Thyroid Optimization for Women in Pflugerville, TX

Thyroid optimization refers to medical treatment plans that aim to optimize a patient’s thyroid function. With that in mind, the particulars of a thyroid optimization treatment plan vary between patients, depending on the cause and extent of their thyroid disorders, any underlying medical conditions or allergies, and any medications the patient takes that impacts their thyroid function or could negatively interact with specific treatment methods or medicines.

That said, a thyroid optimization treatment plan could involve a variety of tests, medications, supplements, lifestyle changes, and healthy habits, such as the following:

• Decreasing or increasing iodine intake with your diet, depending on whether you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, that is, if your thyroid is overactive or underactive
• Iodine supplementation for hypothyroidism
• Lab assessments for thyroid hormone levels, including triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), reverse T₃, thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies
• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• And other treatment methods!

In any human being, thyroid hormones control and influence several different physiological processes in your body, such as your metabolic rate, digestive function, heart function, brain development and function, muscle control, and bone maintenance. In women, thyroid hormones also control and influence menstruation, reproductive health, pregnancy, menopause, and postpartum recovery.

Some signs of thyroid problems that are unique to women include the following:

• Early onset of menopause, typically before a woman turns 40 or during their early 40s
• Frequent and heavy menstrual cycles (hypothyroidism)
• Irregular, light, or absent menstrual cycles (hyperthyroidism)
• Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), also known as female sexual interest/arousal disorder, which is a condition that involves a complete absence of sexual desire, causing an individual distress or challenges within a relationship (most commonly occurs with hypothyroidism as opposed to hyperthyroidism)
• Missed ovulation cycles
• Ovarian cysts
• Pain during sex

The symptoms of thyroid disorders also vary according to the type of disorder the individual has, whether it is hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. With that in mind, additional symptoms of a thyroid problem, which can occur in any male or female, are as follows:

• Anxiety, irritability or nervousness (hyperthyroidism)
• Coarse, dry, and thinning hair (hypothyroidism)
• Constipation (hypothyroidism)
• Depression (hypothyroidism)
• Diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements (hyperthyroidism)
• Enlarged thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Excessive fatigue (hypothyroidism)
• Eye irritation or vision problems (hyperthyroidism)
• Forgetfulness (hypothyroidism)
• Hoarse voice (hypothyroidism)
• Increased appetite and sweating (hyperthyroidism)
• Infrequent sweating and lack of appetite (hypothyroidism)
• Insomnia or difficulty with sleep (hyperthyroidism)
• Intolerance to cold temperatures or frequently feel cold when others do not (hypothyroidism)
• Irregular or racing heartbeat (hyperthyroidism)
• Joint or muscle pain (hypothyroidism)
• Muscle weakness or tremors (hyperthyroidism)
• Pale, dry skin and puffy face (hypothyroidism)
• Sensitivity to heat (hyperthyroidism)
• Slower heart rate (hypothyroidism)
• Weight gain (hypothyroidism) or loss (hyperthyroidism)

Women can experience thyroid problems for several reasons, varying according to the type of thyroid disorder they are dealing with. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, while the most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, which are both autoimmune disorders.

Some other causes of thyroid problems include the following:

• Damage to or disorder involving the pituitary gland
• Hypothalamus disorder
• Malfunctioning thyroid gland at birth
• Nodules in the thyroid gland, which are clusters of abnormal cysts
• Not enough iodine intake in your diet or an iodine deficiency
• Pregnancy or postpartum
• Radiation therapy in the neck area
• Radioactive iodine treatment
• Thyroid surgery
• Thyroiditis
• Too much iodine intake with diet or medication

We proudly provide thyroid optimization services for men and women at Optimal Balance Center! For more information, please call us or feel free to schedule an appointment. You can find us at 701 FM 685, Suite 125, in Pflugerville, Texas. We serve patients from Pflugerville TX, Austin TX, Round Rock TX, Hutto TX, Georgetown TX, Cedar Park TX, Taylor TX and Manor TX.