Thyroid Dysfunction
It is estimated that between 10 and 40 percent of the American population suffer from thyroid dysfunction (low- or high-function, resistance etc). Although the majority of individuals who experience thyroid dysfunction are women, men are certainly affected and are therefore, unfortunately often overlooked.
The most common form of low (hypo) thyroid is caused by an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland and is referred to as Hashimoto’s. Traditional medical doctors and endocrinologists are aware of this autoimmune attack on the gland, that is why they have you come back at certain intervals to in order to determine if your dose needs to be altered. When the gland is attacked the thyroid tissue itself is destroyed and the gland may produce less thyroid hormone, thereby requiring an increase in your supplemental dosage.
While your practitioner is monitoring your thyroid function, the autoimmune component of Hashimoto’s is often not addressed by traditional medicine. This is where complementary medicine / functional medicine shines. If you do not address the immune system component of this autoimmune condition it often progresses to attack other tissues in the body. The most common tissues that we see associated with Hashimoto’s include the pancreas – leading to diabetes, joint cartilage – leading to Rheumatoid Arthitis, intestinal tissue – leading to leaky gut, Celiac Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Although this is a list of just the most common tissues, autoimmune attack includes many other tissues and systems. For example myelin that surround the nerves of the nervous system can be attacked by a dysregulated immune system. Symptoms and disease progression can even be similar to MS (Multiple Sclerosis).
Managing the immune component of Hashimoto’s is critical to managing long term health and mitigating the future attack on additional tissues.
This is one area where there is some controversy in how traditional medicine does its job. It is also an area where you can get life-changing results with some simple nutrition.
How do I know if I have a thyroid dysfunction?
Possible Signs and Symptoms of Low Functioning (Hypo) Thyroid
Below are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. All of the symptoms need not be present for
the patient to have hypothyroidism. Also, an underfunctioning thyroid can lead to high
cholesterol, heart disease and immune system problems.
• Low body temperature. Patient feels cold even when others do not.
• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Poor memory
• Loss of interest in sex
• Dry, itchy or scaly skin
• High cholesterol
• Muscle cramps at rest
• Constipation
• Cysts and fibroids
• Sadness or crying for no reason. This can include women who have this symptom or experience mood swings at certain times during their menstrual cycle.
• Inability to lose weight
• Puffiness under the eyes
• Ankle swelling
• Depression
• Frequent colds