What Is Your Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ in your neck. It produces thyroid hormones called free T4 and free T3, which help your body:

·         Regulate your metabolism

·         Maintain your energy levels

·         Enhance immunity

·         Support brain function

·         Enhance your mood

·         Support healthy skin, hair, and nails

·         Control body temperature

·         Aid in growth and development of children and teens

·         Maintain regular menstrual cycles and promote monthly ovulation

Additionally, the thyroid hormones work with your other hormones so having a thyroid imbalance can lead to symptoms of low cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, etc. even when those hormones are at normal levels.

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Symptoms Of Low Thyroid (Hypothyroidism):

·         Fatigue

·         Poor memory and concentration

·         Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

·         Decreased muscle mass and weakness

·         Joint aches

·         Decreased immunity

·         Dry skin and hair

·         Hair loss

·         Slow wound healing

·         Increased sensitivity to cold

·         Constipation

·         Slow heart rate

·         Heavy and/or irregular menstrual periods

·         Infertility

·         Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

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Symptoms Of High Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism):

·         Unexplained weight loss

·         Rapid heartbeat and/or heart palpitations

·         Feeling of being tense, nervous, and/or anxious

·         Tremors in hands and fingers

·         Trouble falling asleep

·         Waking up around 2-3 AM and not being able to fall back asleep

·         Excessive sweating

·         Always feeling hot

·         Dry skin and hair

·         Hair loss

·         Heavy and/or irregular menstrual periods

·         Infertility

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How Do I Get Tested For A Thyroid Disorder?

If you suspect you have a thyroid disorder, the first step is to schedule a visit with one of our providers at Murrieta Health & Aesthetics to discuss your concerns. Our providers will take your medical history and perform a physical exam. Next, our providers will order blood work to check your thyroid function and your other hormone levels to assess you for hormone imbalances. They may also order you a 4-point saliva test to evaluate your cortisol levels throughout the day.

After all your tests are complete, you will be scheduled for a follow-up visit to review all the results. You will be educated on your final diagnosis and given a personalized treatment plan by one of our providers.

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I Was Diagnosed With A Thyroid Disorder – How Do I Treat It?

Having a thyroid disorder is a lifelong disease that must be treated with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Some of the lifestyle changes you will be asked to make include:

·         Drink water with sea salt to replace electrolytes

·         Eat regular meals that are high in protein and fat.

·         Stop eating breads, pasta, rice, dessert, juice, and fruits high in sugar like grapes, bananas, oranges, and melons.

·         Stop eating gluten

·         Eat only complex carbs with high amounts of fiber like flax seeds, chia seeds, carrots, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and beans.

·         Minimize lactose (milk, cheese, and yogurt that isn’t plain).

·         Minimize processed foods – if it comes in a box it is NOT good for you.

·         Take a good pre and probiotic supplement daily

·         Get a full 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

·         Take time every morning and night to destress through meditation, coloring, reading a book, sitting outside and unplugging from your phone, spending time with those you love, or doing something you enjoy that does not involve eating, smoking, or drinking alcohol (as these habits have other long-term health consequences).

Our providers at Murrieta Health & Aesthetics will also prescribe you high-quality supplements to support normal thyroid function. You may also be prescribed a thyroid glandular supplement to temporarily boost your natural thyroid hormone production while your thyroid gland heals or an actual thyroid medication to replace your natural thyroid hormone if your thyroid function is determined to be too low. If you are concerned you have a thyroid disorder, call (951) 600-7066 and schedule your initial hormone consult today.