Is This the Reason Why You’re So Tired?
Do you sleep soundly each night, but wake up feeling exhausted?
Are you so fatigued throughout the day that you feel you could fall asleep virtually any time you sit down (and sometimes do), even when you’re in a meeting or while driving?
Do you no longer have the energy to do the things you love, such as exercise?
And is it often difficult to get through your day without a nap (or at least wishing you could take one)?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, there’s a good chance your fatigue is not the run-of-the-mill “go to bed early and the next day you’ll feel rested” variety.
Instead, your fatigue may be thyroid related.
Your thyroid gland plays an instrumental role in countless body functions, from influencing your heart and respiratory rate, to regulating the rate at which calories are burned to helping with growth, temperature regulation, fertility and digestion.
When hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) occurs, it means your thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormones and you’ve got too little in your bloodstream to keep your body running smoothly. The result is a major slowing down of many bodily systems … including your energy levels. It is very common for people with hypothyroidism to suffer from sluggishness, lack of energy and serious fatigue.
Differentiating thyroid-related fatigue from “ordinary” fatigue can be tricky, but one of the best gauges is feeling tired even though you’re sleeping well, or experiencing exhaustion for no apparent reason. These two scenarios are hallmarks of people with hypothyroidism.
If you’re experiencing thyroid-related fatigue, you may be desperate for more energy, but resist the urge to rely on caffeine or energy drinks as a solution. This will only provide short-term relief to your tiredness, as it is the lack of thyroid hormones in your bloodstream that is responsible for your exhaustion.
By addressing the hypothyroidism at the foundational level, and of course first confirming that it is indeed a thyroid problem that is causing your fatigue, you can restore your energy naturally, and often permanently.
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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Lab Tests May Miss Low Thyroid Function
A debate is raging over what the proper laboratory reference range should be for normal thyroid function. Prior to 2002, the “normal” range for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was 0.5 to 5.0, with hypothyroidism diagnosed when levels progress above 5.0.
But many experts believed this range was too broad, and as the Los Angeles Times recently reported, many with levels within this “normal” range still felt symptoms of hypothyroidism, including fatigue, weight gain and sensitivity to cold.
In 2003, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists revised their recommendations to reflect this, and actually tightened the normal laboratory reference range. In a press release, they stated:
“Until November 2002, doctors had relied on a normal TSH level ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 to diagnose and treat patients with a thyroid disorder who tested outside the boundaries of that range. Now AACE encourages doctors to consider treatment for patients who test outside the boundaries of a narrower margin based on a target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.04.”
This adjustment nearly doubled the number of people with abnormal thyroid function, but even in 2011, many laboratories are still referencing the old numbers, and many doctors are not aware of the change.
As thyroid expert Mary Shomon recently wrote on About.com:
“Even though recommended changes to clinical laboratory standards for the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) “normal range” were announced in 2002, your doctor probably is still unaware that a major revamping has been done to this reference range.”
So, even if your labs have come back normal, it’s important to seek help if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, as you could have an undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed, thyroid condition:
- Inability to lose weight — even with exercise and a low-calorie diet
- Fatigue
- Emotional instability
- Memory issues
- Foggy brain
- Hot flashes
- Constipation
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Always feeling cold
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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
University of Maryland Highlights Alternative Thyroid Treatments
The University of Maryland Website points out numerous complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies for hypothyroidism, noting “nutrition and herbs can help support conventional treatment … “
Among the nutritional tips mentioned to “help reduce symptoms” are eating foods high in B vitamins and iron, such as fresh vegetables and sea vegetables, and those rich in antioxidants, including blueberries, cherries, squash and bell pepper.
They also list two supplements, omega-3 fatty acids and L-tyrosine, along with a few herbs that may help, and include a mention of homeopathy, acupuncture and contrast hydrotherapy (hot and cold applications to the neck and throat) as ways to balance and/or stimulate thyroid function.
About 38 percent of U.S. adults use complementary and alternative medicine, and studies by the National Institutes of Health and the American Medical Association show that the number of health care visits by adults to CAM health practitioners is growing by 30% per year.
University of Maryland Medical Center, Hypothyroidism
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Dr. Heather Credeur, D.C. and Dr. Brandon Credeur, D.C. of The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado are passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Popular Thyroid Drug Leads to Bone Fractures
Levothyroxine (brand name Synthroid), a prescription medication widely used to treat hypothyroidism, is the fourth most prescribed medication in the United States. But despite its widespread use, serious side effects abound.
The latest research uncovered that seniors who took Synthroid in high or medium doses had a significantly increased risk of fractures — and the higher the dose, the greater the risk became.
Part of the problem is that Synthroid is notorious for having a narrow toxic-to-therapeutic ratio, which means there’s a fine line between the dose that’s safe and the dose that’s toxic. It’s very difficult to keep patients within the “optimal” range, and it’s thought that many seniors may be receiving excessive doses of the drug that is increasing their risk of side effects.
