Heart of Texas Women's Center - Georgetown Texas

Hypothyroidism

Low thyroid function, medically termed hypothyroidism, affects millions of women especially during the peri-menopausal and post-menopausal years. It has been usually treated in the conventional way by isolating the thyroid from the rest of the body. When it is approached holistically, however, often the problem can be cured before it becomes a permanent problem.

Hypothyroidism is commonly described as an under active or slow thyroid, but there is more to it than just thyroid activity. Sometimes the problem is thyroid hormone imbalance. It is primarily caused by the underproduction of the thyroid’s main hormone, thyroxine (T4). The liver converts T4 into its active form, triiodothyronine (T3). It then has to be efficiently utilized by the body. Disruption in any one of these processes can contribute to hypothyroidism symptoms. In order for the thyroid to be healthy, the liver must be doing its job, and adequate exercise should be maintained.

Because of the connection between menopause and hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems afflict more women than men. Hypothyroidism can lead to fatigue, weight gain, depression, high cholesterol and other symptoms. Poor nutrition also impairs thyroid function. Some women suffer from hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid. Thyroid hormonal imbalance often happens to women during menopause. Over 20% of menopausal women in the US are diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction. For women in their late 30’s or 40’s, hypothyroidism is often a good indication that they are peri-menopausal. The hormonal imbalance women go through during menopause acts as a trigger for thyroid problems. The delicate balance of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can be upset when under stress and when not receiving enough support. Peri-menopause, menopause, and pregnancy are times in a woman’s life when hormonal imbalance is particularly common. This imbalance in the ratio between estrogen and progesterone triggers hypothyroidism.

The thyroid gland sits at the very center of the endocrine system. It is just as vulnerable to stress and lack of support as every other part of your body. In addition to hormonal imbalance, other conditions often cause or contribute to hypothyroidism. It is best not to isolate the thyroid as a single entity, but to look at the body as a set of interconnected systems. There are many symptoms of adrenal fatigue that are similar to thyroid disorders. Adrenal stress impairs thyroid function because it causes the overproduction of cortisol, blocking the efficient conversion and peripheral cellular use of the thyroid hormones at many levels. For this reason, testing for adrenal function in combination with thyroid testing is a good idea.

Natural thyroid health depends on a delicate balance among all the body’s major hormones. Optimal thyroid function can happen when this balance is achieved through proper nutrition, supplements, stress management, and regular adequate exercise.

About the Author: Dr. Matthew Romberg, a Round Rock OBGYN specializing in obstetrical and gynecologic care, is the President of the Heart of Texas Women’s Center. The Heart of Texas Women’s Center provides state of the art health care including surgical procedures, family planning counseling, complete prenatal care including high risk pregnancy management, in-house ultrasonography and well-woman services. For more information, please visit http://www.hotwc.com.

Labels: Hypothyroidism, what is Hypothyroidism

posted by Heart of Texas Women's Center @ 12:49 PM