Supporting My Thyroid

I thought I’d never have a thyroid problem. I thought that it was something that happens to other women.⠀
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But then I did my DNA testing and my Thyroid Balance report showed some risk factors. A SNP on my FKBP5 gene showed potential for impaired cortisol regulation. Stress can increase cortisol and negative feedback on the HPT axis, and reduce TSH and thyroid hormone synthesis. ⠀
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And SNPs on my hormone detox pathway too, a recipe for disaster! I have oestrogen dominance and oestrogen dominance can cause an under active thyroid. ⠀
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So I thought it best to do some Thyroid blood tests which i did privately in Wimpole street so I could see all my markers. Results showed that my T4 had dropped slightly and my TSH slightly raised. Well at least my TSH was responding! If the pituitary senses the Thyroid isn’t doing it’s job, it will pump out extra TSH, giving it a kick in the backside to work harder! This is how I explain it to clients who often don’t understand why a raised TSH can mean and UNDER active thyroid.⠀
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This blood testing was done during a very busy time going backwards and forwards working in Harley Street whilst still running my clinic in Jersey and online clients. And it was GCSE time! And we worry about our children! ⠀
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I didn’t have symptoms so I just keep an eye on my stress levels and make time for relaxation as I knew this was the real cause. ⠀
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September I retested. T4 normal but TSH had only come back down a little. If I was feeling fine I might not have done anything about this. I was so close to being ‘normal’ even from a functional medicine perspective. But I was feeling tired throughout lockdown and summer. At first I thought it was just due to the amount of work and having the children schooling at home. But I was tired all day. Not just at certain times and I never felt refreshed after 8 even 9 hours sleep like I used to.
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Not posting bloods results as mainly relevant to me. I started mild natural thyroid support (glandular, selenium, Kelp, adaptogen). Wow more energy! A challenge to get my dose right as I was sensitive to the changes but I got there! Supplements and dosages are very individual. See previous posts on supplements.