Chronic Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common complaints in our office. Solving this complex and difficult issue requires a complete examination and evaluation with proper testing in order to determine the underlying cause of the fatigue. There are many causes that may include, hormone, nutrititional deficencies, anemia, hypothyroidism as well as other diseases or problems including muscle, joint, and bone problems. Step number one is a complete history, physical, and examination by a doctor experienced diagnosing and treating chronic fatigue.
Hypothyroidism
Natural thyroid hormone replacement therapy with medications such as Armor, Nature Thyroid, or compounded T4 and T3 is a very important part of thyroid therapy. Hypothyroidism many times is present even though normal or near normal laboratory numbers are present on standard blood tests. Hormone replacement therapy requires more than just replacing your synthetic hormone with a natural hormone replacement. Many times patients taking thyroid medication cannot get it regulated properly and continue to suffer various symptoms.
With hypothyroidism the function of the liver and intestinal tract are critical and seldom addressed in standard thyroid therapy. The liver converts 65% of the T4 made in the thyroid gland to the active hormone T3 the rest is converted primarily in the intestinal tract. So, one of the most important considerations in hypothyroid problems is the function of the liver and the intestinal tract. Liver function tests are very important to determine if Phase I, II, III detoxification pathways are normal and nutritional therapy to correct any liver function is essential for success of treatment. It is also important to see if you have antibodies that are destroying your production or transport mechanism in your thyroid gland. If these antibodies are present we must investigate if you have an autoimmune problem that is the cause for the high antibodies. Then we try to eliminate the source of the antibodies to stop the autoimmune reaction.
Our goal is to have you take the least amount of thyroid medication that will relieve symptoms then work toward having your body produce and regulate its own levels. Of course, this isn't always possible but we should always strive for a minimum dose. Remember, our goal is health. If during the course of our examinations and treatment we find you are in need of a specialist we will refer you to the appropriate physician.
Bio-identical Hormones
When treating with bio-identical hormones, the ratio of estrogens is important also. After testing, if your ratio isn't correct then you will be prescribed a compound of estrogen with the exact mix of estriol, estridiol, and estrone that your body calls for. Again, since the liver regulates the detoxification of these hormones it is very important to treat the liver with appropriate nutritional and/or homeopathic medications.
Your adrenal gland function is another endocrine gland that plays a major part in female hormone problems. This is your stress gland and is important for hormone function and general health. Testing will indicate the status of your adrenal gland's cortisol levels and other indicators and how it is functioning in relationship with the thyroid, pituitary, sex glands and liver.
Estrogen and progesterone imbalances produce hot flashes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, PMS, depression, infertility, andropause, menopause symptoms and a host of other symptoms. It is not a simple and straight forward problem. It takes expertise in hormone replacement and proper nutritional therapy. Dr. McCullough can offer you help and the expertise necessary to help you return to health.
