Hypothyroidism Treatment in Sterling, VA
Your endocrine system is an intricate collection of glands, all of which produce hormones. One of the most important of these glands is the thyroid. The hormones produced by the thyroid, known as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), play a major role in regulating your metabolism, cholesterol and heart health.
When the thyroid gland fails to produce enough T3 and T4, this causes a condition known as hypothyroidism. An underproductive, underactive thyroid can result in variety of serious health complications and can make life difficult. If you think you may be dealing with hypothyroidism, please call (703) 822-5003 or contact Dr. Lynese Lawson online.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
As with all thyroid conditions, there are a number hypothyroid causes. These factors can weaken or eliminate your thyroid hormone production:
- Autoimmune disease
- Thyroid surgery
- Chemotherapy / Radiation therapy
- Certain medications
- Iodine deficiency
- Infections
Some medications prescribed for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) seek to lessen hormone production, but may actually be too effective and cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism may also occur after menopause, but is often not severe enough for medical intervention (subclinical).
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
An underproductive thyroid gland can have a massive impact on your health. The symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from person to person and typically develop over time.
If you're suffering from hypothyroidism, you may notice:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weakness
- Joint pain
- Aches
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Yellowed skin
If hypothyroidism isn't treated, it can develop more serious and even life-threatening side-effects such as low blood pressure and slowed breathing. It's important to treat hypothyroidism as soon as possible.
If you're experiencing any or all of these symptoms, please call (703) 822-5003 or contact Dr. Lynese Lawson online.
How to Treat Hypothyroidism
The best, most-effective hypothyroidism treatment is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
, or BHRT. In essence, BHRT replenishes your thyroid gland with hormones and restores your thyroid levels to their natural state. Unlike traditional treatment which typically only recommends synthetic T4, BHRT uses a combination of T4 and T3 hormones to optimize your endocrine system. Hormone replacement therapy which replaces T4 and T3 is ideal as many people cannot efficiently convert T4 to T3 on their own.
To start BHRT, your doctor will check your thyroid hormone levels, like your T3, T4, TSH and thyroid antibodies levels, with a blood, saliva or urine test. From there, a BHRT treatment plan can be created. Your thyroid replacement therapy will be individualized to your needs and utilizes versions of T3 and T4 hormones that are natural, not synthetic in order to stabilize your hormone levels. BHRT can also be supplemented with:
- Improved diet
- Increased physical activity
- Some over-the-counter medications
Get Healthy
Hypothyroidism should not be taken lightly. If left to fester, it can worsen and even threaten your life. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy provides a safe, natural way to restore balance to your system.
If BHRT sounds right for you, please call (703) 822-5003 or contact Dr. Lynese Lawson online.
Proactive Wellness Center
Address
8229 Boone BlvdSuite 280
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 822-5003
www.proactivwellnesscenters.com
Hours
Mon:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm