fertility

FAQ

What are the signs and symptoms of prediabetes?

You may be unaware that you have insulin resistance issues. Some of the signs and symptoms are similar to those of diabetes. Others are evidence of higher than normal amounts of insulin. Symptoms of insulin resistance may include:

Excess thirst
Frequent urination
Weight gain
Hormone imbalances (excess estrogen or testosterone)
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
Elevated cholesterol
High triglycerides
Elevated HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin
High blood pressure
Metabolic Syndrome
Fatigue or muscle weakness
Gestational diabetes
Acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin on the neck, underarms, elbows, knees, knuckles)

Symptoms of food sensitivities

Chronic constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn or Indigestion
Boating and gas
Abdominal cramps and pain
Acne
Eczema or Itchy skin
Hives
Migraines or headaches
Immediate fatigue after a meal
Increased heart rate
Hypoglycemia
Joint pain
Respiratory problems

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Chronic Stress & Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands take the leading role when it comes to managing stress through the production of cortisol. Research shows that adrenal fatigue has an impact on thyroid function. Even at a mild degree of deficiency, adrenal fatigue can negatively affect thyroid hormone conversion, utilization, and production. For example, high stress can cause too much cortisol in the circulation which promotes inflammation around the thyroid, and this reduces thyroid receptor responsiveness. Therefore, when treating thyroid issues with medicine or therapy it’s important to address the adrenals, this connection, and to care for them both effectively.

Hashimoto’s Hypothyroid

90% of cases of hypothyroidism are due to an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland by either thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) or by thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. What this means is that the body creates immune cells that attack the gland so that its function – and a person’s health – declines over time. This condition can be triggered by gluten in gluten-sensitive individuals. Similarly, in these people, gluten avoidance for at least 3 months may help lower antibody levels to a normal range.

Thyroid Conversion Disorder

In some cases, the conversion of T4 into T3 doesn’t function properly due an enzyme issue or otherwise. Test results will show normal levels of TSH and T4 but severely low levels of T3. Commonly, in these cases, patients are often told by their doctors that their thyroid function is “normal” even though they do not feel normal! This is also why some patients who receive medication or therapies that only supplement T4 levels may feel like the treatment is ineffective.

Thyroid Hormone Resistance

Thyroid hormone resistance can be thought of in the same way as insulin resistance is in diabetics. In this condition, the body’s cells are unresponsive to thyroid hormones. In these individuals, T3 and T4 levels can be normal but TSH levels are elevated.

Nutritional Deficiencies

For proper function and the creation of thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland requires the trace minerals iodine, selenium and zinc as well as an amino acid, thyroxine. Deficiency in any of these nutrients can create symptoms of hypothyroidism. Iodine is found in iodized salt and sea vegetables (such as nori and dulse flakes). I have come to find that iodine deficiency is more prevalent than previously given credit for (a 24 Hour Urine Iodine Challenge Test can determine this). The trace mineral Selenium is abundantly found in Oysters and Brazil nuts, and Zinc is rich in pumpkin seeds and beef. Thyroxine is the amino acid building block of thyroid hormones and can be found in most sources of protein.

Heavy Metal Toxicity and Mercury

The thyroid hormone and the heavy metal mercury have strikingly similar biochemistry. The long term exposure of this metal wreaks havoc on the thyroid gland and a person’s health, with these negative effects typically being experienced by dental patients who have currently have or previously had mercury amalgams. Sometimes it is prudent to screen for heavy metal toxicity and high levels of mercury that may be causing thyroid suppression. Heavy metal testing, followed by Chelation Therapy for removal of mercury from deep tissue stores is one naturopathic way to treat the underlying hypothyroid condition.

Central Hypothyroidism

In rare cases, disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain may be an underlying cause for central Hypothyroidism (AKA secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism). There are usually other concerning symptoms (beyond the list seen on this page) that would warrant imaging and more advanced hospital testing.

Do you also provide counseling services?

“I do not specifically practice counseling, but there is much therapeutic benefit in space that I hold to allow people to share their feelings, their fears and their hopes. Once we establish a relationship I am happy to refer patients to a trusted therapist that is well suited for them. Additionally, I will use other means to help reduce their stress levels and balance their HPA axis, by offering Acupuncture – as this helps to treat the whole person on a constitutional level while addressing any physical ailments at the same time.”

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“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
– Paulo Coelho

“I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.”
– Joyce Meyer

“Begin with little things daily and one day you will be doing things that months back you would have thought impossible.”
– Swami Satchidananda

“I don’t count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because they are the only ones that count.”
– Muhammed Ali

“The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician.Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind”
– Paracelsus

“There is more wisdom in your body than in your deepest philosophies.”
– Friedrich Nietzsche

A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought – they must be earned.”
– Naval Ravikant

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. ”
– William Shakespeare

Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician