Canadian Apothecary Pharmacy specializes in compounding, prescriptions, and natural medicines. Call 519-439-4100.
Canadian Apothecary Pharmacy specializes in compounding, prescriptions, and natural medicines. Call 519-439-4100.
A GUIDE TO THYROID SUPPORT
Learn About Your Thyroid
The thyroid gland produces hormones, specifically monoiodothyronine (T1), diiodothyronine (T2), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and reverse riiodothyronine (rT3), which regulate the energy level, growth, and reproduction of every cell in your body. T3 is the most active thyroid hormone, about four to five times the potency of T4, but is only called upon when the body needs it. As a result most thyroid hormone is stored in the body as T4 which is converted to T3 when the need arises. When there is an insufficient production of T4 and/or T3 the most common of thyroid diseases, hypothyroidism, will be exhibited. In fact, hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid, accounts for about 80% of thyroid dysfunctions.
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may only appear over an extended period of time, months or years, and can share similar characteristics of other disorders. This can lead to a misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
Some classic signs and symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Cold Intolerance
- Reduced Heart Rate
- Weight Gain
- Depression
- Dementia
- Dry Skin and Brittle Fingernails
- Hair Loss
- Constipation
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Menstrual Changes
- High Cholesterol
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Fluid Retention
- Headaches
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Poor Night Vision
- Shortness of Breath
- Abnormal Tingling or Burning Sensation
- Nutritional Imbalances
Thyroid Symptoms
What To Know
If you are experiencing any of the above thyroid support symptoms there is a temperature test that you can perform to determine if you might have a potential problem. Because thyroid hormones help to regulate the body’s temperature taking a basal body temperature (the temperature taken underneath your arm) may help to discover if you have a thyroid problem.
- The thermometer that you use needs to be able to accurately measure to one decimal place.
- Upon waking and before you get out of bed place the thermometer under your armpit and take your temperature.
- Any activity prior to taking your temperature will skew the results.
- Do this for 3 consecutive days and record the results.
- For a menstruating woman, you should take your temperature during your menses.
- A normal temperature is 36.6 to 36.8 degrees Celsius (97.8 to 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit). An underactive thyroid will have a temperature below 36.6 degrees Celsius. This would warrant a visit to your physician to investigate further.
Know Your Medication
Thyroid PRESCRIPTIONS
The most commonly prescribed thyroid hormone is levothyroxine (Synthroid or Eltroxin) which is T4. It is available in many strengths which makes for easier dose adjustments, but a person could be low in liothyronine (T3) as well. Unfortunately it only comes in two commercially available strengths, 5 and 25 mcg in a