What’s in a Name?
What’s in a name? Does it define or does it limit? Describe or impinge upon improvement? In the case of the thyroid, and, specifically, thyroid optimization, the important part is optimization; making it work the best it can.
There are many misconceptions about the thyroid and its optimal function, including misunderstandings by even the most well-intentioned medical providers. The thyroid can be complex, but improving its function can markedly improve your health and quality of life.
Begin at the Beginning
As with everything, it’s best to begin at the beginning. Situated at the front base of the neck, the thyroid is a gland that takes on a butterfly-like shape. It plays a critical role in our hormonal, or endocrine, system and its proper function. The thyroid regulates numerous diverse functions in the body, including:
- Heart rate
- Metabolic rate (how quickly your metabolism works)
- Body temperature
- Skin (both skin conditions and the condition of your skin)
- Perspiration
- Cholesterol
- Muscle strength
- Weight
Although small, the thyroid controls many functions that determine whether we look and feel the best we can. Optimizing its function can make a huge difference in day-to-day life.
Back to Basics
Thyroid conditions are fairly common. They’re found in between 4% and 5% of younger people and 10% of older people. They’re also much more common in women than men, affecting between six and eight women for every man affected by thyroid disease. Thyroid diseases can be related to other autoimmune conditions as well. .
To optimize overall well-being as well as thyroid function, the basics apply:
- Eat well
- Exercise
- Manage stress
- Prioritize a good sleep routine
However, your thyroid may still need functional support.
Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance
The thyroid can be either underactive or overactive, meaning that it produces too much thyroid hormone or too little.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) are:
- Nervousness and irritability
- Tremor or shakiness
- Protruding eyes (Graves’ disease)
- Inability to tolerate heat
- Losing weight even though your appetite has increased
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increase in bowel movements
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid are:
- Dry skin
- Menstrual or fertility problems
- Depression
- Joint and muscle pain
- Inability to tolerate cold
- Weight gain
- Sore joints and/or muscles
Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid Imbalance
Thyroid function is usually determined by measuring your TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone. Oftentimes, though, your TSH level can be normal and you still have symptoms of thyroid imbalance. This can occur even if you’re already taking thyroid medication. The Online NP can help. We will measure other markers of your thyroid besides just the TSH to get a more in-depth and comprehensive view of your thyroid.
Why The Online NP
The Online NP provides consultations 100% remotely. Stephanie Kowatch, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, nurse practitioner and founder of The Online NP, knows that thyroid function can be imbalanced even when TSH is normal. Stephanie looks at all of you – your overall health and well-being in addition to your TSH number – when determining whether thyroid optimization would benefit you. Instead of looking at only one number, she looks at your health from a whole-person perspective, considering all of your symptoms and other medical conditions when making treatment recommendations. She helps you optimize your thyroid and your health to maximize your overall well-being. She holds licenses in over 40 states and can be reached by calling 775-285-6411 or emailing stephanie@TheOnlineNP.com to help optimize your thyroid function today.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
