Metabolism is controlled by the thyroid all over the body, and it is extremely vital. If functioning improperly, people may see weight gain, dry skin, fatigue, memory problems, and low body temps. If a woman is producing insufficient thyroid hormone, hair loss may result and maybe blood clots. The hormones from the thyroid control calories for energy production.
Two thyroid hormones are produced by the body. One is T4 (thyroxine), and the other is T3 (triiodothyronine). The thyroid gland makes and releases T4, but interestingly this hormone doesn't perform many tasks. T4 goes in the blood to the liver, and that organ turns it into active T3.
When looking at thyroid hormone levels, a significant amount of medical doctors only test for T4. Interestingly, if a person tests normal for T4, it does not exclude the possibility of being hypothyroid. If a problem exists converting T4 into T3, a problem can ensue with proper metabolism.
For treating hypothyroid conditions, the most typical medications are T4 compounds. If the person is suffering from a T4 to T3 conversion problem hypothyroid issue, this type of medication is suboptimal. There are medications that may slow this conversion, such as statin cholesterol drugs. The statins can lower coenzyme Q10 levels, which help the conversion of T4 to T3.
Beta blockers may cause the same problem, blocking conversion of T4 to T3. Interesting how treating one problem may lead to another significant one.
Thyroid stimulating hormone, known as TSH, is often looked at with lab testing. The thyroid gland doesn't actually make it, the pituitary gland does. It is then dispersed into the bloodstream whenever the pituitary detects low thyroid levels.
If the lab shows a TSH above the normal reference, this means one "needs thyroid". When people have high thyroid stimulating hormone, people are typically treated with thyroid medication to put the lab values back to normal.
If people are having problems such as brittle or dry hair, weight gain, high cholesterol, poor memory, etc. then thyroid testing should definitely include TSH, Free T4, and Free T3.
One needs to put the patient's clinical symptoms in context with the lab values when treating a hypothyroid patient. There are medications available for T4 meds, T3 meds, combo medications, and also ones available from compounding pharmacies.
Two thyroid hormones are produced by the body. One is T4 (thyroxine), and the other is T3 (triiodothyronine). The thyroid gland makes and releases T4, but interestingly this hormone doesn't perform many tasks. T4 goes in the blood to the liver, and that organ turns it into active T3.
When looking at thyroid hormone levels, a significant amount of medical doctors only test for T4. Interestingly, if a person tests normal for T4, it does not exclude the possibility of being hypothyroid. If a problem exists converting T4 into T3, a problem can ensue with proper metabolism.
For treating hypothyroid conditions, the most typical medications are T4 compounds. If the person is suffering from a T4 to T3 conversion problem hypothyroid issue, this type of medication is suboptimal. There are medications that may slow this conversion, such as statin cholesterol drugs. The statins can lower coenzyme Q10 levels, which help the conversion of T4 to T3.
Beta blockers may cause the same problem, blocking conversion of T4 to T3. Interesting how treating one problem may lead to another significant one.
Thyroid stimulating hormone, known as TSH, is often looked at with lab testing. The thyroid gland doesn't actually make it, the pituitary gland does. It is then dispersed into the bloodstream whenever the pituitary detects low thyroid levels.
If the lab shows a TSH above the normal reference, this means one "needs thyroid". When people have high thyroid stimulating hormone, people are typically treated with thyroid medication to put the lab values back to normal.
If people are having problems such as brittle or dry hair, weight gain, high cholesterol, poor memory, etc. then thyroid testing should definitely include TSH, Free T4, and Free T3.
One needs to put the patient's clinical symptoms in context with the lab values when treating a hypothyroid patient. There are medications available for T4 meds, T3 meds, combo medications, and also ones available from compounding pharmacies.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about Phoenix weight loss programs, then visit Phoenix Integrative Medicine's site on how to choose the best naturopathic doctors in Arizona for your needs.