The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck that produces hormones with a number of functions, including regulating both body temperature and metabolism. They also impact bowel functioning, energy levels, and mood. When your thyroid gland is producing too much or too little of its hormones, the levels become imbalanced, which can trigger a wide range of thyroid symptoms in women. That’s why it’s so important to know where your thyroid hormone levels stand.
If the thyroid is known as the master gland, then TSH can be called the master hormone. Your thyroid gland produces two main hormones, Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). But your thyroid gland doesn’t operate in isolation – it’s part of a well-trained team that works together to keep these two hormones in balance. The hypothalamus and the pituitary glands in your brain are an essential part of that
team as well. These glands communicate to be sure T3 and T4 remain balanced. Thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) is produced by the hypothalamus, letting the pituitary know if more or less T3 and T4 are needed. The pituitary then sends out more or less TSH to let the thyroid know if it needs to increase or decrease production of T3 or T4. If TSH levels are high, your body is likely producing too much “stimulating” hormone — it’s trying to boost a sluggish thyroid, and can indicate hypothyrodism.
If TSH levels are low, your body may be trying to slow down a hyperactive thyroid, which can lead to Hyperthyroidism TSH levels at 2 or below are considered optimal by most of the functional medicine practitioners.
An imbalance of thyroid hormones can cause thyroid symptoms, but really, it’s a symptom itself. There is something that caused your thyroid levels to become skewed, and to really heal your body long term, it’s important to examine what that might be.
Some common causes of hyperthyroidism are:
- Grave’s disease, which causes the thyroid glands to become enlarged and increase secretion of hormones into the body.
- Growth of nodules in the thyroid gland
- Medications. Anything containing high levels of iodine can cause hyperthyroidism.
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland causing the release of stored hormones
- Problems with the pituitary gland, causing increased secretion of TSH
Some common causes of hypothyroidism are:
- Iodine and/or selenium deficiency
- Hashimoto’s disease, a hereditary autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland.
- Surgical removal of the thyroid
- Some prescription drugs, such as lithium
- Food intolerances to gluten and A1 casein
- Hormonal imbalances caused by stress or poor diet
- Adrenal dysfunction
Why are the subtle signs of thyroid imbalance so easy to miss?
Part of the reason is that these thyroid symptoms can also indicate so many other conditions –including aging. While the most common signs of a thyroid imbalance include low energy and unexplained weight gain, there are a number of other symptoms to watch for.
Among them are:
- Trouble with Digestion
- Changes to Skin and Hair (hair loss, brittle or dry hair, dry, scaly skin or very thin and fragile skin)
- Mood swings
- Depression, anxiety or sudden panic attacks.
- Reproductive Issues or Changes to Menstrual
- Cognitive impairments: fuzzy thinking, memory loss, trouble concentrating, brain fog
- Dysregulated Body Temperature (cold hands and feet)
How we can help?
If you want to find out more information, contact us today at our Ambler, PA physical therapy clinic to make an appointment with one of our specialists at Polishuk Physical Therapy.
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