Thyroid hormone imbalance
The symptoms of thyroid hormone imbalance can easily be mistaken for other health issues or aging—and they often develop gradually and mysteriously.
If you’re experiencing changes in energy levels, unexplained weight gain or loss, or changes in heart rate, digestion, or sleep, you may find yourself in a tangle of Google searches and unsure how to proceed—or even what type of health care provider to see.
It helps to have a baseline understanding of the thyroid and how thyroid hormone imbalances can affect your health, so you can be your own best health advocate.
You can (and should!) work with your primary care provider (or an integrative health practice like Synergy) to get a diagnosis and begin treatment as appropriate.
But first: let’s get a better understanding of this condition that affects millions of people (especially women) worldwide.
What Are Thyroid Hormone Imbalances?
Let’s look at the thyroid gland itself and its function.
This small butterfly-shaped organ is located at the base of your neck and controls various bodily functions, such as metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and overall well-being. When it functions abnormally, it can affect nearly every aspect of your health.
There are two primary types of thyroid hormone imbalances:
- Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough hormones, symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, dry skin, constipation, and sensitivity.
- Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid gland is overactive and processes too much thyroid hormone, symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, irritability, sweating, and difficulty sleeping.
Both conditions can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated—so, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, make it a priority to get treatment.
Thyroid hormone imbalances can be diagnosed with a physical exam, review of your symptoms, and blood tests to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels (T4 and T3). Determining the underlying cause may require additional tests, such as antibody and thyroid scans.
Unfortunately, standard testing that’s covered by insurance often yields “normal” results, even when a more complete assessment would reveal thyroid issues.
Causes and Symptoms of Thyroid Hormone Imbalances
While there are many possible causes of hypo- and hyperthyroidism, the most common are:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, preventing it from producing enough thyroid hormone—leading to hypothyroidism.
- Graves Disease: This is another autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to overproduce hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid Nodules: These lumps in the thyroid gland can cause the gland to produce excess hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine is a necessary component of thyroid hormones, and a deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism.
Your health professional can work with you to determine the likely cause of your hypo- or hyperthyroidism, which will help determine the best treatment.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and hair
- Constipation
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Slow heart rate
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Nervousness or irritability
- Tremors (shaking hands or fingers)
- Sweating
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Frequent bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
If you’re seeing a pattern in your health that matches one of the lists above—or if any of these symptoms is disrupting your daily function—it’s essential to see a healthcare provider right away.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Thyroid Imbalances
HRT is a treatment used to reset hormone levels to a normal range, thus alleviating the disruptive symptoms of hormone imbalances.
The treatments for hypo- and hyperthyroidism are quite different, given that they are trying to have opposite effects. One treatment aims to mimic the effects of increased thyroid function and the other aims to suppress it.
The good news is that HRT provides a number of proven ways to increase or decrease thyroid function to get the balance right for you. One step at a time, you’ll reach a solution that works for your body.
- HRT for Hypothyroidism: Most commonly, synthetic thyroxine (levothyroxine) is used in HRT for hypothyroidism. It’s identical to the T4 hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and is taken orally, usually once per day, and works to normalize T4 levels in the blood. Once appropriate dosage is determined, patients should see improvement in energy levels, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
- HRT for hyperthyroidism: In order to inhibit the production of thyroid hormones, treatment for hyperthyroidism relies on antithyroid medications (such as methimazole or propylthiouracil) or radioactive iodine therapy. If hyperthyroidism cannot be controlled by medications, part or all of the thyroid may be removed surgically—and HRT can help you maintain normal functions for the rest of your life.
HRT is essential for treating thyroid hormone imbalances—and it’s equally essential to support treatments with a multifaceted approach to your health.
How Does a Holistic Health Approach Support HRT for Thyroid Imbalances?
As with all health issues, recovering from symptoms related to thyroid imbalance depends not only on the physical aspects but also the mental, emotional, and lifestyle factors that influence overall well-being.
Here are some ways that a holistic approach can help support you in your treatment of hypo- or hyperthyroidism:
- Weight management: Thyroid imbalances can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Typical weight-loss programs don’t take into account the challenges of abnormal thyroid function—and could be a frustrating experience. Exercise programs should be personalized to your specific situation and closely monitored so that your program remains in harmony with your changing needs.
- Health coaching: Health coaches work with patients to develop new, healthier habits that can help you manage symptoms around sleep, energy levels, and stress while you’re working toward regaining equilibrium. Regular check-ins provide accountability and motivation as you work toward realistic, achievable goals.
- Nutritional counseling: Nutrition plays a vital role in thyroid function and overall well-being, particularly if you’re going through HRT. When you’re working to regulate your thyroid function, you should be targeting foods that support your efforts and avoiding others that will interfere. A dietitian can help you with a meal plan that supports healthy metabolism and promotes gut health.
- Supplements: With the support of a healthcare provider, supplements can support overall thyroid health. Deficiency in vitamin D is common in people with thyroid disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve mood–particularly important for patients experiencing thyroid-related depression or anxiety.
- Other holistic approaches: Yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and support thyroid health. Acupuncture, tai chi, or qigong are other ways to improve energy flow, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being.
Managing thyroid imbalances through HRT is a critical step—and supporting your treatment with a comprehensive and holistic support system can significantly enhance treatment outcomes!
By addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of your health, you achieve a better quality of life and more balanced state of well-being.
Your symptoms are treatable. And we can help.
At Synergy, we’re pleased to offer holistic support for those experiencing thyroid imbalances—in a way that’s customized to your specific needs. Visit our service pages for Thyroid Optimization, Weight Management & Weight Loss, Nutritional Counseling & Health Coaching, and Supplements for more information.