Hormones
Hormone Treatment for Thyroid Problems
Hormones
We can optimise your thyroid hormones to relieve symptoms of thyroid disorders and improve your wellbeing.
Our holistic approach means that, unlike other clinics, we consider not just the thyroid but how all your hormones are interacting with each other. We also look at other factors, including lifestyle, external stresses, and nutrition, working with you to get you to a better place and provide a long-term solution.
We often see patients who have visited their GP, and their thyroid blood tests show everything is normal or their dose is at the maximum, or it changes all the time, yet they still continue to have symptoms. The common theme is that they feel frustrated and like they’ve hit a ceiling.
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. It may be small, but it has a huge impact on how our bodies work. The hormones secreted by the gland (T3 and T4) control our metabolism, heartbeat, energy levels, digestion, temperature, and even affect the brain.
When the thyroid gland is working as it should, the body has the correct balance of T3 and T4. But, when the gland doesn’t work properly due to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), the balance of thyroid hormones isn’t as it should be and can lead to associated symptoms.
So, what causes thyroid problems? There are many causes, but autoimmune conditions are among the most common underlying reasons we see in the clinic. This is where the body’s own immune system and antibodies attack the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is frequently caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto disease, and hyperthyroidism is commonly caused by a condition called Graves’ disease.
We see that hypothyroidism is becoming more prevalent – both the number of people suffering from it and the number of people already on medications that have stopped responding.
We are able to help you if:
You are experiencing symptoms of a thyroid disorder
You feel like you’ve hit the ceiling with your GP
Your symptoms are not alleviated despite maximum or high doses of T4
You have autoimmune thyroiditis
You have a family history of thyroid disorders
Your body has issues converting T4 to the active T3
You have other compounding issues like weight gain, menstrual issues, menopause, other autoimmune diseases, are tired all the time, depression, and a high-stress lifestyle.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with us about whether we are able to help you, please don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7096 5475.
People suffering from thyroid problems may notice the following symptoms:
Tired all the time (TATT)
Sluggishness
Joint or muscle pain
Muscle weakness
Depression
Dry, scaly skin
Thinning and/or brittle hair and nails
Weight gain
Low libido
Feel cold all the time
We don’t just consider your thyroid but look at how your body is functioning as a whole.
Our blood profiles are very comprehensive and give a good overview of how all your hormonal systems are working. Our standard blood test includes the following:
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Free T3
Free T4
Additional tests can be added if considered relevant, such as reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies, but your Harpal Clinic doctor will discuss this with you if appropriate.
We have formulated 3 levels of lab tests depending on your individual thyroid issues and budget:
Basic thyroid panel (FT3, FT4, TSH)
Advanced thyroid panel (basic thyroid panel + T4 + thyroid antibodies)
Comprehensive thyroid panel (advanced thyroid panel + reverse T3)
Management can be as simple as replacing the deficiency or complex, depending on the aetiology of your hypothyroidism. In some cases, a basic replacement will suffice; in others, the adrenal glands may need to be managed better, other hormonal parameters optimised, and leaky gut properly managed (where present).
In patients with Hashimoto’s or autoimmune thyroiditis, we also manage the autoimmune component so that the body stops attacking itself so much. You will be advised and guided in all these areas as part of your consultation and management plan.
When you book a consultation at Harpal Clinic you can expect:
Consultation up to 70 minutes
Lab interpretation where relevant
Bespoke management plan to get the best outcome possible
Assessment of the thyroid, adrenals, and gut predominantly during the hour. We also look for signs of autoimmunity (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
If your health problems are complex and you believe that there may be issues other than your thyroid, we highly recommend considering the comprehensive consultation
