Thyroid Optimization

Thyroid Optimization

Optimize your metabolism and bodily functions, including energy expenditure and heart rate. 

The thyroid endocrine gland is one of the most important hormone regulating organs in the body. It influences every cell and tissue in the body. Thyroid gland is a driver of metabolism (the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients), and plays a crucial role in thermogenesis (the process of heat production), fat oxidation, lipid and glucose metabolism, heart rate, brain function, and much more. As reported by the American Thyroid Association (ATA): 

  • More than 12 % of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.

  • About  20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.

  • Up to 60 % of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

  • Women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.

  • Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for: cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility.

  • Pregnant women with undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe developmental problems in their children.

  • Hypothyroidism (the most common) is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include: extreme fatigue, weight gain, depression, forgetfulness, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, hair loss.

  • Hyperthyroidism is a condition causing the gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include: irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbances, vision problems and eye irritation.

  • Hashimoto's: a form of hypothyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease- in which your own immune system sees your thyroid as foreign and produces an immune response that eventually destroys thyroid cells.

Factors that Affect Thyroid Function:

 (The Institute for Functional Medicine, 2014) 

Full Spectrum Health & Wellness Testing for Thyroid Malfunction.

Comprehensive thyroid testing is vital when trying to determine the root cause of symptoms. At Full Spectrum Health & Wellness, Dr. Angiletta conducts a complete health evaluation of your symptoms and order a detailed thyroid panel, which includes antibodies and other contributing labs. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to effectively treating thyroid issues and improving one’s quality of life. If we discover hyperthyroidism (a relatively rare condition), you will be referred to an endocrinologist for specialized care. However, the majority of patients experience an underactive thyroid. Unfortunately, basic lab work (run by most clinics) doesn’t test for autoimmune conditions, like Hashimoto’s. You need advanced lab panels to accurately detect this condition and determine its causal factors. The labs we run to investigate thyroid malfunction:

  • TSH: produced in the brain; measures how the pituitary gland is communicating with the thyroid. When levels are high, it is indicative of hypothyroidism.

  • Free T4: a thyroid hormone not attached to a protein in the blood.T4 and T3 are your body’s main thyroid hormones.  Low T4 indicates low thyroid function.

  • Free T3: (converted from free T4) in the peripheral tissues. This  is an active form which enters your body's tissues where it's needed.

  • Reverse T3:  blocks the conversion of  T4 to T3. Higher levels can decrease the effect of thyroid hormone and suggests  a systemic issue like chronic inflammation.

  • Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies: can indicate underlying Hashimoto’s disease.

Once the diagnosis is made, the advantage of working with a licensed practitioner is that I can help you manage medications like Low Dose Naltrexone (if necessary) in conjunction with other integrative modalities. Treatment will be based on your lab results and symptoms, and  may include bio-identical glandular products like Nature Throid or Armour, sourced from either bovine or pork, and/or effective herbal supplements and necessary vitamins. Ultimately, true to our name-Full spectrum Health & Wellness, we would like to address all causal factors of underactive thyroid and optimize your diet and lifestyle to support optimal function. While genetic factors (that play a role in autoimmune conditions) may not be modifiable, environmental factors and gut health are of utmost importance when dealing with an autoimmune disorder. Together, Dr. Angiletta will create a truly custom protocol with you.