Hypo Thyroid function
Hypo thyroid-
Getting diagnosed and how to treat it
When it comes to Hypothyroidism , low functioning thyroid, we usually think of woman and that is because woman are much more susceptible to Hypothyroidism than man. but that doesn’t mean men can’t develop an underachieve thyroid.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism in men are similar to those in women. Some of the most common include exhaustion, weight gain, and depression. Other common symptoms include feeling cold, constipation, muscles aches and pains, and low resistance to infection, muscle loss, drop in sex drive, premature balding or abrupt hair fall (eyebrows and also body hair). If you experience more than 3 others symptoms , it is time for a Thyroid check-up.
Many traditional doctors will only want to run one test, called the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and most probably when the results come, your doctor tell you that you are within the range and it’s fine like that. One moment, let us rewind, what about all the symptoms and why don’t you feel well ? A thyroid panel has broader tests, including T4, Free T4, Free 3, Reverse T3, and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO), to start with. This panel will tell you the pituitary’s response to your thyroid (the TSH test), the circulating levels of actual thyroid hormones (Free T4 and Free T3), whether you are producing an ineffective form of thyroid hormone (Reverse T3), and whether you have antibodies that suggest you have an autoimmune disease either provoked by any food you are constantly eating or just by any other immune problem.
How to treat hypo thyroid?
If you are able to identify with your doctor that you do have a low Thyroid, then the question is : How is the treatment ?
Traditional medicine typically treats hypothyroidism with a drug called Levothyroxine. Common brand names include : Eutirox, Synthroid or Levoxil. This is a synthetic form of the T4 hormone. Some people will find that they get full relief of symptoms on a Levothyroxine drug, but the majority of patients don’t, and they need other treatment options. Unfortunately, many endocrinologists and traditional doctors tend to work only on levothyroxine treatment, and won’t even inform you of other options.
Many hypo thyroid patients benefit from the addition of the second thyroid hormone , T3. This can be in the form of a synthetic T3 drug called Liothyronine (brand name Cytomel), or using Glandular (desiccated pork or bovine thyroid tissue), these are natural drugs that have been on the market for almost a century , and are made from the dried thyroid gland of pigs and cows. NTD contains natural versions of T4, T3, and a variety of other cofactors, and seems to work better for some of patients. Common brands include Armour Thyroid, Nature Throid, and WP Thyroid. A subset of patients seem to do best on a T3-only treatment.
The challenge is to find the right doses for you and what works best, so every month for 3 months, after you started the treatment, you’ll need a TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 test to monitor your progress .
And if the symptoms persist?
There are cases though, where even optimal Thyroid treatment, that is the right drugs and the right blood test levels, may not offer sufficient relief of your symptoms. In this case, we need to look at the remaining symptoms. Are you still losing hair ? For example ? So we continue to look for others parameters. You have to check ferritin (stored) iron levels, and if these are low, then iron supplementation is recommended. Then we check for androgen hormones such as testosterone , and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a metabolite of testosterone . High DHT can contribute to hair loss, and there are supplements and treatments to block the testosterone -DHT conversion process.
If you continue to struggle with fatigue , low sex drive or loss of muscle tone, you will need to check for testosterone DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) and Estradiol levels. It’s not uncommon to see sub optimal levels of these hormones in men who are hypothyroid. In some cases, supplementing with DHEA, or a low dose of prescription Testosterone, can get your energy and mojo back.
If you can’t lose weight, you should get your fasting Glucose, fasting Insulin, Leptin and Hemoglobin A1C levels tested. There are supplements , medications, and a number of dietary changes that can help support your digestive heath. Consequently get these levels back on track, and also help prevent insulin resistance or even type 2 diabetes.
If you have low tolerance for exercise, for example:
Few hours of weekend hiking leaves you flat on the couch for hours.
Or you are having unusual sleep patterns like middle of the night waking.
Or waking up exhausted even after a good night’s sleep, next check for adrenal function. If levels of your adrenal hormone Cortisol are not balanced, and you are deficient in DHEA, there are supplements , treatments and dietary changes that can help get the body’s stress and hormones back in balance.
Stress…
Speaking of stress, it is recommended to all hypothyroid patients, some sort of daily stress management practice. For example emotional freedom techniques (Yoga) to relief symptoms . Stress can put on danger on your health and the level of your hormones. So, practicing some stress release techniques every day can save you from visiting your doctor often ! Try out something like tai chi, yoga, meditation , breathing, or even engaging in a hobby. Woodworking, or relaxing gardening can help lower your heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones , and enhance your immune system.
It is unacceptable that on the 21st century men out there are still undiagnosed or poorly treated hypo thyroid. Get in to see your doctor, explain the situation. Also be sure to do your best to get tests and treatments you need. And if your doctor is not cooperative, that’s your sign that is time to find someone who will work with you to ensure your optimal health !
Consult your doctor to test your thyroid before taking any supplement.
by Adriana
Life feels better when your metabolism is working at optimal levels.
Naturalize Yourself !
