Diagnosis of hypothyroidism: Are we getting what we want from TSH testing?

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder where there is inadequate cellular thyroid effect to meet the needs of the tissues. Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression, cold extremities, muscle aches, headaches, decreased libido, weakness, cold intolerance, water retention, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dry skin. Low thyroid causes or causes or contributes to the symptoms of many conditions can but the deficiency is often missed by standard thyroid testing. This is frequently the case with depression, hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), menstrual irregularities, infertility, PMS, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, fibrocystic breasts, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperhomocysteinuria (high homocystine), atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes and insulin resistance [...]

Fatigued, Depressed, Difficulty Losing Weight?

Since the endocrine system is devised of glands that produce and send hormones to all areas of our body to regulate the essential functions of our body like temperature, reproduction, growth, immunity, and aging, it stands to reason that this should be the hub of vitality, longevity and well being. Many individuals are getting remarkable results from having their hormones optimized. Specialized hormonal testing can be utilized to bring the hormones into optimal ranges. Many people are finding that common problems of fatigue, depression and difficulty losing weight can be completely reversed by physicians that specialize in hormone optimization and age management medicine. Individuals often suffer for years being told that their thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and adrenals are fine, but these doctors are finding that these levels are actually low and need to be supplemented, often with remarkable results. Standard blood tests only pick up the sickest 2.5% of the population [...]

Use of SSRI antidepressants shown to double the rate of bone loss in menopausal women

Numerous studies have demonstrated an increase risk of bone loss and fracture with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) (1-9), including several large studies published in Archives of Internal Medicine (1-4). These studies found that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants but not tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are associated with double the bone loss and fracture, which confirms similar findings found in smaller and animal studies. The relationship was found to be true after adjusting for multiple potential confounding factors including age, race, health status, physical activity, smoking status, body mass index, depression, and use of calcium or vitamin D supplements, estrogen, thiazide, or bisphosphonates. While SSRI’s such as Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro and Celexa have there place in the treatment of depression, their effects on bone need to be considered and monitored [...]