Along with increased fractures, Synthroid has also been linked to osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, worsening of heart disease, preterm delivery in pregnancy, impaired fetal brain development, and high cholesterol. All of these are reasons why Dr. Brandon Credeur, D.C. and Dr. Heather Credeur, D.C. of The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado prefer to treat thyroid disorders using safer, non-toxic, natural alternatives.
BMJ April 28, 2011; 342:d2238.
BusinessWeek.com April 28, 2011
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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Hashimoto’s Increases Your Risk of Other Autoimmune Disorders
Many are not aware that the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is actually an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism is also usually associated with Graves’ disease, another autoimmune disorder.
What is also not widely known is that if you suffer from one autoimmune disease, it increases your risk of developing another. So if you currently have Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease, you’re at risk of developing other autoimmune problems including:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Type 1 diabetes
- Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)
- Vitiligo (loss of pigment of some areas of the skin)
- Lupus
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
According to one study in The American Journal of Medicine, about 14% of people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and 10% of patients with Graves’ disease had another autoimmune disorder.
The American Journal of Medicine February 2010; 123(2):183.e1-9.
Clinical Thyroidology for Patients April 2010, Volume 3, Issue 4
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Dr. Brandon Credeur, D.C. and Dr. Heather Credeur, D.C. of The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado are passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Hypothyroidism Linked to Type 2 Diabetes
Hypothyroidism is a well-recognized risk of type 1 diabetes, but new research shows there’s a strong association with type 2 diabetes as well. In a study involving over 5,000 people, researchers found the prevalence of hypothyroidism to be nearly 6 percent among people with type 2 diabetes, compared to just under 2 percent in those without.
The association was so significant that researchers recommended routine screening for hypothyroidism at the time of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
It’s estimated that anywhere from 10 percent to 31 percent of type 2 diabetics may have thyroid dysfunction, with subclinical hypothyroidism the most common thyroid condition. Subclinical hypothyroidism has also been linked to metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases your risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Both thyroid disorders and diabetes involve a dysfunction of the endocrine system. Type 1 diabetes and the most common cause of hypothyroidism — Hashimoto’s disease — are also both autoimmune diseases, and having one autoimmune disease increases your risk of developing another.
With type 2 diabetes, coexisting hypothyroidism may increase your risk of heart problems, and the researchers noted that early identification of both conditions could improve heart function, blood pressure and lipid profile.
A separate report in Clinical Diabetes noted:
“ … Hypothyroidism is accompanied by a variety of abnormalities in plasma lipid metabolism, including elevated triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. Even subclinical hypothyroidism can exacerbate the coexisting dyslipidemia commonly found in type 2 diabetes and further increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.”
Symptoms of hypothyroidism, especially at the subclinical level, are often minimal or, like fatigue, dry skin, constipation, muscle cramps and memory problems, may mimic those of many other conditions, making it incredibly easy to miss.
Fortunately, dietary approaches and other lifestyle changes can often help bring both your thyroid function and blood sugar levels back into the normal ranges. For more information, contact the Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado today.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 20th Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress April 15, 2011
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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Psychotropic Drug in Drinking Water May Damage Your Thyroid
Lithium, widely used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia, is showing up in drinking water supplies at levels similar to those used for treatment.
The drug is well known to impact thyroid function, and thyroid abnormalities ranging from goiter to hypothyroidism have been noted in lithium patients.
There are currently no set drinking water standards for lithium, which means your drinking water supplies are not routinely tested for this drug. However, a new study in Environmental Health Perspectives, which found exposure to lithium via drinking water and other environmental sources may affect thyroid function, suggests it should be.
After testing over 200 women living in Argentina, where high levels of lithium were found in drinking water, it was found that women with higher lithium levels in their urine were more likely to have lower levels of thyroxine (T4) and higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which are markers of underactive thyroid function.
As reported by Environmental Health News:
“Several studies conducted in South America and one world-wide study of bottled water showed that it is possible to have several milligrams of lithium in a liter of water, leading to a daily exposure that is similar to what is given to treat depression.”
The study adds to a growing list of evidence proving your thyroid function is easily disrupted by outside influences, including the chemicals that are ubiquitous in our environment.
It’s unclear what levels of lithium exist in U.S. drinking water supplies, but if you’re concerned an independent laboratory can test your water for you.
Environmental Health Perspectives January 20, 2011
Environmental Health News April 12, 2011
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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
This Common “Health” Food May Triple Your Risk of Hypothyroidism
Tofu, soy burgers, soy milk and other soy products have a reputation for being good for your health, but if you’re consuming a lot of them your thyroid health could be at risk.
New research from the UK found that supplementing your diet with soy phytoestrogens significantly increases your risk of hypothyroidism. Among 60 people with subclinical hypothyroidism, dietary supplementation with 16 mg of soy phytoestrogens — similar to the amount found in a vegetarian diet — for eight weeks resulted in a three-fold increased risk of developing overt hypothyroidism.
