Tag Archives for " thyroid "

SHBG is short for Sex Hormone Binding Globulin.

This test is rarely ordered, which is unfortunate because it can give you a lot of information about the hormones in your body.

High levels can lead to symptoms of excess estrogen, excess thyroid, and low testosterone.

Low levels can lead to symptoms of low thyroid, low estrogen, and excess testosterone.

In this article, I will discuss how to interpret your SHBG test results, and list some common causes of elevated levels and low levels.  

I will show how SHBG can be used to monitor your thyroid function if you are on thyroid medication.

I will also discuss some things that you can do to help you get your SHBG level back into the optimal range whether it is high or low...

If you have a thyroid issue and want to feel better, then increasing your T3 level to the optimal range is the single most important thing that you can do.

Why?

Because T3 is the active thyroid hormone.

Most people have lower than optimal free T3 levels even if they are taking thyroid hormone medication.

So how do you increase your T3 level?  That is the critical question.  

I will try to give you all of the tools you need in this article to start increasing your T3 level and get you feeling your best.  Some are simple and straightforward while others are more difficult.

Here we go...

Do your lab tests show that your T4 level is low?

What does that mean exactly?

Do you also have symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, and depression?

If you answered yes, you most likely have hypothyroidism which usually causes a low T4 level.

In this article, I will discuss the T4 lab test, what it means when it is low, symptoms that may be associated with a low T4 level, and I will also give some treatment tips that will help raise it to an optimal level.

Let's get started...

Most medical providers have been trained to only check the TSH when monitoring thyroid function.

But is the TSH enough to test your thyroid?  Is it enough to monitor whether you are on the right dose or right type of thyroid medication?

The answer is a definite "no" and I will explain why in this article...

Is it dangerous to have a suppressed TSH level lower than the "normal" range?

Does a low TSH increase the risk for osteoporosis or heart problems?

Are there situations when having a suppressed TSH is not only safe but helpful?

Are there things that can be done to avoid the potential negative side effects of a low TSH?

I will try to answer these questions and others in this article...

Why am I so tired all the time?  I am asked that question multiple times EVERY DAY.  

Our society is exhausted, and it's only getting worse.

Do you ever wake up refreshed, make it through the day easily, then still have energy in the evening for home activities and family time?

If you do, consider yourself fortunate.  Most of us don't.  Not by a long shot.

In this article, I will discuss the most common reasons why you may be tired and give you some pointers on how to regain some energy and quality of life.

Let's get started...

That may seem like a harsh title, but I am asked that question almost daily in my medical practice.  People that struggle with their weight are desperate for answers.

As most people would guess, diet and exercise play a huge role in your ability to lose weight, but there are multiple other things also going on that are making it difficult for you to drop the pounds.

In this article, I will discuss 9 commonly ignored reasons that anyone should consider if they are failing in their weight loss attempts.

These include thyroid issues, stress, poor sleep habits, insulin resistance, and many others...

Research has shown the benefit of using low dose naltrexone for Hashimoto's thyroiditis and other autoimmune conditions.

If you have an autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, reducing the inflammation in your body is crucial to help you feel better and lower your antibody levels.

If you don't lower the inflammation, it will be next to impossible to lose weight or feel as good as you can.

Lose dose naltrexone has been shown to substantially lower inflammation.  It also helps to raise endorphin levels which makes you feel better overall.

There is also a lot of anecdotal evidence that LDN can help some people lose weight.

In this article, I will discuss LDN and what some of the research is showing about it.  I will explain how it can be used to potentially lower antibody levels, help with chronic pain, and maybe even help people with Hashimoto's to lose weight.

Let's get started...

Selenium is crucial for normal thyroid function.

In fact, if you have undiagnosed selenium deficiency, it could be making your thyroid function worse.

If you have chronic digestive issues, there is a good chance that you have inadequate selenium levels.

Selenium is especially important if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto's or Grave's Disease.

In this article, I will discuss selenium deficiency and the thyroid, how to know if you are selenium deficient, give you some great food sources of selenium, and discuss how and when you should consider using a supplement.

Let's get started...