WHAT IS THE THYROID GLAND?
The thyroid gland is a small gland that sits near your throat. It makes thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. The thyroid hormones are important for many processes throughout the body - including energy, digestions, metabolism, heart health, mental health and much more!
NORMAL THYROID FUNCTION
Thyroid function is based on a few hormones working with one another.
First The hypothalamus releases a hormone called TRH to stimulate the pituitary gland.
Then, the pituitary gland releases Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
TSH then goes to the thyroid gland to release T3 and T4, the actual thyroid hormones.
THYROID DISEASE
Dysfunction occurs when the gland itself, or the signaling doesn't work properly. We call these hyperthyroid (overactive) and hypoactive thyroid (underactive) disease.
In hypothyroid disease, we classically see low T3 and T4, and as a result the body will make more TSH as a means to make more. There are a few causes of hypothyroid disease, including Hashimoto's disease.
In hyperthyroid disease, we classically see high T3 and T4, and as a result the body will make less TSH as a means to stop making any more. There are a few causes of hyperthyroid disease, including Grave's Disease.
WHO SHOULD I SEE AT ABSOLUTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS?
At Absolute Health & Wellness, recommend starting with a Naturopath, where an in-depth analysis can be made, to understand your thyroid function to it's fullest. We will discuss other hormones and how they pertain to thyroid function, and other contributing factors.
HOW WE COMMONLY TREAT THYROID DISEASE
- Supplements (Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals): many natural substances have strong human research showing they can help with thyroid gland function, whether it's hypothyroid or hyperthyroid disease
- Specialized Testing: sometimes testing TSH, T3, T4, reverse T3 and thyroid auto-antibodies can help guide our treatment
- Lifestyle and Behavior Modification: diet, stress management, gut health and sleep can all have important roles in thyroid health
Every person is different, and thyroid disease can affect people differently. Even the same condition in two people can presents differently, so we always take an individualized approach to treating your thyroid health.
