Hypothyroidism is an extremely important condition to diagnose and treat properly. Our thyroid gland is responsible for metabolism, energy, mood, and to maintain proper weight.
Symptoms associated with hypothyroidism are: cold hands and feet, hair thinning or loss, fatigue, weight gain, depression, constipation, and dryer skin. Patients will also complain of low body temperatures.
Since it is the master regulatory gland, our thyroid is responsible for proper levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and of our adrenal hormones- cortisol, DHEA, pregnenolone, testosterone, as well as our neurotransmitter productions like serotonin and dopamine.
At The Salerno Center, it is therefore imperative that we can detect low thyroid function. We will obtain seven tests for thyroid disease, including the TRH Suppression test, which can not only determine hypothyroidism even when regular TSH is normal but also differentiate hypothalamus, pituitary, or primary thyroid disease.
The test requires twenty-five minutes of the patient’s time and will I’ve us a more accurate determination of thyroid function. Often times a patient will tell me, “ My Dr said my thyroid test is normal, but I have so many symptoms of a sluggish thyroid.”
Once the thyroid is determined to be underactive, treatment begins with a more natural prescription of thyroid hormone. Patients lose weight, feel more energized, hands and feet feel warmer, hair regrows, and depressed mood fades.
The Salerno Center uses natural thyroid medications that mimic our own production of both t3 and t4. For those who cannot take porcine-derived thyroid medications, either for allergies or for religious reasons, we offer synthetic compounded thyroid. After two to three weeks on medication, our patients are then retested with the same sophisticated testing, and medication is adjusted as needed.
Undiagnosed thyroid disease is extremely prevalent and causes needless suffering and secondary illnesses associated with weight gain. It is so important to determine this condition, treat and pinpoint the right dosage of medication, as the thyroid is our master regulatory gland responsible for so many important functions!
