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Our Chicago Bioidentical Hormone Doctors have expertise in treating hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and many other thyroid conditions. The thyroid is a gland located below the Adam’s apple and above the neck. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which releases hormones responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism, including heart rate and how fast the body burns calories. There are five types of thyroid disorders, which are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, goiter and thyroid nodules. Diseases of the thyroid include thyroid cancer, thyroid adenoma, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Grave’s disease and Ord’s thyroiditis.
Contrary to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, which is too much thyroid hormone production, is associated with muscle weakness, chest palpitations, trembling hands, anxiety, heat intolerance, insomnia, weight loss, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction and premature or delayed ejaculation. Our bioidentical hormone doctors in Chicago have helped numerous men and women overcome the effects of a hyperactive thyroid gland, and their specialized programs have helped patients improve their overall quality of life.
Graves’ Disease is a condition in which the thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than the body needs, and it is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. This disorder is common in women and those over 60. Several symptoms of Grave’s disease can be improved with a bioidentical hormone therapy program, and men and women can reduce the many symptoms of Graves’ disease.
Additional symptoms of excessive thyroid hormone production include:
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone to keep up with the needs of the body. Thyroid hormone is essential to healthy bodily functioning, and having low thyroid hormone production is known as hypothyroidism, which leads to symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, dry skin, reduced heart rate, development of a goiter, low sex drive, constipation, weight gain due to a slower metabolism and cold intolerance.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease, and it is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid until it can no longer produce hormones.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Goiter is a non-cancerous swelling of the thyroid gland for any reason. It may be due to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or normal thyroid functioning. Symptoms include swelling or tightness in the neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, coughing or wheezing and hoarseness. The Bioidentical Hormone Doctors in Chicago can help men and women suffering from goiter to reduce symptoms and potentially prevent the further growth of goiter.
Thyroid nodules are growths inside or outside of the thyroid usually caused by iodine deficiency or Hashimoto’s disease. Primary symptoms include breathing and swallowing difficulties, goiter and pain. If thyroid nodules are due to hyperthyroidism, symptoms can include high pulse rate, nervousness, increased appetite, weight loss and clammy-feeling skin. If due to hypothyroidism, symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin and intolerance to cold.
Treating Thyroid Disorders with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Thyroid disorders can be treated with Bioidentical Hormones and can be combined with nutritional therapy for even greater benefits. Hypothyroidism can be treated with T4 (levothyroxine) or T3 (liothyronine). T3 is the active thyroid molecule, meaning it exerts its effects on the body’s cells. The body also produces T4 and converts it to T3 in the blood vessels. The most commonly prescribed thyroid supplement is T4. For many, this is sufficient to treat their symptoms of low thyroid, but some need T3.
What are the benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy on the Thyroid?
Hyperthyroidism is generally treated with beta blockers to counteract the effects of the thyroid hormones in the body. Radioactive iodine is then given to destroy the thyroid from the inside. Hormone supplementation in the form of T4 or T3 is prescribed for the remainder of the patient’s life. In severe cases, surgery is needed to remove the thyroid and T4 or T3 is given to the patient in place of the active thyroid.
The benefits of Bioidentical Hormones for hypothyroidism include:
The bioidentical hormone programs in Chicago have helped numerous men and women improve their thyroid conditions. A Chicago Bioidentical Hormone Doctor can help guide patients to the right treatment plan in order to reduce the symptoms of thyroid disorders and improve their quality of life.