What makes soy potentially dangerous for your thyroid?
It belongs to a wide-ranging category of foods known as goitrogens, which can interfere with your thyroid function. When eaten in excess, certain substances in goitrogenic foods can suppress normal thyroid function and promote formation of goiter (enlarged thyroid).
Specifically, soy foods contain high levels of isoflavones, which are goitrogens. Past research also suggests that consuming large amounts of processed soy foods may generate thyroid abnormalities, including goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Soy infant formula appears to be particularly dangerous to infants’ thyroid health and has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease.
For now, whether or not soy is truly a “health” food continues to be hotly debated in the medical and nutrition fields, but research continues to suggest a reason to be cautious about your soy consumption — especially if you have thyroid disease, subclinical thyroid disease or factors that put you at increased risk of these conditions.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism February 16, 2011
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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Thyroid Disease Common in Pregnant Women — Even Those With No Risk Factors
Thyroid disease in pregnancy has been linked to miscarriage, premature delivery and a range of complications in both mother and baby. Thyroid hormone is essential for normal brain and nervous system development, so low-functioning thyroid in the mother may lead to cognitive and developmental disabilities in the newborn.
Even mild subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy may lead to subtle brain abnormalities in the child, but many women are not aware there’s a problem because widespread screening is not routine.
As it stands, only women with risk factors of thyroid disease are screened for such disorders during pregnancy. This includes women who have:
- Family or personal history of thyroid disease
- Goiter
- Symptoms of thyroid disease, including anemia or high cholesterol
- Type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune disorders
- Received radiation to the head or neck as part of a medical treatment
- History of miscarriage or premature delivery
- Infertility
However, a recent study revealed that thyroid disease is actually more common in pregnant women than expected, and often occurs among women without the above risk factors. In fact, the study revealed that over half (55 percent) of pregnant women with thyroid disease would be missed if only high-risk criteria like those listed above were examined.
What this means is that many pregnant women without thyroid disease risk factors or symptoms miss out on being screened and never know they have the condition — putting themselves and their babies at risk.
To avoid unnecessary pregnancy complications, be sure to have your thyroid health thoroughly checked, ideally before becoming pregnant but at the very least during. This is especially important if you experience any symptoms of low-functioning thyroid, such as fatigue, unexplained weight gain, constipation, joint/muscle pain, dry skin, or cold intolerance.
Want to know even more details about thyroid health and pregnancy? Be sure to read What Every Woman Needs to Know About Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy.
European Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 163, Issue 4, 645-650
Clinical Thyroidology for Patients November 2010 Volume 3 Issue 11
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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Thyroid Screening Could Improve Quality of Life for Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Hypothyroidism is becoming increasingly common in the United States, with women over 50 most at risk. When undiagnosed and untreated, this low thyroid function can lead to obesity, joint pain and heart disease, as well as heart failure, fractures, miscarriage and more — even at the subclinical level.
So it’s easy to understand how a new study from the UK revealed that as many as 100,000 middle-aged and older adults could gain a “new lease on life” from hypothyroidism screening.
The study revealed that population-wide screening for hypothyroidism in women over 50 and men over 65 would lead to a better quality of life for about 1 percent of those tested, relieving such symptoms as tiredness and memory loss. The benefits were so significant that researchers recommended pilot screening programs be started in the UK.
Unfortunately, regular screening for hypothyroidism in healthy adults is still far from routine, including in the United States. As the New York Times reported, only the American Thyroid Association recommends that men and women receive regular screening for hypothyroidism starting at age 35 and continuing every five years thereafter.
The U.S. Preventive Task Force does not recommend routine screening at all, the American Academy of Family Physicians only recommends screening over the age of 60, and the American College of Physicians recommends screening only for women over the age of 50, and only once every five years.
The problem is that hypothyroidism can be sneaky, causing no symptoms at all or symptoms that mimic other conditions and seem completely unrelated, including:
- Fatigue
- Sluggishness
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Pale, dry skin
- A puffy face
- Hoarse voice
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
- Unexplained weight gain, or difficulty losing weight
- Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
- Muscle weakness
- Heavier than normal menstrual periods
- Brittle fingernails and hair
- Depression
Even when the above symptoms are present, it is very common for a low-functioning thyroid to be completely missed due to inadequate testing and a general lack of understanding of the complexities of thyroid function within the medical community.
Further, it’s also possible to have hypothyroidism even if your doctor has tested you and told you that you don’t!
The other challenge with hypothyroidism screening programs is that, in the event you are diagnosed, you will likely be treated with medications that completely ignore the underlying reason why your thyroid is not functioning properly … and this is not a recipe for optimal health.
So if you suspect your thyroid function may be off balance, don’t wait for complications to develop — schedule your free Hypothyroid Qualification Assessment to get to the bottom of your symptoms and get expert help, once and for all.
Journal of Medical Screening 2010;17(4):164-9.
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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
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