June 21, 2021 – This week on A Different Perspective, Dr. Mitch Sutton continues our series exploring The Wellness Way’s approach to thyroid health.
If you missed earlier episodes in this series, check out these recaps for Part 1 and Part 2 with Dr. Patrick Flynn.
We’re all about understanding the tools with which we can rebuild the body and restore optimal health. In this episode Dr. Mitch Sutton shares case studies exploring what we see every single day in our clinics and how The Wellness Way’s approach to the thyroid supports health restoration in our patients.
Case Study #1
- 54 year old woman with post-menopausal hypothyroidism
- Endocrinologist prescribed her a low dose of levothyroxine, which is triggering an increase in heart rate
The thyroid plays a major role in how signals are sent all throughout the body. In order to understand what was happening in this patient, The Wellness Way ran a comprehensive panel of tests that revealed various metabolic responses, dehydration, low reverse T3 (indicating a chronic stress response), high TSH, and high estrone, which was bound up in her thyroid and therefore interfering with organ function.
After 6 months of following a thyroid-supportive protocol from The Wellness Way, all of the patient’s thyroid numbers returned to normal. She also lost weight and reported feeling more invigorated and energized with an improved quality of life.
Dr. Mitch Sutton reviews the body’s complex network of hormone pathways and the way they can be impacted by medications and hormone replacement therapy. He notes the importance of getting levels tested comprehensively and regularly if you are on any type of thyroid medication or hormone replacement therapy.
Case Study #2
- 42 year old female with hypothyroidism
- Endocrinologist prescribed her thyroid medication
- Since being on it the patient reports symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, weight gain, hair loss, and fatigue
Testing at The Wellness Way revealed very low TSH, high T4, and high T3. Her cortisol response, measured to test adrenal function, was very low. It was tested at 9:30am when cortisol should be high. This indicated that her body was stressed out and displaying adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is a contraindication of levothyroxine and, according to The Physician’s Desk Reference, should not be taken by individuals with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency. Testing the adrenal gland is critical. It provides valuable information on whether prescription medication may make matters worse.
After following The Wellness Way’s protocol, this patient’s TSH returned to normal, T4 began decreasing, T3 returned to normal, and cortisol began rising to a healthier starting range.
Case #3
- 46 year old woman with autoimmune thyroiditis
- Testing by medical doctor revealed high TSH, high BP, and cholesterol that was increasing over a 7 month period
- Patient complains of being sluggish and bloated
Testing at The Wellness Way revealed high thyroid antibodies, low ferritin (iron stores), high T4/T3/TSH, and low vitamin D. Dr. Mitch Sutton makes the important note that vitamin D is not actually a vitamin. It is a hormone that works on the immune system.
The Wellness Way’s protocol brought down TSH levels, increased vitamin D, and decreased thyroid hormone levels. With the right support, the patient’s body essentially began to take care of its own autoimmune issues.
Vitamin D and Thyroid Function
Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. Vitamin D levels are one of the best and simplest things to test for. Higher levels of vitamin D can increase the function of T regulatory cells (which is incredibly important in immune system regulation and response, and therefore important in addressing an autoimmune condition like autoimmune thyroiditis).
Click here to watch this episode of A Different Perspective!
