Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will have a low functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism) by the time they hit 50. That’s a lot of people. The problem? Most doctors miss it because they rely solely on the standard TSH blood screen test. But TSH screening is not the most reliable indicator of thyroid disease, especially if the patient also has Testosterone or Estrogen deficiencies.
One must look at Thyroid 3 (T3), Thyroid 4(T4) and reverse T3 levels to get a true indicator of thyroid function, and then consider the broad range of symptoms to reach diagnosis. Too many medical professionals have lost the skill of using the patient’ history, physical exam and appropriate blood screening to make a correct diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
As a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Hormonal Health, every day I see women suffering from extreme fatigue, weight gain, sore muscles, aching joints as well as hair loss and cold intolerance. Their symptoms are screaming hypothyroidism. Upon examination, I will find they have a slow heart rate, cold extremities, and a swollen neck – all clinical indicators of hypothyroidism.
Many people with normal TSH levels have hypothyroidism, but told nothing is wrong, when their bodies are telling them otherwise. It’s extremely frustrating for patients. Hypothyroidism not only causes you to feel terrible, it’s also a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions and cancers; including breast and colon cancer, so correct diagnosis and treatment is vital.
Many doctors are afraid thyroid replacement will cause bone loss and heart arrhythmias. I can assure you, when all hormonal levels are well balanced and appropriate, this rarely happens. The risk of not replacing thyroid hormones has much more devastating consequences for your health.
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Dr. DeRosa:
I can’t tell you how refreshing it is when I read your article on Thyroid. I am currently looking for an endocrinologist to help me sort out my Hypothyroid issue that I have been struggling with for 14 years. I am being treated, but feel like just a dressing has been applied to cover up what is really going on. My Thyroid is undiagnosed as far as what type other than Hypothyroidism. Don’t know if it is Hashimoto’s or what. I am so tired I feel like I am scraping my self off of the floor daily. I am 42 1/2 years old and hoping you have room for another patient. I am checking with my insurance to see if you are on the list. I decided to chart all of my TSH, T3 & T4 Levels over the last 12 years and boy did it put how I am feeling right into perspective. it looks kind of like a roller coaster with the last 4-5 years barely getting off of the ground.
Dr. DeRosa,
By the way you come very highly recommended by a coworker and friend.
Thanks, Shannon! We always have room for more patients – we have a wonderful group of providers who have all trained directly with Dr. DeRosa. Please contact our office at 480.619.4097 and we can answer any questions about your insurance and get you onto the schedule.
I have a question about natural remedies for Hypothyridism. Is this something that has actually been proven to work? Or is it simply quackery?
There are a large number of herbal remedies or other supplements being presented as natural thyroid replacement. However, if the function of the thyroid gland is compromised due to hormonal deficiencies (low testosterone) or the body is not effectively converting T3 to T4, there will continue to be problems. Get your thyroid levels properly checked as described in the article, so you and your provider can determine the best course of treatment to meet your body’s needs. Dr. D’s book has more information on the types of thyroid disorders most commonly found, symptoms checklist and treatment protocols. Good luck!