(TBS #12) What Actually Causes Thyroid Disease? Thyroid Dysfunction vs Hypothyroidism
Today is lesson #12 and it's all about what causes thyroid disease.
Why does it matter what causes thyroid disease?
If you can find the cause you can better target your treatment. Most doctors are only concerned with lab tests and not the causes of those problems, which means you may be unnecessarily treated for something that could be reversible.
Thyroid Dysfunction vs Hypothyroidism: What's the difference?
Thyroid dysfunction = thyroid hormone is not working properly at the cellular level but your body can still produce it.
These are the top causes of thyroid dysfunction (remember they may be reversible):
#1. Obesity - Just being overweight is enough to put strain on your thyroid (even as little as 10 pounds)
#2. Calorie restriction or diets - as little as 1,200 calories per day x21 days
#3. Nutrient deficiencies - Such as zinc, selenium and iodine - these are all required for your body to convert T4 into T3
#4. Insulin resistance/Leptin resistance -
$5. Chronic illness & Infections - High blood pressure, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, high cholesterol, heart disease and so on
#6. Prescription medications - Beta blockers, diabetic mes, anti seizure meds, narcotics, antidepressants, heart medications and more (these are common medications!)
#7. Inflammatory states - gut dysfunction, yeast or fungal overgrowth syndromes
Thyroid dysfunction should be differentiated from hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism = Your body is not producing ENOUGH thyroid hormone.
The top causes of hypothyroidism include:
#1. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis = probably main cause (triggers include stress, infections, gut dysfunction, etc. - see other video)
#2. Treatment for hyperthyroidism - Thyroidectomy and RAI
#3. Pituitary issues/hypothalamic issues - extreme stress, prolactinoma, trauma
#4. Iodine deficiency
#6. Pregnancy & Lactation = increased demand on thyroid hormone
#7. Congenital = being born with issues
How should you focus your treatment?
Remember that thyroid dysfunction is usually reversible while hypothyroidism may or may not be.
Both conditions may present with similar lab results (high TSH, low free t3, low free t4, high reverse T3) which can make diagnosis difficult. And both may benefit from thyroid medication (though those with thyroid dysfunction tend to only need it temporarily).
Hey guys!
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
I take a personalized/functional medicine approach to management of conditions. I'm not accepting patients but you can learn more and get plenty of information on my blog!
You can learn more about high-quality supplements that I create (and personally use) here:
https://www.restartmed.com/shop/
You can find more general information on my site here:
https://www.restartmed.com/
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-westin-childs-podcast-thyroid-weight-loss-hormones/id1141207688?mt=2
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
Do you have any topics or video ideas? Please say so in the comments below!
Why does it matter what causes thyroid disease?
If you can find the cause you can better target your treatment. Most doctors are only concerned with lab tests and not the causes of those problems, which means you may be unnecessarily treated for something that could be reversible.
Thyroid Dysfunction vs Hypothyroidism: What's the difference?
Thyroid dysfunction = thyroid hormone is not working properly at the cellular level but your body can still produce it.
These are the top causes of thyroid dysfunction (remember they may be reversible):
#1. Obesity - Just being overweight is enough to put strain on your thyroid (even as little as 10 pounds)
#2. Calorie restriction or diets - as little as 1,200 calories per day x21 days
#3. Nutrient deficiencies - Such as zinc, selenium and iodine - these are all required for your body to convert T4 into T3
#4. Insulin resistance/Leptin resistance -
$5. Chronic illness & Infections - High blood pressure, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, high cholesterol, heart disease and so on
#6. Prescription medications - Beta blockers, diabetic mes, anti seizure meds, narcotics, antidepressants, heart medications and more (these are common medications!)
#7. Inflammatory states - gut dysfunction, yeast or fungal overgrowth syndromes
Thyroid dysfunction should be differentiated from hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism = Your body is not producing ENOUGH thyroid hormone.
The top causes of hypothyroidism include:
#1. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis = probably main cause (triggers include stress, infections, gut dysfunction, etc. - see other video)
#2. Treatment for hyperthyroidism - Thyroidectomy and RAI
#3. Pituitary issues/hypothalamic issues - extreme stress, prolactinoma, trauma
#4. Iodine deficiency
#6. Pregnancy & Lactation = increased demand on thyroid hormone
#7. Congenital = being born with issues
How should you focus your treatment?
Remember that thyroid dysfunction is usually reversible while hypothyroidism may or may not be.
Both conditions may present with similar lab results (high TSH, low free t3, low free t4, high reverse T3) which can make diagnosis difficult. And both may benefit from thyroid medication (though those with thyroid dysfunction tend to only need it temporarily).
Hey guys!
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
I take a personalized/functional medicine approach to management of conditions. I'm not accepting patients but you can learn more and get plenty of information on my blog!
You can learn more about high-quality supplements that I create (and personally use) here:
https://www.restartmed.com/shop/
You can find more general information on my site here:
https://www.restartmed.com/
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-westin-childs-podcast-thyroid-weight-loss-hormones/id1141207688?mt=2
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
Do you have any topics or video ideas? Please say so in the comments below!
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