice
- •Menstrual irregularities
- •Swollen neck/hard to swallow
- •Feeling nodules on over the thyroid area
What Causes Thyroid Imbalance?
Many factors are involved in the development of thyroid disorders, many of which are out of our control. This includes genetics. While we can’t change our genetics, genetic predisposition alone is not enough; there must be a trigger that turns those genes on! Triggers or ‘stressors’ vary from person to person making a universal approach to treatment tricky.
Let’s look at some root cause reasons for why our thyroid goes haywire:
- · Stagnant liver pathways and poor detoxification
- · Gut inflammation/dysbiosis- leaky gut, parasites, opportunistic bacteria overgrowth
- · HPA Axis Dysfunction
- · Toxin overload- birth control, beauty products, poor diet, antibiotics, etc.
- · Autoimmunity
- · Oxidative Stress/ mitochondrial damage/ free radical damage- mold, radiation, pollution, chemicals, unmanaged stress, poor sleep
- · Heavy metal toxicity: sources could be from deodorant, cookware, fish, paint, plastics, mercury fillings and improper removal of, breast implants
- · Nutrient deficiency
- · Trauma- emotional trauma, childhood trauma, birth trauma
Healing Thyroid Imbalance
Struggling with thyroid issues and looking for a holistic approach to wellness? EC RESTORATIVE is here to guide you on your path to better thyroid health. Our team of functional health experts specializes in thyroid disorders, offering personalized and comprehensive care.
At EC RESTORATIVE, we understand that every individual is unique. That’s why we tailor our approach to fit your specific needs, combining the latest in functional health strategies with a deep understanding of thyroid wellness.
Experience a new level of health and vitality. Join us at EC RESTORATIVE and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced you. Reach out now to schedule your consultation and embark on a journey to thyroid health restoration!