Broadway Wellness Naturopathic Article of the Month
By Dr. Heidi Lescanec, ND
Like a whale tail, one thyroid test (TSH) is not the full story!
Are you feeling the fullness of summer catch up to you like I am?
I’m guessing from many conversations I have had (in and out of the clinic) that summer has been “full” for many. It can feel like we need some recovery from the activities we try to pack in a short season.
As for me, I’m noticing a bit of fatigue, my dense schedule catching up with me– the flip side of wanting to enjoy the precious sunshine and take the time to be outside in nature to the absolute maximum.
And I have… here’s one picture to show for it!
Just the tip of a whale tail off of Cortes Island!
On my last trip to Cortes Island, I was lucky to see several awe-inspiring whales. This image above captures only the flip of the tail. But underneath the surface is an enormous mammal that blows your mind with its stunning majesty and power.
The thyroid gland and whales have this in common.
The thyroid is one of the hugest endocrine organs in terms of impact on the whole system, but the TSH (the only initial screening lab test covered in BC), captures just the very tip of a much bigger story sitting just below the surface. We often don’t get the entire story unless we dig deeper (or wait long enough for whale-sized symptoms to fully present! :(.
TSH is not the whole story!
This email is for anyone to goes to their annual checkups, gets routine lab tests and has been told that their thyroid is normal.. but still has unexplained health issues.
IF it isn’t a matter of just too much summer activity without enough pause or rest and refill,
IF you know something is not right, you may need to dig deeper…
I’m not saying that the thyroid is the root cause in your case (only the tests can say that), but I am saying that routine screenings which only test for TSH can easily miss thyroid problems.
TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which is the hormone released from the brain to stimulate the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone (T4). TSH is only one of several markers of thyroid function and can take a while to detect what is going on in the thyroid itself.
Other thyroid tests include:
The thyroid gland regulates metabolic rate, gut motility, body temperature, hair, nails, and more.
If you have questions about your thyroid function and want a holistic approach to healing your hormones, get in touch.
Longing for more thyroid-fueled energy and info? Next newsletter I will be covering what you can do to help convert your storage form of thyroid hormone (T4) to our active form (T3)
ALSO, if you are keen on getting inspired about healthy aging and learning how women thrive in midlife and beyond stay tuned for more updates on a new project I am launching on The Pink Zones, including a Monthly Podcast Club (like a bookclub but easier, we listen to + discuss 2 podcast episodes)
Warmly,
Dr. Heidi Lescanec, ND
SUN TEA: Perhaps it’s my Mediterranean (Croatian) roots that make me such a sun junkie!I love to capture its rays with this beverage. Recipe link below for how to brew this refreshing herbal tea from solar heat.
When you’re ready, here a few ways we can work together:
Virtual & Telemedicine Consults– Click Here To Book Online
In-person Care- Click Here to Book Online
Copyright © 2024 Dr. Heidi Lescanec, All rights reserved.
Broadway Wellness Massage and Therapy is a community focussed clinic, offering services in the heart of Fairview at Broadway & Willow. Our clinic was established with a strong foundation in Registered Massage Therapy, and has expanded to encompass Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture, as a multi disciplinary healthcare clinic.