Thyroid

WHAT IS THE THYROID GLAND?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped endocrine gland located in the neck just below the Adam’s apple. It secretes hormones that influence almost every metabolic process in the body. The two main hormones produced and secreted by the thyroid gland are Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Another hormone produced by the thyroid gland is Calcitonin, which helps regulate your calcium levels in your body. The production of T4 and T3 requires two importance nutrients, Tyrosine (an amino acid) and Iodine.
The thyroid glands plays a major role in metabolism, growth and development. It also helps regulate many other biological functions and processes throughout the body.
TYPES OF THYROID DISEASE
Thyroid disease is any disorder of the thyroid and is divided into four main types:
- Hypothyroid
- Hyperthyroid
- Structural abnormalities
- Thyroid tumors
At T2 Health, we treat both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. If structural abnormalities or a thyroid tumor is incidentally discovered during your care with us, you will be referred to the appropriate specialist.
Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormone (T4) and is the most common disorder of the thyroid. The most common form of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis, otherwise known as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Hyperthyroidism results when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (T4). The most common form of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder that leads to a generalized overactivity of the entire thyroid gland.
HYPOTHYROID AND HYPERTHROID CAUSES
Thyroid disease can be multifactorial and has many causes, stemming from within the thyroid gland itself and/or outside of the thyroid gland:
- Autoimmune (most common)
- Thyroid surgery or treatment
- Injury or conditions of the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland.
- Cancer treatments
- Radiation exposure
- Toxic adenomas (nodules or lumps that form on thyroid gland)
- Medications, including thyroid medications
- Infections (i.e. sub-acute thyroiditis)
- Environmental toxicity
- Aging
- Poor diet/nutrition, especially iodine, tyrosine, selenium
- Lifestyle (i.e. poor sleep, high stress, sedentary)
- Other hormone imbalances (i.e. adrenals, ovaries/testicles hormones
TYPES OF THYROID DISEASE
Thyroid disease is any disorder of the thyroid and is divided into four main types:
- Hypothyroid
- Hyperthyroid
- Structural abnormalities
- Thyroid tumors
At T2 Health, we treat both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. If structural abnormalities or a thyroid tumor is incidentally discovered during your care with us, you will be referred to the appropriate specialist.
Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormone (T4) and is the most common disorder of the thyroid. The most common form of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis, otherwise known as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Hyperthyroidism results when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (T4). The most common form of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder that leads to a generalized overactivity of the entire thyroid gland.
HYPOTHYROID AND HYPERTHROID CAUSES
Thyroid disease can be multifactorial and has many causes, stemming from within the thyroid gland itself and/or outside of the thyroid gland:
- Autoimmune (most common)
- Thyroid surgery or treatment
- Injury or conditions of the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland.
- Cancer treatments
- Radiation exposure
- Toxic adenomas (nodules or lumps that form on thyroid gland)
- Medications, including thyroid medications
- Infections (i.e. sub-acute thyroiditis)
- Environmental toxicity
- Aging
- Poor diet/nutrition, especially iodine, tyrosine, selenium
- Lifestyle (i.e. poor sleep, high stress, sedentary)
- Other hormone imbalances (i.e. adrenals, ovaries/testicles hormones
HYPOTHROID AND HYPERTHYROID SYMPTOMS


CONCURRENT THYROID AND ADRENAL ISSUES
As integrative physicians, we recognize the critical role the adrenals can play in your health. Poor adrenal function can lead to chronic fatigue, weight gain, poor stress tolerance, sleep problems, hypoglycemia, “brain fog”, cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety. Thyroid and adrenal disorders/dysfunction often occur concurrently and many times patients will have a poor or sub-optimum outcome because the underlying adrenal issue is not being addressed. Patients typically feel their best when both issues are addressed.
HYPOTHYROID AND HYPERTHYROID TREATMENT OPTIONS
MEDICATIONS
Synthetic Medications – Levothyroxine (T4), Liothyronine (T3)
Compounded Thyroid medications – Thyroid medication made in a licensed compounding pharmacy. T4 and T3, typically blended together in customized doses and ratios.
Desiccated Thyroid – Thyroid medication made from the desiccated (dried) thyroid glands of animals, typically porcine, which include the brand names Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, NP Thyroid, and WP Thyroid. These medications contain T4 and T3 hormones along with trace amounts of naturally occurring thyroid cofactors T1, T2, calcitonin and iodine.
NUTRITION & LIFESTYLE THERAPIES
EVERY JOURNEY STARTS WITH ONE STEP
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP TODAY
We invite you to schedule a free, no obligation “Discovery Meeting” to meet our doctors, or Personal Physicians as we like to say. In this meeting they will discuss your health goals, treatment options, and answer any of your questions.


