The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, has many varied, important functions such as regulating energy, metabolism and body temperature. Brain, heart and kidney function, the reproductive system, body weight, bone health, muscle strength, breathing and appetite are all also managed by the thyroid either directly or indirectly via the hormones it makes, T4 and T3.
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain work to regulate how much T4 and T3 is made. This is why your Doctor or practitioner may have tested your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels. While TSH is an important marker, it does not provide the full story as it does not show how well the thyroid itself is functioning. At Morkare, we can arrange private pathology testing to help you understand the full picture of how your thyroid and other hormones are impacting your overall health.
Issues most commonly arise when the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism), or underactive (hypothyroidism), or in autoimmune diseases (Graves’ or Hashimoto’s). To work optimally, the thyroid requires a number of nutritional compounds such as iodine, zinc, the amino acid tyrosine, selenium and iron, as well as a variety of Vitamins. Its function can be impaired by significant exposure to chlorine as well.
Your thyroid might not be working optimally if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
· Fatigue.
· Weight gain.
· Weight loss.
· Increased frequency of urination.
· Loose bowels or constipation.
· Slowed heart rate.
· Increased heart rate.
· Sensitivity to heat, or increased excessive sweating.
· Sensitivity to cold.
· Goitre, swellings or nodules growing in the neck.
· Eyebrows thinning at the outer ends.
· Thinning hair, or increased hair fall.
· Changes with menstrual cycles.
· Brain fog and memory concerns.
· Increased anxiety levels.
Many of our patients have come to us seeking assistance to improve combinations of these incredibly debilitating symptoms. At Morkare, our “shared-care” model allows you access to our team of practitioners who will work together to ensure your health is optimised from all angles. Holistic natural medicine has many ways to assist in thyroid disorders from herbal and homeopathic medicine, to personalised nutritional planning ensuring your thyroid has all the building blocks it needs to function at its best.
