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hypothyroidism

muscle weakness

Thyroid Conditions Can Cause Muscle Weakness

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A common issue with thyroid disease is that many symptoms are considered part of the aging process. These symptoms include brain fog or memory loss, unexplained weight gain, and muscle weakness. However, stiffness in the joints, muscle weakness or body pain can be a symptom of thyroid disease. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that releases hormones responsible for the metabolism and other bodily functions. Muscle weakness or pain can occur if the body isn’t producing the correct amount of hormones. If the thyroid produces too many hormones, energy in the body is used too fast (hyperthyroidism). If the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, the body uses energy too slowly (hypothyroidism).

However, both conditions can cause myopathy. The Muscular Dystrophy Association states “myopathies are diseases that cause problems with the tone and contraction of skeletal muscles.” Skeletal muscles are “muscles that control voluntary movements.” Symptoms vary by severity. They include:
-weakness and atrophy (shrinking) of the muscles around the shoulders and hips
-muscle stiffness
-slowed reflexes
-cramps
-muscle breakdown (in extreme cases)

Hyperthyroid Myopathy:

Patients who have hyperthyroid can develop Hyperthyroid Myopathy. The Muscular Dystrophy Association says this involves “weakness and wasting of muscles around the shoulders and sometimes the hips. There also can be weakness in muscles of the face and throat, and in the respiratory muscles.” In an extreme case, it can cause acute muscle breakdown, or rhabdomyolysis.

Hypothyroid Myopathy:

Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism. In fact, The Cleveland Clinic reports “hypothyroidism can affect up to 20% of women over the age of 50.” That means that this type of myopathy is much more common as well. Hypothyroid myopathy symptoms include:
-Stiffness or pain in the joints
-Aches, tenderness or stiffness in the muscles (especially in hips and shoulders)
-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
-Joint swelling in hands and feet

If you are experiencing muscle pain or weakness, it could be because you have a thyroid condition. Over the counter pain medicines such as Ibuprofen may cause temporary relief. Hover, they can’t fix the root cause. To get the best treatment, come in to Complete Care Health Centers and see one of our providers today.
depression

Depression Could Start In The Neck

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We all have a butterfly shaped gland in the back of our necks called the thyroid. The thyroid produces hormones that control different functions in the body. If these hormone levels are too high or too low, it affects the entire system, including our moods. The Mayo Clinic  states that “thyroid disease can affect your mood — primarily causing either anxiety or depression.” In addition, it is estimated that nearly 10 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism. Studies show 1 in 6 Americans are on some form of psychiatric drug or antidepressant. Is that a coincidence? Probably not. If you suffer from depression, it could be because you have hypothyroidism.

How Low Thyroid Levels Can Cause Depression:

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. These hormones are known to affect many bodily functions including metabolism and energy levels. Harvard Health  states, “when thyroid hormone levels are low, many organs and internal systems slow down, creating a wide range of symptoms — including depression. People over 60 may have only one symptom — such as mood impairment or difficulty concentrating.” If the hormone levels are low (or you have hypothyroidism), it could cause depression.

Additional Symptoms:

Are you wondering how to tell if you have hypothyroidism? If so, it will most likely accompany other symptoms. These symptoms include:
-hair loss
-frequently feeling cold
-fatigue
-constipation
-dry skin or hair
For example, if you have depression, brain fog and frequently feel cold, you should see a provider. It is possible you have low thyroid. The good news is many respond well to thyroid treatments. In fact, you may even discover that your “depression and other bothersome symptoms subside[s] with time.”
However, if you have untreated hypothyroidism and are on an antidepressant, it may not be treating the root cause of your depression. At Complete Care Health Centers, we have many providers who specialize in thyroid health. Come in today to get your thyroid levels checked. Above all, we want to help you discover the root cause of your health issues, and get you back to feeling yourself!
brain fog

Blame Hypothyroidism for Brain Fog

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It is normal for adults to forget some details like someone’s name after meeting them. But do you notice that you are misplacing things, forgetting appointments or continually forgetting names or words? If so, it could indicate that there’s something else going on. Cognitive issues such as lack of mental clarity (or brain fog) is a sign that you might have hypothyroidism.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

The thyroid is small, butterfly shaped gland in the back of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism and energy production. Many organs and functions are controlled by the thyroid, “including the heart, brain, skin, bowels and body temperature.” If the thyroid is producing too many or too few hormones, the entire body can suffer. The American Thyroid Association defines hypothyroidism as “a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.” Hypothyroidism can cause things such as a slow metabolism and fatigue.

