Hypothyroid

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce adequate thyroid hormone. Your thyroid hormones are crucial for many major bodily functions, including respiration, metabolism, hormone production, heart rate, digestion, and mood.

When you have hypothyroidism, you can experience a number of unpleasant symptoms. But, hypothyroidism treatment at Live Well Wellness Center can help you manage symptoms and feel your best again.

Hypothyroidism commonly causes symptoms that include:

• Chronic fatigue

• Difficulty tolerating cold

• Thinning hair

• Dry skin

• Brittle nails

• Memory lapses

• Puffy face

• Musculoskeletal pain

• Unexplained weight gain

• Difficulty losing weight

• Constipation

• Depression

• Infertility in women

• High cholesterol

Some people experiencing hypothyroidism develop a goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland that causes a big bulge in the neck. Goiters may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Many factors may play a role in hypothyroidism, including nutritional deficiencies, environment, genetics, adrenal fatigue, and Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your thyroid gland.

Your thyroid gland makes triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). About 80% of your thyroid hormones are T4, and just 20% are T3. But, T3 is the active thyroid hormone you really need. Your body converts T4 into T3, but when you have hypothyroidism, both levels drop.

Most doctors conduct a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test for hypothyroidism diagnosis. The TSH test checks the TSH produced by your pituitary gland, which is the hormone that rises and falls in response to your thyroid levels.

​​​​​​​However, the Live Well Wellness Center team finds the TSH test to be incomplete. They also perform additional tests to check both of your circulating thyroid hormones and to look for antibodies that may indicate Hashimoto's disease. This comprehensive testing allows them to determine your diagnosis and find the exact personalized treatment you need.