Thyroid Replacement Therapy
The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism and energy levels. When the thyroid does not produce appropriate levels of these hormones, it can wreak havoc with many of the body’s processes. Some of the thyroid disorders addressed by Passer Restorative Therapies include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
If the thyroid is not producing enough hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism, thyroid replacement therapy may bring hormone levels back into balance once again.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism might include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Dry skin and brittle nails
- Hair loss
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
When these symptoms are present, a simple blood test can be done to measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the body. If hypothyroidism is detected, thyroid replacement therapy might be a treatment to consider.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormone. The result can be the “speeding up” of many of your body’s processes to unhealthy levels. A common culprit in hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease, a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Some people with hyperthyroidism exhibit no symptoms with the disorder. For those that do, symptoms might include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Nervousness, moodiness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Red, itchy skin
- Hair loss
Like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can be detected through a simple blood test. Passer Restorative Therapies offers thyroid replacement therapy to manage this condition as well.
This autoimmune disease also involves the body’s immune system turning on the thyroid. While the precise cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is not known, medical experts believe it could be linked to heredity and hormonal imbalances. In addition, radiation exposure and too much iodine in the body could trigger a thyroid disorder like Hashimoto’s.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Thinning hair
- Depression and fatigue
- Inability to get pregnant
- Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles
- Constipation
- Slowed heart rate
- Puffiness in face
Because Hashimoto’s mimics other disorders in terms of symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Passer Restorative Therapies offers diagnostic services, as well as treatment options for managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hormones Used in Thyroid Replacement Therapy
The primary hormone used in thyroid replacement therapy is T4, or thyroxine. In some cases, T4 and T3 may be administered in conjunction, but adding T3 to the mix can cause unpleasant side effects in some patients. Because the body converts T4 to T3 through natural processes, this choice for thyroid hormone replacement therapy allows the body to complete those natural processes on its own. The best choice depends on the individual needs of the patient, which are determined through a thorough medical assessment by the physician.
How It Works
Because the purpose of thyroid replacement therapy is to replace the hormones the body is currently lacking, it is important to determine exactly how much hormone needs to be replaced. This is typically done by collecting information about the patient, including the patient’s weight, age and other medical conditions. Once a dosage is determined, the patient needs to be monitored regularly by one of our professionals at the beginning of thyroid replacement therapy to ensure the prescribed dosage is working properly.
Thyroid replacement therapy is typically done once a day, usually in the morning, without food. The therapy is not a temporary treatment, since once it is stopped the hormone levels will return to their original levels. Most patients who require thyroid replacement therapy will need it throughout their lives. Dosage may need to be adjusted from time to time, since hypothyroidism can be a progressive disease.
If you are concerned about your thyroid function, contact our office today. We can provide a thorough assessment of your thyroid hormone levels, and prescribe and administer thyroid replacement therapy as needed.
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