Living Wellness Medical Center

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Thyroid Health

Low thyroid function is common, so it is often overlooked when a patient’s labs look “mostly normal.” Time and time again, we see patients present with a long list of clearly hypothyroid symptoms, but they’ve been dismissed because their labs look normal. Some of them have been told their symptoms are all in their head, they need an anti-depressant, or they are just a busy working mom, and their fatigue is normal.

There are so many ways to support optimal thyroid function when you look at the bigger picture. Does the thyroid have the nutrients it needs to produce thyroid hormones? Are the adrenal glands under stress and affecting thyroid hormone production or conversion? Are there other medications affecting metabolism? Did you know birth control pills impact our thyroid hormone function?

Understanding the Thyroid

The thyroid gland is located in your neck under the Adam’s apple and produces the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4), which is converted into the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). The brain tells the thyroid to produce more or less thyroid hormones based on what it sees the downstream metabolism doing. Low metabolism tells the brain to make more Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T4. T4 is converted into T3 in the liver, heart, muscles, gut and nervous system. The conversion to T3 requires an enzyme made by gut bacteria – which means your gut health affects your thyroid function. This T4 —> T3 conversion happens in the mitochondria of the cells (the energy factories), so anything affecting mitochondria (such as nutrient deficiencies, toxins, pesticides, etc.) will affect thyroid conversion.

Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid

When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough T4 or doesn’t convert to enough T3, we call this Hypothyroid. When the thyroid overproduces its hormones, it’s called Hyperthyroid. Hypothyroid is much more common than Hyperthyroid.

Hashimoto’s

There are many causes of Hypothyroid, the most common being an auto-Immune disease called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This is a condition when the immune system creates antibodies that attack the thyroid tissue, damaging it, and resulting in lower thyroid hormones. These antibodies are called thyroglobulin antibodies (TGA) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO). Your initial thyroid labs should always include these antibodies to ensure there isn’t an immune factor affecting your thyroid function. Auto-immune conditions are more common in women, and they tend to run in families.

Symptoms of Hypothyroid

There are thyroid receptors on every cell of the body, so thyroid hormones affect every cell and all tissues, therefore the symptoms of hypothyroid are widespread. Some of the most common Hypothyroid symptoms include:

  • Fatigue (at any point of the day)
  • Low body temperature (consistently less than 98.6)
  • Poor circulation, cold hands, and feet, cold sensitivity
  • Hair thinning or hair loss (head, arms, eyebrows)
  • Nail changes (ridges, weakness, brittle)
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation or sluggish digestion
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Slow metabolism and difficulty losing weight
  • Poor memory or concentration
  • Headaches
  • Fluid retention
  • Joint pains
  • Menstrual issues (such as heavy bleeding and PMS)
  • Fertility issues and miscarriages
  • Poor metabolism of cholesterol and hence high cholesterol
  • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) or the sensation of a lump in the throat
  • Decreased reflexes (particularly the Achilles’ tendon)

*** Many of these symptoms could also be the cause of other dysfunctions that may need to be checked. For example, anemia (low red blood cells or hemoglobin) can also cause many of these hypothyroid symptoms.

Monitor Your Body Temperature

  • It is best to use a mercury-free liquid metal thermometer
  • Check your ORAL temperature three times a day for five consecutive days
  • Average each day
  • If your daily averages are consistently less than 98.6 consult with your physician about getting a thorough thyroid lab panel

Thyroid Labs

The common thyroid labs include just testing TSH and thyroxine (T4), but that is missing most of the picture. A full thyroid panel should consist of:

  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  • Free T4
  • Free T3
  • Thyroid Antibodies (TGA & TPO)
  • Reverse T3 – this is a helpful marker to assess thyroid conversion from T4 —> T3
  • It is best to have your thyroid labs drawn in the morning before you eat, and if you take thyroid hormone, then have your blood drawn BEFORE you take your thyroid medication

Are You Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired? Check Out Our Free Thyroid: How’s Yours Working For You Webinar Replay

Thyroid Hows Yours Working for You

Wellness Labs

Many other factors affect thyroid function and overall wellness. Consider these additional labs to optimize function too:

  • Micronutrient Panel
  • Iron – which also helps the thyroid do its job
  • Selenium
  • Iodine
  • Vitamin D
  • Cortisol – our stress hormone that, when elevated, can lower thyroid conversion
  • Food Allergy Panel – checks for food sensitivities that might be affecting gut function, nutrient absorption and inflammation – all of which affect thyroid function
  • Organic Acid Panel – is a urine panel that looks at mitochondrial function, detoxification, gut dysbiosis, the primary neurotransmitters, and a few micronutrients

Supporting Optimal Thyroid Function

Our Living Wellness physicians are all trained in thoroughly assessing thyroid, adrenal, and mitochondrial function. Once the weakened systems are identified, your physician can customize a therapeutic plan to restore optimal function. Some of the treatment options we commonly use include:

  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Herbs 🌿
  • Supplements
  • Probiotics
  • Natural and Synthetic Thyroid Hormones

For a free brief meet and greet with one of our naturopathic physicians, call 480-588-6856.

