Thyroid Disorders

At Tustin Longevity Center, the residents of Tustin, California can receive integrative treatment therapies designed specifically for thyroid disorders. The professional staff work with each patient on an individual basis to ensure they get the best health care possible.

 

Thyroid Disorders Q & A

What are Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid?
An underactive thyroid is characterized by weight gain, extreme fatigue, depression, inability to concentrate, infertility, lack of energy and poor digestion. The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect almost every function in the human body. When thyroid hormone levels drop, a person becomes less active and often begins to put on weight. They may begin to feel depressed and show little interest in their favorite activities. The person may find it hard to focus on the task at hand. A person with an underactive thyroid may also have dry skin and hair. As the condition worsens, their immune system may be compromised preventing it from fighting off infections. Wounds may also be slow to heal.

When Should the Thyroid be Removed?
In most cases, the doctor will not choose to remove the thyroid gland unless it becomes damaged or is full of cancer. Once the thyroid is removed, the thyroid hormones must be provided through hormone replacement therapy. The body cannot function without the hormones the thyroid gland produces. Hormone replacement therapies provide the needed hormones in the correct amounts that allow the body to function normally. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is often the form chosen because of the lack of side effects. Bioidentical hormones offer proven results and will help the body remain in balance, encouraging good health and well-being.

How Does the Thyroid Gland Affect Other Bodily Functions?
The thyroid gland produces several hormones that act as triggers for other hormonal processes and reactions throughout the body. This involves the production and release of both estrogen and insulin. The production of insulin is vital to a person's health because it constantly regulates the glucose levels in the bloodstream. The thyroid gland also influences the adrenal glands that produce adrenaline which encourages the cells to utilize the fuels in the body that allow all of the necessary functions to be performed. All of the body's metabolic processes are performed because of the release of the thyroid hormones.