Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland that is located at the front of the neck. Thyroid hormone is secreted by this gland into the bloodstream and then goes into each cell of the body in order to increase its metabolism. So, the thyroid hormone is the key to metabolism throughout the human body. Hypothyroidism is the condition of low thyroid function, meaning that there is either not enough of the hormone or that the body is not using hormone efficiently. Hypothyroidism is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms. These symptoms They often occur very gradually and made go unnoticed for long periods of time. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, depressed mood, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, constipation and many more.

Typically, the conventional approach is to perform a medical history and physical examination and order a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test to determine who has hypothyroidism. The TSH is then interpreted according to statistical norms to decide who has a high TSH which indicates low thyroid function. In most cases patients who do not have an elevated TSH according to the laboratory standards are considered to have normal thyroid function regardless of their symptoms. The patients who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism are usually treated with a synthetic formulation of one thyroid hormone called T4. The T4 dose is adjusted in order to make the TSH test go back to normal. Unfortunately, this approach misses the diagnosis in many cases. In fact, there are types of low thyroid for which the TSH test does not even apply. And the treatment with T4 alone ignores the fact that the human thyroid gland secretes four thyroid hormones-- T1, T2, T3 and T4. It is well-known that both T3 and T4 are crucial to normal metabolism. The "T4 only" approach depends on optimal conversion of T4 into T3 to achieve normal metabolism.

Dr. Doyle's approach is to perform a medical history and physical examination and a variety of tests including blood tests, body temperature tests and urine thyroid tests in order to identify people who are likely to have hypothyroidism. Dr. Doyle insists on interpreting all test results in the context of the patient's overall condition. He understands that no test is perfect and that every patient is different. His treatment usually includes a natural thyroid extract such as Armour thyroid. The doses are carefully adjusted according to the patient's physical response to treatment. Blood and other tests are used as secondary measures to assess thyroid status. The goal of treatment is to reverse the effects of low thyroid while avoiding side effects.

Do you have a question about Dr. Michael E. Doyle and his practice? Contact us or request a call back.

Please complete the form below and we will contact you to provide more information or to schedule your appointment. Thank you.