Synthroid is the number 1 prescribed medication for people suffering with hypothyroidism. After years of working with patients taking synthroid, here is a quick list of 5 facts you should know before you begin taking synthroid.
1. Synthroid is a synthetic version of our own
inactive thyroid hormone T4 or Synthetic Thyroxine. This thyroid
hormone is transported throughout the body and is converted to T3 which is the
active thyroid hormone. The first issue with this medication is that it
is synthetic. Whenever you add a chemical to the body, there are multiple
processes the body must go through to utilize the medication - even though it
“technically” is the same chemical make-up as the hormone our body
produces. The processes that the body must go through to utilize the
synthetic thyroxine can initiate multiple reactions in the body, each of which
can cause various signs and symptoms that a person taking synthroid should be
on the lookout for. For a list of
reactions – read the label that comes with the medication.
2. Synthroid is converted via the bodies
metabolic processes into the active form of thyroid hormone better known as
T3. If you were unaware, T3 or triiodothyronine is necessary
for the cells of your body to initiate cellular activity. In fact,
thyroid hormones are the primary regulators of how much cell activity occurs in
the body. Although this explanation is an over-simplification of what
truly occurs, it does show how important the thyroid hormones are to our
overall body functions. This conversion
of the synthetic medicine to the active hormone does not always occur as
expected. If there are issues with other
body systems, the conversion process is unable to occur – making the medication
not function as it was intended. Let’s explain this more.
3. If your body is unable to convert T4 to T3,
many other body processes start to break down. Since we know how
important these hormones are to normal body function, and we are taking
synthetic T4 (or the equivalent), our thyroid can become out of balance with
the rest of the body and other processes begin to compensate. This compensation can occur in the liver, the
gut, or even in the brain, causing many of the other symptoms that people
experience when their thyroid is not working properly.
4. Synthroid has been shown to be effective for
people with Primary Hypothyroidism. Unbeknownst to most people, there are
actually 6 different forms of thyroid dysfunction. The difficulty is that
of the 6 different types of thyroid dysfunctions, synthroid is only effective
with one type of this disorder. So millions of people who are taking medication
for thyroid issues, may not be benefiting from the medication and in some cases
may be making their thyroid issues worse.
It is important to understand which type of hypothyroidism you are
experiencing and then understand what treatment protocols are appropriate for
your particular case.
5. If you are taking synthroid, make sure you
have been properly diagnosed. Since most doctors only test for TSH and T4
levels, many people have been incorrectly diagnosed with having primary
hypothyroidism, when in fact, they have another type of hypothyroidism.
If you have been to your doctor, and have not had a comprehensive panel run for
your thyroid dysfunction, you may be missing a piece of the puzzle that could
help you truly understand what is going on with your thyroid. We have found there are 9 specific thyroid
tests that help determine the underlying nature of your thyroid issues. If you haven’t had these 9 tests, you may be
mis-diagnosed.
This is a quick list
of what we teach our patients at our Thyroid Workshops, and our doctors have
become educated in determining which lab tests should be run to give the best
picture of a person’s thyroid function. If you are suffering with thyroid
issues and are searching for answers, now is the time to get your questions
addressed. Call any of our Triad offices, to schedule a time to speak
with our doctors about your thyroid issues.
