Are You on a Thyroid Medication but You Still Don’t Feel Your Best? Do You Know Your Thyroid Levels? Has Your Doctor Talked to You About Reverse T3 Dominance?

Better Living Medical has the capability to compound unique thyroid doses for each individual patient. We work closely with physicians in the area in order to interpret blood work, recommend thyroid compound dosing, If you feel that you may have thyroid issues, we invite you to ask our pharmacist for effective recommendations to help support your thyroid function.

The thyroid gland serves as the fuel center of the body, and governs the production of energy in every cell of our body. Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid is not producing sufficient quantities of thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common form of hypothyroidism, and is thought to be an autoimmune condition. In the past, low consumption of iodine was thought to be the main cause of hypothyroidism. Today, iodized table salt helps to reduce the incidence of iodine deficiency. A kelp supplement which contains iodine is commonly used when individuals do not consume adequate seafood or iodized salt. Hypothyroidism is more prevalent in women than men, and hormonal imbalances can also affect thyroid function. Hyperthyroidism, or Grave’s disease, is a condition in which the thyroid function is over active and it is also thought to be an autoimmune condition.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

• Fatigue

• dry skin

• Constipation

• Hoarseness

• thinning hair

• brittle nails

• weight gain

• memory loss

• cold hands and feet

• intolerance to cold

There is also a direct link between adrenal health and thyroid function. Daily stress and adrenal fatigue can have an adverse effect on thyroid function and overall energy levels. That is why treatment of thyroid dysfunction often involves utilizing herbal substances called adaptogens, which help to support the adrenal gland. By supporting the function of the adrenal gland, the thyroid gland also is better able to perform its function.

The main hormones produced by the thyroid are T-4 (levothyroxine) and T-3 (liothyronine). Key to proper thyroid function is the conversion of T-4 to the more active T-3 form. There are several nutrients such as zinc and selenium which help to encourage the conversion from T-4 to T-3.

Reverse T3 dominance, also known as Wilson’s Syndrome, is a condition that exhibits most hypothyroid symptoms although circulating levels of T3 and T4 are within normal test limits. The metabolism of T4 into rT3 is in excess when compared to T3 therefore it is a T4 metabolism malfunction rather than a straight forward thyroid deficiency. Periods of prolonged stress may cause an increase in cortisol levels as the adrenal glands respond to the stress.