Do you suspect you have a thyroid issue but have been told your test result is fine?
I see this happen regularly and this week had another client who had experienced the same thing. Once we tested her thyroid more thoroughly her levels indicated an under-active thyroid and also the presence of thyroid antibodies which indicate auto-immune activity. If these levels are high enough a GP would diagnose you with Hashimoto's - the auto-immune version of hypothyroidism or under-active thyroid. This condition is quite common in women, especially if you have a family history of thyroid issues.
This client had a number of chronic health issues that she'd been struggling with for years, which could all be linked to a suspected under-active thyroid. These symptoms included constipation, anxiety and fatigue. Other common symptoms that may indicate thyroid issues include weight gain or trouble regulating weight, brain fog, low mood, feeling cold all the time, low libido and hair loss.
A qualified Naturopath will assess all three thyroid hormones - TSH, T4 and active T3 - which are all needed to properly assess thyroid function. We also look for 'ideal levels', not just that the result is 'within range'. Other tests include thyroid antibodies to rule out auto-immune activity, reverse T3 and urinary Iodine. Many women I see are also low in iron which is also essential for thyroid and immune function.
Many women have sub-optimal thyroid function - meaning it's less than ideal, but goes undiagnosed as the test levels are still within range - it's not bad enough yet for a 'diagnosis'. However this is the best time to start supporting your thyroid and body, and working on improving it's function, instead of waiting for things to get worse! This is where a qualified Naturopath or Nutritionist can help you restore optimal thyroid health before you get to the stage where you may need replacement thyroid hormone medication for the rest of your life. It's much easier to treat imbalances as soon as possible and prevent disease, rather than waiting for things to become more advanced or chronic.
Quality thyroid supplements can help improve your thyroid function and reduce symptoms. These usually include herbs such as Withania and nutrients including iodine, selenium, zinc and tyrosine. Stress and adrenal support, with herbs such as Rhodiola and Rehmannia are also great, as stress and cortisol impair thyroid and immune function.
It is best to work with a qualified practitioner if you have antibodies or auto-immune thyroid issues so that these levels can be monitored and the correct dosages are prescribed for your needs. For example, iodine is critical for thyroid function but too much iodine can worsen auto-immune thyroid issues, especially if you have low selenium. It's all about finding the right balance for you.
Other things you can do to support your thyroid, especially if it is auto-immune based include
Going gluten free or avoiding a high wheat intake. Gluten can aggravate digestive and immune based issues, and you can be reactive to gluten even if you are not Coeliac.
Avoid halogens which interfere with iodine and thyroid function. These include bromine found in regular breads, flouride and chlorine found in tap water. Chlorine also disrupts gut bacteria and therefore our digestive and immune function. Use a tap filter that removes these chemicals.
Work on stress management and include gentle exercise to help reduce cortisol and stress.
Include seaweeds, seafood and pumpkin seeds for iodine and zinc, and a few brazil nuts for selenium. (Soaked or activated nuts and seeds are easier to digest).
Avoid eating an excessive amount of raw or uncooked cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale) due to goitrogens - which may impair thyroid function. Cooked cruciferous vegetables are great and have many disease fighting phytonutrients.
Limit or avoid soy - a small amount of fermented, organic soy is ok such as tempeh and miso.
Avoid other chemicals in plastics, fragrances and skin care as much as possible, as these impact hormone levels and our immune system, as well as contributing to disease and cancer risk. Use glass, ceramic, stainless steel and non-toxic skin/body/cleaning products.
If you feel something is not right, even though you've been told your test results are fine, please seek another opinion from a qualified Naturopath or Nutritionist who can assess your health and test results in a holistic and comprehensive way - and help you to improve any imbalances and symptoms before they become bigger health issues. If you'd like a second opinion or advice from a preventative health care perspective, I'd love to help you.
Marion McConnell is a degree qualified Naturopath who helps women with stress, hormone imbalances, anxiety and fatigue. The clinic is located in New Farm Brisbane, and consultations are also available via Skype. You can contact Marion here.