Hypothyroidism Causes Brain Fog

The Mayo Clinic States “an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can result in forgetfulness and other thinking problems.” Research by the American Thyroid Association has discovered some preliminary evidence about why this occurs. The study found  “evidence that hypothyroidism in adults causes significant reduction in the volume of the right hippocampus. This could explain some of the memory deficits that have been observed in those with hypothyroidism.” The research concludes that “adults with hypothyroidism actually lose brain volume, particularly that in the hippocampus.” The hippocampus itself is where the brain forms, organizes and stores memories. The reduction in volume in this part of the brain can account for memory loss or brain fog.
If you are experiencing some level of memory loss or brain fog, it could be due to hypothyroidism. The good news is that hypothyroidism is a treatable disease. Come visit us at Complete Care Health Centers to check your thyroid levels and get the answers you need.
scale-403585_1280

Gaining Weight and Not Sure Why?

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Have you noticed a difference in your weight recently without a change in lifestyle? Are you experiencing mild, unexplained weight gain (5-20 lbs) or struggling to lose weight? If so, it could be because you have hypothyroidism or a mild case of it. According to The American Thyroid Association, about 2-3 % of Americans have hypothyroidism, and 10-15% of Americans have it in a mild form.

Low Thyroid Can Cause Mild Weight Gain

The thyroid, a butterfly shaped gland in the neck, makes hormones that help the body use energy and stay warm. It also keeps various muscles and organs in the body operating properly.  If your thyroid isn’t functioning as it should, it can cause weight gain. Complete Care Health Center’s Sarah Roberson, MSN, FNC-P, explains “the thyroid supports metabolic factors in the body, so if it is under-functioning this can contribute to a gain in weight.” However, in this case, Roberson says that weight gain due to hypothyroidism (even in mild cases) is rarely “without other symptoms of sluggish metabolism such as fatigue or hair loss.” Other symptoms can include puffiness around your face, dry skin and brain fog- or slower thinking.

Treating the Whole Body

There are many other causes for weight gain. If you are gaining weight without other symptoms, it could be due to unhealthy eating and/or stress. At Complete Care Health Centers, we believe that it is important to still look at and treat the whole person and the whole body, rather than just the thyroid itself even if it is not functioning optimally.

If you are experiencing weight gain with other symptoms like brain fog, feeling cold,  or hair loss, it could be because you have hypothyroidism. Be sure to see a physician and explain your symptoms. Get your thyroid checked to see if your weight gain is caused by a thyroid issue.

Hypothyroidism on the rise

Hypothyroidism On The Rise

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As our world changes, we are finding that some diseases such as low thyroid, or hypothyroidism, are on the rise. Dr. Laura Deleruyelle holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Case Western Reserve University. She says that “hypothyroidism rates have skyrocketed since the US started spraying pesticides and insecticides on our soil. That has basically destroyed the iodine in our soil, so you can’t pick it up through your skin by walking barefoot, and it’s no longer in our fruits and vegetables.”  Dr. Laura points out that thyroid glands need iodine to function properly. The change in the levels we have in the environment could be causing an increase in hypothyroidism.

What do you do?

The lack of iodine might be one of the things causing hypothyroidism levels to rise, but you shouldn’t rush out and self-medicate with iodine. Dr. Klein specializes in thyroid balance and his background goes beyond that of a “routine” family or general practitioner. He believes that patients should pay attention to their symptoms and get their thyroid checked if they are experiencing: fatigue– especially in the mid- to late afternoon and evening, frequent feelings of cold, weight gain or inability to lose weight, increased hair loss, and/or brittle hair and nails. However, an issue with testing is that the standard blood test can leave many people without answers.  Dr. Klein believes that the tests might not always come back with conclusive results. There are several tests that can be performed to see where your levels are.  In addition, your provider should ultimately decide whether you have low thyroid based on the symptoms and should treat on that basis.

Treatment Options for Hypothyroidism

There are many different options for treating hypothyroidism and each person might respond differently. Sarah Roberson, who has been practicing in the Rogue Valley for over 10 years, says that “In some cases, a trial of herbal supportive supplements for the thyroid or low dose thyroid medication is indicated and found to be quite helpful.” Dr. Klein states that there is no “one size fits all” for thyroid treatment. He believes a combination of treatments such as lifestyle changes and Armour thyroid or the T3 form of the hormone known as liothyronine could be beneficial.
Experts agree that tests aren’t always conclusive, and you should always listen to the symptoms. Hypothyroidism is on the rise and affects about 4.6% of people according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.  If you are experiencing fatigue, frequently feeling cold, have hair loss and/or brittle nails, you should call 541-773-9772.  At your appointment, your provider will discuss possible treatment options.
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