Thyroid Support

Helen, a 42-year-old mother of two teenagers, has always struggled with her weight. Balancing the demands of motherhood, supporting her husband in their family business, and managing her own health often felt overwhelming. Chronic fatigue and noticeable hair loss were constant companions, leaving her feeling drained and frustrated.

A visit to her GP finally provided some answers: Helen was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland. While the diagnosis offered an explanation for her symptoms, it also brought a wave of anxiety and stress. The uncertainty surrounding the condition and its impact on her health triggered secret binge eating episodes, a way to cope with the emotional turmoil. However, the temporary comfort of food only led to feelings of guilt and shame, worsening her emotional state.

Helen found herself trapped in a vicious cycle. The stress of managing Hashimoto’s fueled her unhealthy eating habits, while the weight gain from binge eating exacerbated her emotional distress. She felt isolated and hopeless, unsure of how to break free from the cycle and regain control of her health and well-being.

Helen’s search led her to a clinic specialising in weight management and thyroid health. Their comprehensive approach, encompassing functional testing, personalised nutrition plans, lifestyle modifications, and psychological support, resonated with Helen’s needs. She was particularly drawn to their focus on addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of weight struggles, something she felt was crucial for her journey.

Helen found her team of supportive professionals understood her unique challenges, and developed a bespoke dietary plan tailored to her thyroid function and weight management goals. The plan included nutrient-rich foods that promoted hormonal balance and helped her manage her cravings. In addition, Helen received guidance on building healthy habits, including stress management techniques and regular exercise.

The clinic’s supportive environment and focus on self-compassion also helped Helen challenge her negative self-talk and body image. Through therapy sessions, she learned to develop a more positive and accepting relationship with her body. As Helen progressed through her programme, she noticed significant improvements in her energy levels, mood, and overall wellbeing. She also began to lose weight steadily and felt more confident in her ability to manage her health.

Helen’s journey is testament to the importance of a holistic approach to weight management, especially for individuals with thyroid dysfunction. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of her condition, Helen was able to regain control of her health and achieve her weight management goals.

Comprehensive Thyroid Testing & Treatment
Thyroid imbalances present a complex challenge in diagnosis and treatment. Standard GP testing often falls short, focusing solely on TSH and T4, and neglecting crucial aspects of the thyroid pathway. Our approach includes comprehensive functional testing options, encompassing a full thyroid panel with private laboratories. This in-depth analysis provides crucial insight into imbalances and informs our targeted treatment strategies.

Testing for a Wide Range of Thyroid Markers
We assess a range of key markers including TSH, Thyroxine (T4), T3 Uptake, Reverse T3 (rT3), Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb), fT4, and fT3. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of thyroid function.

Understanding the Symptoms and Causes
Thyroid imbalances manifest in a wide array of symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, depression, anxiety, headaches, skin issues, hormone imbalances, weight gain, fluid retention, reduced libido, poor concentration, cold sensitivity, and musculoskeletal pains. By identifying the root causes through comprehensive testing, we can develop effective treatment plans.

Collaboration for Optimal Care
When necessary, we collaborate with a specialized medical team to provide targeted medical support in conjunction with our nutrition and lifestyle interventions. This collaborative approach ensures holistic and effective care for our patients.

Sample Requirements
A blood draw is required to perform a full thyroid panel.

Unveiling the Complexities of Thyroid Health
By offering advanced testing and comprehensive treatment options, we strive to uncover the complexities of thyroid health and empower our patients to achieve optimal well-being.

Thyroid dysfunction, encompassing both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can significantly impact an individual’s weight and overall well-being. This intricate relationship extends beyond the simple equation of calories in versus calories out, encompassing a complex interplay of metabolic, psychological, and emotional factors.

Metabolic Impacts:

• Hypothyroidism & Weight Gain: In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to a slowdown in metabolism. This results in reduced energy expenditure, causing the body to burn fewer calories at rest and during activity. Consequently, weight gain or difficulty losing weight becomes a common struggle. Additionally, hypothyroidism can lead to fluid retention, further contributing to weight gain.
• Hyperthyroidism & Weight Loss: Conversely, hyperthyroidism causes the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones, leading to a revved-up metabolism. This results in increased energy expenditure, causing the body to burn more calories even at rest. As a result, unintended weight loss often occurs. Individuals may experience increased appetite but still struggle to maintain a healthy weight due to the accelerated metabolic rate.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Thyroid hormones influence various other hormones, including those responsible for appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and fat metabolism. In hypothyroidism, imbalances in these hormones can lead to increased appetite, cravings, and difficulty feeling full, contributing to weight gain. In hyperthyroidism, hormonal imbalances can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and changes in fat metabolism, impacting weight management.

Psychological and Emotional Impacts:

• Mood & Motivation: Thyroid dysfunction can significantly impact mood and emotional well-being. Hypothyroidism is often associated with depression, anxiety, and fatigue, which can decrease motivation for physical activity and healthy eating habits, hindering weight loss efforts. Hyperthyroidism can lead to anxiety, irritability, and restlessness, making it challenging to maintain a consistent diet and exercise routine.
• Body Image & Self-Esteem: Changes in weight and body composition due to thyroid dysfunction can negatively affect body image and self-esteem. Individuals may feel frustrated, ashamed, or discouraged by their inability to control their weight, leading to emotional distress and further impacting their relationship with food and exercise.
• Social & Emotional Challenges: Weight struggles associated with thyroid dysfunction can also lead to social and emotional challenges. Individuals may experience social isolation, discrimination, or difficulty participating in activities they once enjoyed. These challenges can contribute to emotional eating, social withdrawal, and a decreased quality of life.
• Cycle of Frustration: The complex interplay of metabolic, psychological, and emotional factors can create a frustrating cycle. Weight struggles can exacerbate emotional distress, while emotional challenges can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like emotional eating, further hindering weight management efforts.