proven path of evidence-based medicine and optimal wellness
17 years ahead Get To Know The Facts: 17 Years Ahead There are hundreds of studies on the new way to approach thyroid treatment. But if your doctor graduated from medical school in the 1990 s, it s very likely they are using information from the 1970 s. In fact, most of what doctors are taught and practice today is at least 17-20 years old. Current scientific research is rarely taught in medical school, so most doctors don t know, yet alone practice the information you are about to learn. This is especially true for testing, diagnosing and treatments of thyroid disease. This lack of knowledge by doctors may be a contributing factor to why you may not have not gotten the relief and help you need. This new research shows that it requires not only different testing procedures that are used today, but also a different set of medical protocols to help you feel better. You can learn more about how Dr. Holtorf came to understand how our body works on our website, view our videos, and read about our approach to supplements and nutraceuticals. All of this will empower you to make better choices about your health and well-being. HoltorfMed.com 2
the power trio and your body The Primary Power TRIO Thyroid, Adrenal and Male/Female Hormones There are three primary systems, the thyroid, the adrenals and the male/female hormones, that work together to keep your body in balance. If one of these three primary systems is off, it s like a domino effect. When one falls, it s very likely that they will eventually all fall. It s usually just a matter of time and circumstances that determine which one goes first. It might be something as simple as aging or as complicated as a life-changing event. You might also hear us refer to this power trio as the three-legged stool. This is the same type of scenario a stool can t stand up on 2 legs; it needs all 3. Our Difference? We Test the Trio at the Same Time to Optimize Your Wellness One way in which we differ from most doctors is that we often test all three systems in the trio at once, no matter what you are seeking treatment for. If you have been to other doctors, often times they are specialists at one of these three systems and as a result, they test that one system. Endocrinologists might test your thyroid, an OB-GYN might test your female hormones and rarely do doctors look at the adrenals. What we have found is that because these three systems are so interconnected, it s necessary to know your values of each of them. In this document we are only going to talk about the thyroid. But there is more information on how all your systems work together on our website and on our YouTube channel. Our Steps to Optimal Wellness STEP 1: TESTING AND SYMPTOM REVIEW STEP 2: EVALUATING TEST RESULTS FOR OPTIMAL LEVELS STEP 3: TREATING THE BODY WITH NUTRIENTS TO REACH OPTIMAL LEVELS STEP 4: RETESTING AND REVIEWING SYMPTOMS STEP 5: CONTINUE TO TREAT TO GET TO AND MAINTAIN OPTIMAL LEVELS The first step in our process is testing. And we do tests most doctors don t. We will also ask you how you feel using a standard set of questions as a part of understanding what is going on with you. Once we get all that information, we may prescribe a combination of supplements, nutraceuticals, medications, as well as, make suggestions on dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Another thing to note is that we look for optimal levels rather than just normal levels when we look at thyroid hormone results. If you are not feeling better, it may be because your doctor is not aiming for these optimal levels for your thyroid tests and treatments. HoltorfMed.com 3
what might be happening Why Your Thyroid Matters It s Responsible for Healthy Function The thyroid molecule is responsible for the healthy function of your entire body. In particular, the thyroid controls thermogenesis--your body s ability to burn calories, generate heat and rev-up your metabolism. Whether you have or don t have energy is directly related to your thyroid because it controls the metabolism of every cell of your body. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism The most common symptoms of a sluggish, underperforming thyroid are: Fatigue Low body temperature Cold hands and feet Slow pulse Slow metabolism Weight gain Dry skin Constipation Depression Hair loss Brain fog Loss of the outer eyebrow Hashimoto s Disease A Special Type of Hypothyroidism Hashimoto Thyroiditis, a subset of Hypothyroidism, occurs when the immune cells are attacking the thyroid gland. The main symptoms are the same as hypothyroidism, however you may occasionally have episodes and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is because, as the autoimmune system attacks the thyroid gland, extra thyroid molecules may enter into your bloodstream. This situation often confuses many doctors and goes misdiagnosed. 4
what might be happening Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism An Overactive Thyroid If your thyroid hormone production is excessive, the symptoms may include: Increase in metabolism Rapid heartbeat Jitteriness/shaking/tremors Headaches Hunger Diarrhea Weight loss Insomnia These symptoms can occur as a result of an overactive thyroid or from over-medication. You need to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially as you and your doctor are making adjustments to your medication. Symptoms of Graves Disease A Special Type of Hyperthyroidism Graves, a subset of Hyperthyroidism, is complicated by an autoimmune reaction to the thyroid gland. The symptoms are similar to hyperthyroidism. HoltorfMed.com 5
