Hypothyroid

Hypothyroidism is an extremely prevalent condition and is said to be the most common of all the endocrine disorders.

Women, especially those over 50, are more likely to have hypothyroidism. It seldom causes overt symptoms in the early stages, with the common first signs such as fatigue, weight gain and depression often being overlooked or misdiagnosed. But over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, pregnancy complications, elevated cholesterol, chronic fatigue and heart disease. The good news is that with accurate and thorough thyroid function tests, hypothyroidism can be diagnosed in its early subclinical stages and appropriate treatment can be provided.

Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The Japanese consume 89 times more iodine than Americans due to their daily consumption of sea vegetables and they have reduced rates of many chronic diseases, including the lowest rates of cancer in the world. Other common causes of hypothyroidism such as the impact of environmental toxins on thyroid hormones- halide exposure, heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, stress and mineral imbalance will be discussed in detail in this module.

Medical endocrinology traditionally has taken a reductionist approach, examining hormones in isolation, rather than looking at the system as a whole. Herbal medicine and clinical nutrition have the advantage of a holistic view and when used appropriately, can provide the ultimate restorative effect on thyroid hormone imbalance.

This module will provide practical clinical solutions with herbal, nutritional and lifestyle medicine that will deliver fast and lasting clinical results for your patients.