Thyroid
Our endocrine system is one of the most important and most complex systems in the human body. All our body’s hormones, and the organs that produce them, make up our endocrine system. Specifically, our thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that resides at the base of the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that coordinate activities of the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, skin, and our metabolism. It is estimated that 52 million people in the United States have some form of thyroid disease and up to sixty percent of individuals with thyroid disorders are unaware.
The most well-known and most common thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when there is an under-production of thyroid hormone or when the body does not use the thyroid hormone efficiently. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common form of hypothyroidism and occurs due to underactive thyroid with an overactive immune (autoimmune) response. Generally, laboratory findings of hypothyroidism consist of a high TSH and low T3 and T4.
Flourish with us today
Your Health, Your Goals
with Flourish Medical + Wellness
Hear More About How We Can Help
Contact Form
Why is our thyroid so complex?
First, our thyroid functions as a negative feedback loop. This means that hypothyroidism or the under-production of thyroid hormone causes the TSH levels to rise (high TSH = hypo/low thyroid). There are 3 main components of the thyroid hormone.
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): TSH is released from the pituitary gland that resides in the brain. TSH differs from the other thyroid hormones in that it does not directly affect organ function (other than the thyroid gland), muscles, bones and tissues. Therefore, TSH provides information about hormone levels in the brain and not the peripheral tissues.
- T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine): T3 and T4 are the two main thyroid hormones made by the thyroid gland. T4 is produced in a greater amount than T3 (17:1), but T3 is 300% more biologically active at the cellular level than T4. Therefore, low T3 levels at the cellular level are responsible for symptoms of thyroid disease. In other words, T4 is the primary hormone released from the thyroid gland and the majority of T3 is produced when the body converts T4 to T3 in the liver, gut, brain, and skeletal muscle.
- Total T3 and Total T4: Total T3/T4 is the combined amount of bound and unbound (free) thyroid hormone in the body. Bound T3/T4 is attached to a protein carrier. This protein carrier transports the thyroid hormones (T3/T4) throughout the body.
- Free T3 and Free T4: Free T3/T4 hormones are separated from the protein carrier and make up the active form of thyroid hormones that can bind to cell receptors and be used by the body. Free T3 and free T4 are the only thyroid hormones that are available for the body to use.
- Reverse T3 (rT3): rT3 is chemically similar to T3, but is completely inactive and lowers the amount of active T3 available. RT3 essentially ‘reverses’ T3. High levels of rT3 are caused by nutrient deficiencies, low levels of selenium, excess physical/mental/environmental stress, adrenal compromise, and high toxic burden.
Why the confusion?
Often, thyroid function is only tested by checking TSH levels, however, this only assesses the thyroid hormone level in the brain and not the peripheral tissues. Because the level of thyroid hormone in the peripheral tissues is what contributes to symptoms of thyroid disorder, diagnosing hypothyroidism is often missed. Some doctors will also check T4 with TSH, but remember that T4 is 300% less active than T3. T4 is checked because the first line treatment for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl) which is synthetic T4 only. Remember, T4 is converted into the active T3, however, many people have difficulty converting T4 to T3 and therefore only testing and treating T4 levels can lead to lack of symptoms improvement. When a full thyroid panel is completed, we often find normal amounts of total T4 and total T3 and not enough active/free T4 and active/free T3.
Our endocrine system, especially our thyroid, is complex and extremely important for regulating all other bodily functions. Unfortunately, thyroid disease is often underdiagnosed and mismanaged which can lead to poor quality of life and long term decline in health over time. At Flourish Medical + Wellness, we understand the significance of the endocrine system and take the time needed to adequately assess, diagnose, and treat endocrine and thyroid disorders.

What causes thyroid disease?
- Stress
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Leptin resistance
- Insulin resistance
- Diabetes mellitus
- Low testosterone
- Toxins
- Autoimmune disorders
- Iron deficiency anemia
What are symptoms of thyroid disease?
- Cold, tired, fatigued, weakness
- Thin hair, thin skin, thin nails
- Dry, rough, pale skin and hair loss
- Weight gain, increased body fat
- Loss of energy & motivation
- Loss of cognition, memory, mood
- Poor sense of well-being, depression
- Infertility, loss of libido, menstrual irregularities
- Constipation, compromised gut motility
What does the body need for optimal thyroid function?
- Tyrosine (facilitates conversion of T4 to T3)
- Iodine (but not too much) (facilitates conversion of T4 to T3)
- Selenium (facilitates conversion of T4 to T3)
- Antioxidants
- Iron (facilitates conversion of T4 to T3)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Glutathione
- B vitamins
- Zinc (facilitates conversion of T4 to T3)
- Potassium
What foods help support thyroid function?
- Steamed vegetables
- Poultry
- Fish
- Organic eggs
- Omega-3 fatty acids
What foods worsen thyroid function?
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Refined sugar
- Soy
Testimonials
“Jackie is a very nice, caring and understanding doctor. Made me feel important and at ease. Thanks Jackie.”
“It was my 1st visit, I was impressed by the length of my visit. Dr. Tewes was very friendly, thorough, interested. She talked easily and worked with me as easily as any doctor I’ve ever worked with. Extremely impressed.”
“Always spends the time needed and goes the extra mile! Will seek out answers when they are needed. Always makes me feel like I’m well cared for!”
“Jackie is excellent. I rarely visit the doctors office, but when I do, she is attentive, listens and never makes me feel rushed. Don’t let this one go!”
“Thank you for everything you have done for my family. It is such a blessing knowing that you have a doctor that understands you and what’s best for you and your family. Thank you for being an amazing doctor.”
“No doctor could come close to you. You are thorough, compassionate and kind.”
“Jackie is truly unique in her capacity to listen and understand the individuality of each patient.”
With so many exercise and fitness options available it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Our focus is to find ways to create movement each and every day that you enjoy and will continue to expand on.
Movement helps to strengthen your muscles which improves stability, balance, and coordination. Stretching also helps maintain muscle health and build durable, dense bones.
Not getting enough physical activity can contribute to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
Let’s work together to customize a program that is enjoyable as well as effective for your lifestyle and fitness goals. Contact us to take the next steps toward a healthier you!
Download our Flourish Health Coach Brochure