What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems, and When Should I Get Checked

Signs Your Thyroid Might Be Out of Balance: What You Need To Know The thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, plays an enormous role in your overall health.  Metabolism and Energy Production Growth and Development Weight Stability Gastrointestinal motility When the thyroid malfunctions, it can lead to a wide range of health issues that often go undiagnosed. A domino effect happens when the thyroid is threatened. 12% of Americans will experience a thyroid condition at some point in their lives. Know what to look for and who to go to when your body starts showing signs of a sluggish or even overactive thyroid. Many ways the Thyroid Dysfunctions  The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones influence nearly every cell in your body, regulating your metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.  Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid produces too many hormones, speeding up the metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by an UNDER active thyroid gland, which fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormone T4 and/or T3. Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is low thyroid hormone production caused by auto-antibodies Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is NORMAL hormone production but present auto-antibodies. Most difficult to diagnose are patterns that involve other mechanisms like under conversion of T4 hormones to active T3, Iodine deficiency, elevated reverse T3,  low pituitary  hormone levels or chronic inflammation. Common Symptoms to look out for: The symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can vary widely depending on whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive. Below are some of the most common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism Symptoms: Fatigue and Weakness:...

Hormones: Like the gas pedal for your body

Hormones: Like the gas pedal for your body   “Your hormones are off when your get up and go, got up and went” ~My Mom~ Imagine sex hormones as the airplane, thyroid hormones are the gas, adrenals are the walkways to the plane and the gut is the airport…You can’t get on the airplane if you didn't go to the airport first and take the walkway to the plane. You likely have Hormone issues if you are experiencing: Persistent Fatigue Non-situational anxiety and depression Brain Fog / Memory issues Difficulty falling / staying asleep Morning fatigue / afternoon fatigue  PCOS Endometriosis Irregular menstrual cycles / PMS Infertility Unexplained Weight gain / Weight loss Trouble going to sleep or staying asleep Chronic cystic acne Mood Changes Hair loss or ‘strange location’ hair growth Low libido Low motivation Painful intercourse / Erectile dysfunction Pelvic floor issues Chronic Bladder infections Skin changes  Osteopenia / osteoporosis What are hormones? Hormones along with other tissues and glands make up our endocrine system. Our endocrine system is important for regulating our metabolism, mood, sleep cycles, growth and development, homeostasis such as blood pressure and our blood sugar, among so many other things. There are over 50 hormones that scientists have discovered so far that all work together to obtain optimal health. When we think of hormones we mainly think of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. What about cortisol, insulin, or dopamine? You are more than just a low number on a lab test, your body is a whole ecosystem and must be addressed in that way to really make powerful changes. Your body wants to heal, it...