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Hypothyroidism

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones play an important role in your body, primarily affecting how you use energy. For this reason, problems with your thyroid function can impact many different bodily processes, from metabolism and mood to being able to get a good night’s sleep. One of the most common problems with the thyroid is hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Understanding this thyroid condition can greatly improve your chance of successfully treating your low-thyroid symptoms.

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What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.

How the Thyroid Works

The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body – helping to regulate temperature and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.

The thyroid gland uses iodine from the diet to make two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones are regulated by the pituitary gland, which produces a hormone called thyrotropin (TSH) that tells the thyroid gland how much thyroid hormone it needs to produce. The hypothalamus also plays a role in regulating the thyroid gland by producing a hormone called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which tells the pituitary gland how much TSH to produce.

As levels of thyroid hormones in your blood decrease, TRH and TSH levels rise, signaling to the thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormones. Similarly, when thyroid hormone levels rise, TRH and TSH levels fall, leading to the thyroid gland making less thyroid hormone.

Types of Hypothyroidism

Types of hypothyroidism include:

Primary Hypothyroidism

This is the most common type of hypothyroidism, and it occurs when a problem with the thyroid gland itself is preventing the production of enough thyroid hormones. Most often this is the result of an autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto’s disease. Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by high TSH levels and low levels of T4 and T3 in the blood.

Secondary Hypothyroidism

Secondary hypothyroidism occurs when the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough TSH. The most common reason for this is the presence of a tumor in or around the pituitary gland. Secondary hypothyroidism is characterized by low levels of thyroid hormones and TSH.

Tertiary Hypothyroidism

Tertiary hypothyroidism occurs when the hypothalamus doesn't produce enough TSH. This type of hypothyroidism is rare and, like secondary hypothyroidism, may be the result of a tumor or lesion in the area of the gland. Tertiary hypothyroidism is characterized by low levels of thyroid hormones and TSH.

Low Thyroid Symptoms

Hypothyroidism can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:

  • Aches & pains
  • Brain fog
  • Brittle hair
  • Cold sensitivity
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue
  • Hair thinning, hair loss
  • Inability to lose weight
  • Irritability
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of libido
  • Memory impairment
  • Sleep disruptions
  • Weight gain

Risk Factors & Causes

Hypothyroidism can occur in men and women, although women are more likely to be affected. The risk of developing hypothyroidism increases with age and is most common in middle-aged women. If you have an autoimmune disorder – such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or lupus – you are more likely to also have an underactive thyroid.

There are many different reasons why your thyroid may be underactive. One common reason is due to an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's disease. In Hashimoto's disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. This can lead to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, which can in turn lead to hypothyroidism.

Other possible causes of hypothyroidism include certain medications such as lithium or amiodarone, iodine deficiency, surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, and radiation therapy. Sometimes the cause of hypothyroidism is unknown.

Long-Term Outlook

With proper treatment, the long-term outlook for patients with hypothyroidism is good. Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication to replace the missing hormone. In some cases, treatment may also involve taking additional supplements and making certain dietary or lifestyle changes.

The right treatment for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, overall health, the presence of any other acute or chronic medical conditions, the severity of your thyroid hormone deficiency, and your symptoms.

At Optimal Thyroid Program, it is our mission to help you achieve and maintain the optimal thyroid hormone levels for you. We can provide you with relief from all those annoying low-thyroid symptoms and help you operate at peak performance.

Left untreated or inadequately managed, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems, such as goiters, heart disease, mental health problems, and even death. Proper medical treatment of your hypothyroidism can help prevent these significant complications.

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    All of my previous doctors didn’t understand how to effectively test for thyroid problems and appropriately diagnose. Everyone told me there was nothing wrong with me or it was in my head. Finally, I found this group. They are experts in thyroid care, they know what to test for and how to interpret the tests for my symptoms. Six months later and I feel better than I ever have. This team is amazing!

    – Elise C.

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    This program has changed my life. I've never had a doctor really listen to me before. She's progressive and research-based data and treatment. I can't imagine what my life would be right now if I hadn't found her almost 3 years ago.

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    It's convenient, I wish it could address side symptoms that are related to the other issues. I wish it were easier to address issues that arise during the in-between times.

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    I absolutely love Dr. Boulden. This was the best decision I ever made in my life! I feel great!

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    I love this program. Dr. Boulden has worked tirelessly to get me into a stable level with my hormones. I feel better than I have in years. She helped me where many other doctors couldn't or wouldn't go above and beyond to figure out my problem. Thank you for Optimal Thyroid Program!

    – Tracy H.

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    Paige (Physician Assistant) has been working with me since June 2020 to help me with my thyroid issue. She has been great, very kind and understanding, and the customer service team is very accommodating. Thank you!

    – Debbie B.

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Results claimed by our patients are based on individual experiences that are unique and cannot be guaranteed. These testimonials are based on the experiences of a small group of patients, and you may not have similar results.

Our Program

Who This Program Can Help

Symptoms

  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Depression and mood
  • Joint pain, muscle weakness
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue, feeling tired
  • Heartburn
  • Dry, coarse &/or cold skin
  • Foggy brain syndrome
  • Thinning hair, loss & brittleness
  • Constipation
  • Low libido

Hypothyroidism

If your thyroid fails to produce ample hormone levels, it can impact many functions throughout your entire body.

Learn More 

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissues. The disease usually results in a decline in hormone production (hypothyroidism).

Learn More 

Your Optimal Thyroid Program Journey

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Why We Started This Program

“Many of our patients don’t get the attention and expertise they deserve from their primary care doctor, and endocrinologists or functional medicine clinics are too expensive. The Optimal Thyroid Program helps patients get back to the things they enjoy. Our thyroid specialists really do make a difference in people’s lives.”

~ Dr. Kelly Boulden, Medical Director

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    The thyroid specialists at Optimal Thyroid Program in Texas offer personalized thyroid assessment and treatment to patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism or other underactive thyroid conditions.