Essential for functioning and regulating your metabolism processes, the thyroid gland is a small gland consisting of two lobes situated in the neck.
Shaped like the letter H, it is approximately 2 inches in diameter and weighs about 0.5 ounce.
The thyroid’s main function is production of the hormones thyroxine often referred to as T4, tri iodothyronine known as T3, and calcitonin.
Thyroid hormones released in the bloodstream have several functions including regulating metabolism and increasing utilization of cholesterol, fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Thyroid hormones are also very important for activity of the cells and stimulating of heart muscles, nerves and brains.
A diagnosis of thyroidism is easy to make once its possibility is considered. Blood tests that measure thyroid hormones T3 and T4 accurately confirm or rule out a thyroid diagnosis within a couple of days.
Hypothyroidism means too little thyroid hormone. A common problem, hypothyroidism is often present for a number of years before it is recognized and treated. WhenT3 and T4 levels are too low we don’t metabolize our food properly, or have the energy boost to increase oxygen supply which can lead to weight gain, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, joint pain, decreased sweating, brittle hair and nails, etc.
Hyperthyroidism means too much thyroid hormone. When your thyroid gland produces too much T4it can significantly accelerate your body’s metabolism causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating and nervousness or irritability. The most common underlying cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease; an enlarged thyroid (enlarged thyroids are called goiters) producing way too much thyroid hormone. Less commonly, a single nodule is responsible for the excess hormone secretion. We call this a “hot” nodule. Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid) can also cause hyperthyroidism.
As your compounding pharmacy we work closely with your physician to provide the right ratio of thyroid hormone for your individual needs. When dealing with thyroid disorders it is important to customize the correct dosefor our patients so you ultimately regain your physiologic thyroid levels and get back on the road to optimal health and well-being.