Jill Mapstead
Jill Mapstead
2022-03-22
Can’t say enough about Dr. Marianne Marchese! Her commitment to women’s wellness, calm, knowledgeable, non-judgemental guidance and insightful diagnoses / treatment has me turn to her for all my wellness needs. She takes the time to really listen. I feel heard and valued in her care.
Marc Cohn
Marc Cohn
2022-01-08
We had a great first visit with Dr. Turner and we look forward to continuing to work with her. She provides true support and guidance to better health. Alexandra Cohn
Ivana Kalika
Ivana Kalika
2021-12-24
I'm writing my review for Dr. Sarv Varta Khalsa. I met with her a few months ago to receive treatment for a condition I'd been dealing with for an extensive amount of time. She was incredibly kind and took the time to listen to all the details of the symptoms I was experiencing. The office had the prescriptions I needed on-hand so I didn't need to go off-site to find them. All natural remedies, and at comparatively good prices (I don't remember how much exactly, but if they were up-charging, which I doubt, I didn't notice nor would I have minded for the convenience). I'm still symptom-free now after following her recommendations, so I wanted to write a review to express my gratitude. Even though the appointment was pricey, it was worth every single penny to finally be able to live my life feeling normal again. Thank you so much!!
Irene Nicholas
Irene Nicholas
2021-12-15
What's better than a Naturopathic Dr.... Dr. Olivia Watkins!!! I have been working with her for over a year and have learned so much about myself, she is truly a team partner in my journey. She is experienced in ANYTHING you may be experiencing. I consider her my primary physician... you should too!!!
Stephanie Llamas
Stephanie Llamas
2021-11-29
Dr. Watkins is nothing short of incredible. She is kind and personable, while extremely smart and results driven. I have suffered from digestive and hormonal issues my whole life and it wasn't until I met Dr. Watkins that I finally felt heard by a Dr and saw a difference in my health. I can confidently say that my body has never felt this good and we are still working to be even better. If you are ready to feel better and feel heard from your doctor, then run, don't walk to Living Wellness.
D Bach
D Bach
2021-11-10
Dr Olivia Watkins offers a beautiful aura of sincere loving support that I will forever cherish, as she exudes and radiates a beautiful light towards her patients' health care needs. Also, her staff, Joslyn and Ariana are as sweet as they come and have been as helpful as can be to me. One issue I had (and have had a few) was a lack of nutrient absorption and it was Dr Olivia who helped me change that status (thank God!) which I'm already seeing immediate results from and I've had this issue for years which my nails and hair loss were severely revealing! I've also experienced so much stress in the last year and a half, that having Dr Olivia as part of my healing process has made all the difference in my recovery to a more whole being! At this point, I seriously don't know what I'd do without her, as she is now my go-to health advocate and will be to my end days. Dr Olivia is a GodSend! Don't hesitate to call her office. High fives for the brightest healing light you could ever pray for in life! After eight long years, Dr Olivia just recently finished her GM residency and once again, I must congratulate her on such discipline and hard work as it has obviously paid off in spades! Long live Dr Olivia!
Kristin A
Kristin A
2021-09-19
I love Dr. Marchese and so glad I found her last year. She has helped me so much with my health. I have recommended her to several people and they love her too.
Kelly leibrandt
Kelly leibrandt
2021-07-28
Dr. Watkins is life changing! I am so grateful that I was referred to Living Wellness and her specifically. I’ve been dealing with severe stomach issues for 10 years and have gone through the ringer with the test, labs, and over-the-counter medicine suggested by other doctors. Dr. Watkins is so smart, thoughtful, and attentive to every detail so that she can really get down to the bottom of your problems. She feels like a teammate and a very strong coach and a friend all in one. I’m finally on my way to feeling better and I couldn’t have done this without her. If you’re struggling don’t even hesitate to see her or any of the staff at living wellness. I promise you won’t regret it!
Erica Brunkow
Erica Brunkow
2021-03-19
I saw Dr. Warkins several times and was overly impressed her. I was going through cancer treatments and she was compassionate and resourceful. We connected and I felt at such ease with her. She followed up with me multiple times to see how I was doing and feeling. I will continue to see her for any future Gyn needs.
Carey Miller
Carey Miller
2021-03-18
I began to see Dr. Watkins for some general Women's Health issues and she was incredible to work with. She helped my body become more balanced, pain was relieved naturally, and my body was prepared for a healthy pregnancy. She is kind, knowledgable, and very supportive!
Google rating score: 5 of 5, based on 27 reviews

Medical Disclaimer

All material on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

Living Wellness Medical Center

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Living Wellness Medical Center
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