what we test Tests / Labs We measure: Vital signs: Blood tests: Pulse Blood pressure Body temperature Weight TSH Free T4 Free T3 Reverse T3 Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Leptin Ferritin Cortisol We conduct in-house testing ThyroFlex Test: A computerized test measures the reflex time of your forearm muscle. A slower reflex is indicative of suboptimal thyroid levels. Research shows this is a better, more accurate test than blood tests. BMR Test: This test measures your Basal Metabolic Rate the amount of calories your body burns at rest. In cases of hypothyroidism, the metabolic rate slows down, causing weight gain and fatigue. We find most hypothyroid patients have a reduced metabolism. Again, studies show this test is a more accurate test of the body s overall thyroid status than blood tests. Urine Iodine Test: A urine sample measures the level of iodine in your body. Iodine is a mineral necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Low iodine can result in a low functioning thyroid. 6
path to optimal wellness Compounded Medications What You Might Be Taking After looking at your test results and your symptoms, we may prescribe one or more of the following bioidentical preparations with different ratios of T3 and T4: Compounded T4 (Levothyroxine) Liiothyronine (instant release T3 as Cytomel) Compounded, Sustained-Release T3 Compounded T4/T3 Desiccated porcine T4/T3 combinations as Armour Thyroid or Naturethroid Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) may also be prescribed in the case of auto-immune thyroid disease Often when people come to see us, they are already on some type of thyroid medication but they still don t feel well. We may adjust or change your current medication, increasing or decreasing the amount every few weeks to find the optimal dose. In many cases finding the optimal dose may take 6+ months before all your symptoms disappear and you feel completely well again. If there are other complicating factors, like an infection or virus, those issues must be addressed as well. Also note that any time we change the dosage of your thyroid medication, we will alert you to any possible side effects and want you to call us if something doesn t feel right so that your prescription can be properly adjusted. Additionally, if your weight changes, your thyroid medication may also need to be adjusted. Just make sure to keep track of your symptoms and weight so we can help you. Once you find the right dose, you might stay on that maintenance dosage for a long while. Supplements / Nutraceuticals What You Might Be Taking The thyroid gland needs proper supplementation and nutrients in order to produce adequate hormone levels. Additionally, certain botanical preparations have been shown to enhance thyroid production or lower antibodies in the case of autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto s or Graves. ) The following supplements may be recommended: ThyroRx Thyrodine Adrenal Supplements: Note your adrenal glands must also be optimized to achieve a healthy thyroid gland. HoltorfMed.com 7
path to optimal wellness Lifestyle Exercise The majority of hypothyroid patients suffer from mild to severe fatigue. Although exercise is a necessary component to achieving optimal health, initially you may be too fatigued to exercise. Even a 5-10 minute walk, though it may seem like a lot, will help. As your thyroid medication is optimized and you gain energy, you will slowly begin to feel energized enough to embark on a healthy exercise program. Until then, focus on adequate sleep and a healthy diet. Diet Research shows that many people with hypothyroidism have done a lot of severe, low calorie dieting. While weight loss may be part of your goal, unfortunately eating a diet too low in calories may actually make the thyroid slow down. As your metabolism increases with your adjusted thyroid medication, a diet with adequate protein, healthy fats and minimal carbohydrates will help increase your metabolism and support your weight loss goals. Your doctor may also recommend a weight loss program along with your thyroid treatment. A weight loss protocol may include HCG and Lipo B shots. Additional Things to Consider Achieving optimal thyroid function takes time. Most patients have been sick and/or under diagnosed and undertreated for many, many years. You have to allow your body time to adjust to each medication dosage, increasing slowly as we wake up the receptor sites at the cellular level. We aim for slow and steady improvements in your health, but the path to optimal health is not always linear and you may experience a plateau or what feel like temporary setbacks in your treatment. Symptom improvement is different for everyone. Some patients feel more energized, experience reduced water retention and weight loss within a few months, while it may take others much longer experience the benefits of thyroid optimization. Be patient and don t give up. We have helped thousands of people like you. How to Take the Next Steps We would be honored to help you in any way we can. We pride ourselves on providing as much education as possible. We also encourage you to call our new patient consultants, who are happy to discuss the information you ve seen and answer any questions. (And there is no cost to you!) Don t wait another minute to feel better! New Patient Consultant Contact Information: 877-508-1177 HoltorfMed.com 8