A patient suffering from stubborn overweight asks us:
Although I strictly adhere to diet and calorie reduction, I do not lose weight. Could this be due to my thyroid gland? The thyroid hormone levels are, however, in the normal range according to my last laboratory test.
In fact, a reduced thyroid function is one of the most common reasons why, despite calorie reduction, the desired weight loss fails. The thyroid is one of the most important hormonal glands. It produces the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which control the energy metabolism of the body.
Thyroid Problems Despite “Normal” Hormone Levels
Nevertheless, considerable activity losses of the thyroid gland can simply remain unrecognized because the hormone levels are classified as inconspicuous according to the laboratory findings. In fact, experience has shown that many laboratories define the “normal” range of thyroid hormone levels too wide and do not differentiate between age groups, body weight, etc.
Therefore, if your hormone levels have decreased, e.g., as a result of inflammation, but are still in the normal range, your findings are considered “normal”, although the activity of your thyroid gland has significantly changed and your thyroid gland is now producing too little thyroid hormones for your physical condition.
Weakness of the thyroid gland is often the result of inflammation (thyroiditis) or occurs in women after pregnancies. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto, is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland due to a faulty reaction of the immune system. Symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiencies are, e.g., loss of appetite and coldness when getting up, overweight, as well as a swollen face and body.
Examination of the Thyroid Gland Prior to Weight Loss
We therefore always recommend a thorough analysis of the thyroid’s function in the case of problems with weight loss. Experience has shown that very rapid success can be achieved when the deficiency is treated with bioidentical thyroid hormones. Bioidentical hormones have the same structure as our body’s hormones.
Therapies for hormonal regeneration usually take 3 or 6 cycles (1 cycle = 28 days) and can be repeated as required. Once the thyroid hormones are balanced again and the energy metabolism has been restored, losing weight is usually much easier by changing the dietary and exercise habits.
DDr. Heinrich, MD