Unexplained weight loss or weight gain is one of the most common complaints we encounter at The Lyday Center. Weight changes can happen for many reasons, but if the patient history does not reveal an obvious cause, the first thing we look at is thyroid function.
The thyroid is a gland located in the front of the neck. It produces two hormones that are related to metabolism: T3, Triiodothyronine, and T4, Thyroxine. A thyroid that produces too little or too much of these hormones can result in stubborn weight gain and unexplained weight loss.
What causes the thyroid to malfunction is unknown, but women are five times as likely as men to develop a thyroid disorder. Most are unaware that they have a thyroid problem.
Conditions often associated with thyroid function:
Hyperthyroidism (Grave's Disease)
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's Disease)
Goiters
Iodine deficiency
Thyroiditis (inflammation)
Thyroid Nodules
Although changes in weight are most often associated with thyroid function, the truth is thyroid hormones affect nearly every cell, tissue, and system in the body. A thyroid disorder can cause:
Anxiety
Brain fog
Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
Constipation
Depression
Difficulty concentrating
Dry hair, skin, or nails
Hair loss
Heart rate changes (fast/slow)
Joint and muscle pain
Mental sluggishness
Moodiness/mood changes
Nervousness
Sensitivity to heat or cold
Sleep problems
Trembling in the hands
Weight changes (gain/loss)
“Many of the doctors I had seen in the past looked at my thyroid test results and dismissed me as "within normal range" so exercise more and eat fewer carbs. That was great, but that didn't help much and certainly did not address any of my other health concerns.
Dr. Lyday was the first physician to ask about what I felt like after I ate, what things I was fueling my body with, and what was my favorite way to exercise. Those questions alone showed that her heart was in helping me to find better health rather than a quick fix.”
- Danae D.
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are the two primary conditions caused by thyroid disorders.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid overproduces hormones. This condition can indicate Grave's disease, a rare, genetic autoimmune disorder. Signs of hyperthyroidism include nervousness and irritability, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, sleep problems, and vision or eye problems. Hyperthyroidism may occur due to a malfunction of the pituitary gland.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This condition can be caused by Hashimoto's disease, which is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland itself. Signs of hypothyroidism include depression, extreme fatigue, forgetfulness, and weight gain.
Treatment for thyroid disorders begins with testing. A blood test is the only way to test thyroid function. The test will measure levels of T3 and T4 in the blood as well as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland but it stimulates the thyroid gland telling it how much T3 and T4 to produce.
Once we have identified thyroid levels, we develop a personalized treatment plan to first stop progression of your condition and related symptoms. Treatment typically centers on the use of natural hormones to stabilize the thyroid and support natural thyroid function.
Thyroid disorders are common and underdiagnosed. If you have any of the above symptoms or a nagging suspicion that something just isn't right, schedule an appointment at The Lyday Center for thyroid testing.
