“Great Thyroid Health is the Winner when Fighting the Pandemic”

But my doctor says I’m fine

Whenever somebody identifies a change in their health, I always ask “How are your thyroid levels ?”

The answer is “the doctor says my Thyroid is fine”.

Symptoms of low functioning Thyroid

Dry hair, constipation, dry skin, is not normal but my doctor’s response was always “your thyroid is fine”.

All the symptoms were there but my lab values always appeared in the “normal range”. Normal for who has always been my question?

Recent Findings

High cholesterol in older adults may be the only indicator that the thyroid is not functioning properly. In a study conducted in 2012, there was a linear increase in cholesterol levels even when TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) was found in the normal range.

The normal range is 0.5–3.5mU/L OR 0.4–4.0 mU/L depending on what lab is performing the test. This is a large range for “normal” functioning.

Huge Responsibility

Your thyroid is a small organ that carries a huge responsibility in keeping our bodies running at optimal levels. If the thyroid is under-functioning our metabolism of fats, and nutrients are decreased. The workforce and delegator in the management of how our bodies handle stress. STRESS is the enemy. What happens when we are faced with a stressful situation. The Pandemic is one of the greatest stress inducers we deal with on a daily basis.

Let’s walk through how the body reacts to stress.

When you are faced with a stressful situation,(Pandemic), your body responds by releasing several hormones. This is a protective mechanism- I know you have all heard about the “the flight or fight” mechanism. Our bodies are amazing, sending you signals, like the robot of the 1965 show “Lost in Space” warning the other members, “Danger Will Robinson, Danger!” All of your blood supply diverts from digestive activities and go to your extremities, you will be energized to “RUN”, Flee, or to “FIGHT”. Your muscles will tense up, your heart rate increases, your body will release glucose for quick energy, and your respiration increases. All of these reactions help you deal with the immediate, imminent danger. However, your body is not meant to be in this state long term. Long-term stress increases the possibility of disease and damage to our bodies.

So where does a person’s thyroid health come into play?

The adrenals which are glands that lie on the top of your kidneys are

responsible for releasing cortisol along with other hormones. Too much cortisol is a problem, and too little cortisol is another problem.

If your thyroid function is not optimal you may not have the proper release of cortisol. The Thyroid and Adrenals are very connected and slight issues with either or both can cause you to not feel good. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an example of overworked adrenals, too much cortisol release, and thyroid function in trouble.

It is very important to keep copies of your lab work and note how you are feeling, tired, excited, anxious, and any weight change.

We are all individuals and cannot be diagnosed by just lab levels.

So when you are not feeling well, and you have a family history of thyroid disease, get to a doctor that will treat you as a whole and not just treat a symptom.

Adding value to your day.

pharmacist@autoimmunitycommunity.com