Thyroid and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy is an opportunity to alleviate symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction.
For both men and women, thyroid gland produces hormones which control many metabolic and cardiovascular processes throughout the body. Thyroid hormones can influence the:
- Heart
- Brain
- Weight
- Metabolism
- Skin
- Hair
- Eyes
- Energy levels
- Sleep cycle
- Sexual function
The most common disturbance to thyroid function is what is known as hypothyroidism or low levels of thyroid hormone.
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Dry hair and skin, brittle nails
- Cold extremities
- Irritability, mood changes, depression
- Shortness of breath
- Memory and concentration problems
- Headaches or migraines
- Constipation
- Low libido
- Poor tolerance to stress and exercise
- Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles
- Easy bruising
- Shortness of breath
- Erectile dysfunction
- Unexplained weight gain
- Swollen/puffy face
- Slow heart rate and low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Sleep disturbances, restlessness, insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Irritability, mood swings, depression
- Excessive sweating, heat intolerance
- Unexplained weight loss, excessive hunger
- Hair loss, thinning skin, fine hair
- Muscle weakness, tremor
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Anxiety, nervousness
- Hormone imbalance
- Stress
- Viral infection, trauma, or medications
- Chronic illness
- Food allergies or food intolerances
- Toxins, pesticides, heavy metals
- Autoimmune diseases such as celiacs
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Low protein intake
- Decreased kidney or liver function
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Aging
- Exposure to radiation
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Low levels of thyroid can cause, contribute to or be associated with:
- High cholesterol, insulin resistance, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and heart attack
- Sleep apnea
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Weight Gain
- Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation
- Thinning hair or hair loss, dry skin
- Reproductive issues such as testosterone deficiency, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased fertility
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Heavy periods
- Water retention
- Muscle cramps, fibromyalgia, body aches, stiff or painful joints
- Poor immunity
If symptoms and labs indicate hormone deficiency, thyroid hormone can be replaced with hormone therapy.
Adverse side effects of any thyroid hormone replacement therapy can include rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, tremors, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, weight loss, hair loss, seizures, stomach cramping and diarrhea, or changes in menstrual periods. Like exercise which is healthy but can trigger a heart attack or death in someone with underlying heart disease, thyroid replacement is also usually heart healthy but can trigger a heart attack or abnormal heart rhythm (and even cause death or heart muscle damage). If you have a history of heart palpitations or have ever been diagnosed with a heart/cardiac condition, notify your anti-aging specialist before beginning or increasing the dose of any thyroid replacement therapy, and stop taking your thyroid replacement if any symptoms occur and call your provider.
Studies show that thyroid hormone replacement is not likely to cause osteoporosis when appropriately monitored, but if the thyroid dose is too high for an extended period of time, it could worsen bone loss/osteoporosis. Serum testing can be done to monitor the amount of bone breakdown as well as undergoing periodic DEXA scans to monitor bone mineral density if deemed clinically necessary.
Optimal thyroid levels during pregnancy are essential. Although there is no conclusive data showing that straight T3 is harmful during pregnancy, there is also little data on the safety of straight T3 during pregnancy. Notify your anti-aging specialist if you are pregnant, suspect that you have become pregnant, or if you are planning to become pregnant during this therapy.
If you are currently taking any thyroid hormone prescribed by another physician, discuss this medication with your provider prior to initiating any additional thyroid replacement.
For more information about our Hormone Replacement Program, our licensed practitioner would be happy to answer your questions about our approach to hormone balancing and its potential benefits. Please call 813-345-4044 or submit a consultation request to schedule a one-on-one appointment with our Wellness Specialist.