Thyroid and Adrenal Health

A typical scenario we hear is “my primary provider checked my thyroid labs and told me that they are normal, but I still have thyroid symptoms.

Innovative Health utilizes a "systems approach" to hormone balancing, recognizing that hormonal imbalance in one area can lead to imbalances throughout the system. The Thyroid is part of the endocrine system, one of those complex systems in which overactivity or underactivity can affect other endocrine organs and the body as a whole.

Functional approaches to the endocrine system provide deep insight into the interactions among hormones and genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the patient.

Signs of low thyroid production (Hypothyroid)

• Cold hands and feet or cold intolerance
• Constipation
• Depression, irritability, nervousness, poor memory
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Puffy eyes and eyelids
• Fatigue
• Trouble swallowing, hoarseness, throat pain
• Slow heart rate or hypotension
• Menstrual irregularities, infertility,
• Elevated cholesterol

Our approach includes

• Comprehensive testing of the thyroid and the other endocrine organs. This includes assessment of multiple thyroid parameters, such as free T3 and T4, antibody testing, reverse T, etc. Iodine is often low in patients, and testing is imperative. Testing for thyroid hormone precursors and assessment of toxins that interfere with thyroid and receptor function are necessary. Looking at the micronutrients needed for optimal thyroid function is part of any patient's plan of care. Deficiencies in chromium, copper, selenium, iron, zinc, and the B vitamins all impact the thyroid.
• • Micronutrient testing
  • Iodine testing
  • Environmental chemical testing
• A Functional Medicine History. We look for clues to the root cause of endocrine imbalance, such as exposure to environmental toxins. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium displace iodine, an essential element necessary to thyroid function. Environmental exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) from plastic bottles, storage containers, and receipts can interfere with thyroid function and conversion. Other impactors include phthalates, PCBs, PFOS, and PFOAs.
• A Functional physical examination for hormone imbalance. A deep dive into all the symptoms mentioned, plus a lack of eyebrow growth. This includes basal body temperatures taken at specific times of day and during the cycle.
• Stress hormones assessment and management. Dysregulated stress hormones can affect thyroid function and must be assessed and corrected for optimal thyroid function. Saliva, blood, and urine testing for hormones such as cortisol using a diurnal curve, DHEA, and 17-OH Progesterone are part of the plan of action.
• Conversion of T4 to T3 and hormone resistance. Unfortunately, conversion issues cannot be inferred solely from TSH. Poor conversion is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. Certain drugs interfere with conversion, as do nutritional deficiencies that affect the enzymes. Simple aging, illness, and trauma all impact conversion.
• Medication review. Common drugs like oral contraceptives, beta-blockers, chemo, and radiation all impact the thyroid.

Adrenal Hormones

According to Johns Hopkins University, the typical American has more stress in 30 days than their grandparents had in an entire lifetime. We know from research that chronic stress has a tremendous negative impact on our health, weakening our immune system, causing inflammation, increasing cortisol levels, and disrupting the natural microbiome in the gastrointestinal system. The effects of stress can lead to chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal complaints, low libido, insomnia, mood fluctuation, weight gain, and much more. With appropriate analysis and testing, we can provide a personalized, comprehensive approach to managing stress response.

Symptoms of Adrenal Imbalance

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Mood issues like anxiety or depression
• Digestive problems
• Irritability
• Low Libido
• Weight Gain
• Frequent Illness
• Lowered Immune Function
• Assess the Stress Hormones

The first step in assessing a patient’s stress load includes functional testing that evaluates stress at multiple points of the day. State-of-the-art testing uses urine or saliva to measure cortisol levels upon awakening.

The optimal morning stress hormones are resilient, creating a relaxed, energetic start to the day. Stress hormones above the range indicate a “fight or flight” response. This response is often linked to anxiety, insomnia, and trouble concentrating. First, a high cortisol pattern can cause excessive energy and multitasking. This frequently connects to mood issues, such as anxiety or panic attacks. Concentration issues become common. Low morning cortisol levels are often associated with chronic fatigue or a “wired but tired” feeling. A low cortisol pattern is also described as a time of chronic fatigue, depression, and low motivation. Dysregulated patterns—too high, too low, or mixed—are associated with middle weight gain, mood issues, and chronic fatigue.

• Assess the Nervous System. Even a slightly elevated (but normal) heart rate tells us that the nervous system is out of balance. This is termed sympathetic dominance. We use the latest natural approaches and new wearables to address this pattern.
• • Sympathetic Dominance directly correlates with stress, difficulty losing weight (especially belly fat), sleep problems, blood sugar issues, and mood disturbances.
• Balance the Stress Hormones
• • At Innovative Health, we have years of experience optimizing the stress response, recognizing that stress is a root cause of illness.
  • Balancing these hormones requires a proper functional approach that encompasses both endogenous and exogenous sources of stress.