The thyroid may be a small, seemingly insignificant gland; however, it is arguably one of the most important organs for hormone production. Coincidently, thyroid disease is one of the most common issues people face, particularly women. So what are thyroid hormones and why are they important? Keep reading to find out more!
What are Thyroid Hormones?
The thyroid is responsible for making thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3); these hormones help to regulate your metabolism, digestion, body temperature, heart rate, and more. Your thyroid communicates with several major organs, from your pituitary gland in the brain to your liver. When one of these connections gets out of wack, thyroid function can either go into overdrive or stop working altogether, creating a hormonal imbalance.
Signs of Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid can often cause an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease. Symptoms can include a slowed heart rate, feeling tired all of the time, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, coarse hair, sensitivity to the cold, depression, and heavier-than-normal periods. An iodine deficiency can also cause these symptoms, in addition to a goiter (enlarged, swollen thyroid gland).
Signs of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid. Graves Disease is the autoimmune reaction most commonly resulting in hyperthyroidism, but excessive iodine (usually from medications) or thyroid nodules could also be the culprit. Symptoms can include a rapid heartbeat, anxiety or jitteriness, insomnia, weight loss without a loss of appetite, clammy skin, sensitivity to the heat, and irregular or skipped menstrual cycles. An inflamed thyroid or goiter is also possible with hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid Hormone Testing
Symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be slow to progress and unnoticeable for a long time, which can make it difficult to diagnose before a hormonal balance occurs. We recommend getting your thyroid hormone levels checked during routine wellness checks since all you need is a simple blood test.
How to Treat Thyroid Hormone Imbalance
Hormone therapy is not just reserved for estrogen or testosterone deficiencies. HRT is available for thyroid hormones as well! This medication can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription, and our local compounding pharmacy can customize the dosage strength and formula so that it is tailored to your body. Within just a few weeks, you can start to feel more like yourself again and notice an improvement in your symptoms!
A Thyroid Support Supplement For You
Our supplement for thyroid health is a comprehensive BSE-free, bovine, multi-glandular, mineral, and herbal formula to support healthy thyroid function and hormone production. L-tyrosine and iodine are two key ingredients that the thyroid gland is dependent on, and selenium also provides support for optimal thyroid function.
Ask us about prescription medications for thyroid hormones or get your bottle of Ultimate Thyroid today! We want to help optimize your thyroid health, and we have many different options when it comes to treatment for a hormonal imbalance.
