The Thyroid: What It Is, What It Does, and How to Keep It Healthy

 Understanding the Thyroid: What It Is, What It Does, and How to Keep It Healthy

By Best Version of You Weight Loss + Wellness

At Best Version of You Weight Loss + Wellness, we understand that your thyroid is a

small yet powerful gland that plays a critical role in maintaining your overall health. This butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck influences nearly every aspect of your body’s function. From regulating metabolism and energy levels to controlling your mood, your thyroid is essential to keeping you balanced and well.

But what happens when your thyroid isn’t functioning optimally? And how can our comprehensive lab work and personalized consultations help you achieve better thyroid health? Let’s dive in.

What Is the Thyroid, and What Does It Do?

Your thyroid produces hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism, energy levels, and even body temperature. Its primary hormones—triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)—impact:

Metabolism: Determines how your body converts food into energy.

Energy Levels: Affects how energized or fatigued you feel.

Heart Rate: Influences your heartbeat and circulation.

Body Temperature: Helps regulate your body’s response to temperature changes.

Mood and Brain Function: Plays a major role in emotional well-being and cognitive function.

When your thyroid functions properly, all these systems work seamlessly. But when it’s out of balance, it can lead to a range of health concerns.

What Happens When the Thyroid Is Unhealthy?

Thyroid issues are common and typically present as either hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

This condition occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to:

• Fatigue and low energy

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Cold sensitivity

• Dry skin and brittle hair

• Mood changes, including depression and brain fog

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Here, the thyroid produces too many hormones, which can cause:

Unintentional weight loss

Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat

Heat intolerance and excessive sweating

Nervousness or anxiety

Hair thinning

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: An Autoimmune Thyroid Disorder

One common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid. This leads to symptoms such as:

• Swelling or discomfort in the thyroid (goiter)

• Fluctuating thyroid levels

• Family history of autoimmune disorders

Standard thyroid tests often miss Hashimoto’s. That’s why we test for thyroid antibodies like TPO and TgAb to identify autoimmune issues and provide targeted care.

Why Traditional Testing May Not Be Enough

Most traditional thyroid tests focus only on TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). However, TSH alone doesn’t provide a full picture. At Best Version of You, our comprehensive thyroid panels include:

• Free T3 and Free T4: Active thyroid hormones.

• Thyroid Antibodies: To identify autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.

• Reverse T3: To detect blockages in hormone utilization.

This in-depth testing allows us to uncover imbalances that traditional tests might miss.

How We Help Optimize Your Thyroid Health

At Best Version of You, we take a comprehensive approach to thyroid care:

Comprehensive Thyroid Testing

We look beyond TSH to measure Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies. This gives us a detailed understanding of your thyroid health.

Root Cause Approach

We identify and address the underlying causes of thyroid dysfunction, such as autoimmune conditions, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic inflammation.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient is unique. That’s why we create individualized plans that may include:

• Nutritional Guidance: Supporting thyroid health with proper nutrients.

• Stress Management: Reducing the impact of stress on thyroid function.

• Hormone Balance: Addressing imbalances in cortisol, insulin, and sex hormones.

Why Choose Best Version of You?

Your thyroid health is complex, and we’re here to simplify it. At Best Version of You Weight Loss + Wellness, we combine comprehensive lab work, integrative therapies, and personalized care to help you feel your best.

If you’re experiencing thyroid symptoms or if “normal” lab results haven’t resolved your concerns, we’re here for you. Schedule a consultation today, and let us help you optimize your thyroid health and transform your well-being.

📞 Call/Text: (570) 664-7797

🌐 Visit us: www.bestversionofyouweightloss.com

Take charge of your health—your thyroid is a powerful part of your well-being, and we’re here to help it work for you.