Thyroid Hormone Therapy

Symptoms of hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone) include fatigue, cold and heat intolerance, hypotension, fluid retention, dry skin and/or hair, constipation, headaches, low sexual desire, infertility, irregular menstrual periods, aching muscles and joints, depression, apathy, anxiety, slowed metabolism and decreased heart rate, memory and concentration impairment, enlarged tongue, deep voice, swollen neck, PMS, weight gain, hypoglycemia, and high cholesterol and triglycerides. Yet, more than half of all people with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

Although both T4 (thyroxin, an inactive form that is converted to T3 in other areas of the body) and T3 (triiodothyronine, the active form) are secreted by the normal thyroid gland, many hypothyroid patients are treated only with levothyroxine (synthetic T4). Some hypothyroid patients remain symptomatic, and T3 may also be required for optimal thyroid replacement therapy. However, the only commercially available form of T3 is synthetic liothyronine sodium in an immediate release formulation which is rapidly absorbed, and may result in higher than normal T3 concentrations throughout the body causing serious side effects, including heart palpitations. Research indicates, there is a need for sustained-release T3 preparations to avoid adverse effects.

Common symptoms from thyroid disease are:
thinning outer 1/3 of eyebrows,
cold hands and feet,
dark circles around the eyes,
puffy eyes,
hoarseness or voice changes,
dry skin,
constipation,
lack of energy, fatigue, brain fog,
muscle aches
tired all day or energy increases as the day progresses,
weight gain, especially lower torso,
depression, memory loss, anxiety, insomnia,
thinning hair,
irregular periods,
premenstrual syndrome,
infertility.

Adrenal Fatigue

90-95% of patients have some degree of adrenal dysfunction. We can’t live without adrenals and we can’t live very well when the adrenals are depleted. Adrenal fatigue is adrenal depletion. The adrenal glands secrete hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone that are essential to health and vitality and significantly affect total body function. After mid-life, the adrenal glands gradually become the major endogenous source of sex hormones in both men and women. Intense or prolonged physical or emotional stress commonly associated with modern lifestyles or chronic illness can lead to adrenal fatigue, which is an important contributing factor in health conditions ranging from obesity to allergies.

Common symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue are:
mild depression,
lethargy,
decreased ability to handle stress,
“everything takes effort”,
muscular weakness,
decreased libido,
swollen ankles, worse in PM,
syncope or lightheadedness when rising rapidly,
chronic fatigue,
apathy,
frequent sighing,
immune dysfunction, especially some allergic reactions,
craves for salt and salty foods,
mostly abdominal weight,
80% of patients with adrenal dysfunction have thyroid dysfunction and vice versa,
tired all day or some increase in energy as the day progresses,
can’t loose weight with diet and exercise.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant adrenal hormones like cortisol help to minimize allergic and other negative reactions, such as auto-immune disorders. These hormones closely affect the utilization of carbohydrates and fats. They also promote the conversion of proteins and fats into energy, and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function. Proper adrenal support is essential to complete the hormonal pathway to optimal health, and includes getting plenty of sleep, proper nutrition, stress management, regular moderate exercise, slowing down to regain proper perspective on life, and replacement of deficient hormones.

Adrenal insufficiency is very common in patients with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes and is often the cause of a serious fatigue. Sophisticated test are required for accurate diagnosis. Proper supplementation can often have profound positive effects. However if only the adrenal deficiency is treated without addressing deficiencies of other hormones, results will be disappointing. And, if poor adrenal function is undiagnosed, it can mean the difference between treatment success and failure.

We are more financially stable. Our children are about to leave or already left our homes. Some of us even have grandchildren. We are ready for further adventures and the fulfillment of our dreams. We are the first generation that does not want to become old. We have strived long to be physically and mentally attractive. Approaching this middle age we became wise, are able to maintain a clear perspective, and are more interesting, intelligent, charming and playful. Bio-identical sex hormones may again make our lives colorful, filled with positive energy, better quality of life, better health and looks. Since we live longer, we should also live better.