It’s Rarely JUST a Thyroid Problem.

Rarely is a thyroid problem JUST a thyroid problem ❌

The thyroid is part of the larger endocrine system—which includes hormones produced in the brain, adrenals, ovaries, and pancreas too.

Here are 3 hormones that influence (and are influenced by) the thyroid:

🍭 Insulin

Both overactive and underactive thyroid can disrupt glucose metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance. The reverse is also true, with insulin resistance being associated with conversion of T4 to reverse T3 (inactive thyroid hormone) rather than active T3.

😩 Cortisol

Underactive thyroid contributes to higher cortisol levels (a stress hormone) because of reduced cortisol clearance. Also, high levels of cortisol are associated with reduced T4 production and higher levels of reverse T3 (inactive thyroid hormone).

🌸 Estrogen

The hormone cascades connecting the brain to the thyroid and the brain to the ovaries work together. Both overactive and underactive thyroid can disrupt the menstrual cycle and irregular periods or fertility challenges.

It’s because of these connections that it’s so important to take a holistic approach when optimizing thyroid function.

Like ❤️ if you learned something and follow 🚶‍♀️ for upcoming posts on how to optimize your thyroid function!

References

Gierach M, Gierach J, Junik R. Insulin resistance and thyroid disorders. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):70-76. [link]

Saei Ghare Naz M, Rostami Dovom M, Ramezani Tehrani F. The Menstrual Disturbances in Endocrine Disorders: A Narrative Review. Int J Endocrinol Metab. 2020;18(4):e106694. [link]

Sinha SR, Prakash P, Keshari JR, Kumari R, Prakash V. Assessment of Serum Cortisol Levels in Hypothyroidism Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. 2023;15(12):e50199. [link]

The Thyroid Triad (Gut & Liver!)

Want better thyroid function? 👉

Then we also need to optimize the liver and the gut. Here’s why:

🔁 Thyroid & Gut:

Thyroid hormones influence gut motility (causing constipation when underactive). Gut dysbiosis or inflammation can worsen oxidative stress that damages the thyroid.

🔁 Thyroid & Liver:

Thyroid hormones influence fat metabolism in the liver (contributing to insulin resistance and fatty liver when underactive). Conversion of T4 to active T3 takes place in the liver, meaning that a compromised liver could compromise thyroid function.

Poor thyroid function can impair gut and liver function—and the reverse is also true.

If you struggle with thyroid health and want to take a holistic approach to feeling better, we can help.

🌱 Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!

Reference

Hatziagelaki E, Paschou SA, Schön M, Psaltopoulou T, Roden M. NAFLD and thyroid function: pathophysiological and therapeutic considerations. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2022;33(11):755-768. [link]

Knezevic J, Starchl C, Tmava Berisha A, Amrein K. Thyroid-Gut-Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function?. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1769. Published 2020 Jun 12. [link]

When They Only Test TSH...

Labs to test for thyroid function👉👉

This post is for anyone who goes to their annual checkups, gets routine lab tests, and has been told their thyroid is normal…but still has unexplained health issues.

You know something’s not right.

This is not to say that thyroid is the cause in your case (only the tests can say that), but it is to say that routine screenings often only test for TSH and miss thyroid problems.

TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which is the hormone released from the brain to stimulate the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone (T4). It is only one of several markers of thyroid function.

Other thyroid tests include:

▪️ T4 and free T4

▪️ T3 and free T3 (active hormone)

▪️ Reverse T3 (inactive hormone)

▪️ Antibodies (TPO, Tg, or TRA)

The thyroid gland regulates metabolic rate, gut motility, body temperature, hair, nails, and more.

If you have questions about your thyroid function and want a holistic approach to healing your hormones

🌱Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!

#thyroidtesting #thyroidtests #thyroidtest #thyroidhealing

Could It Be Your Thyroid?

Warning Signs of Thyroid Imbalance ⬇️

But first some basics:

Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that regulates metabolism (how your body uses energy) but also influences….

▪️ Metabolic rate

▪️ Heart rate

▪️ Blood pressure

▪️ Body temperature

▪️ Gut motility

▪️ Mental function

▪️ Mood

▪️ Menstruation

▪️ Fertility

Signs of an *overactive* thyroid include feeling anxious or irritable, difficulty sleeping, racing heart, shaking hands, clammy skin, sensitivity to heat, unexplained weight loss (or gain), or irregular periods.

Signs of an *underactive* thyroid include feeling tired all the time, mood swings, brain fog, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, constipation, sensitivity to cold, unexplained weight gain, or heavy periods.

The only way to know how your thyroid is functioning is to TEST.

Still, thyroid imbalances are sometimes missed by routine screenings, and even when labs are brought into the normal range, I often see patients who still do not feel well.

Watch for my upcoming post all about how functional medicine can help you understand, address, and optimize thyroid function 🙌

Like ❤️ if you found this helpful.

Why To Care About Blood Sugar...

Why should you care about your blood sugar?

Because healthy blood sugar regulation can translate into…

✅ Sustained Energy

✅ Mental Clarity

✅ Fewer Cravings

✅ Better Sleep

✅ Stress Resilience

✅ Clear Skin

✅ Stable Mood

And those are just the effects you’ll notice.

Because over time, healthy blood sugar regulation supports your hormones, brain, heart, and healthy aging 🙌

If you have any questions about blood sugar or want personalized support...

🥾 Take the first step through the link in our bio!