Thyroid Hormone Pathway

Proper levels of thyroid hormone

• Regulate body temperature
• Increase metabolism
• Improve cerebral function and prevent cognitive impairment
• Increase energy
• Increase fat breakdown, resulting in weight loss
• Regulate body temperature and body fat percentage
• Lower cholesterol
• Protect against cardiovascular disease
• Relieve symptoms of thin sparse hair, dry skin and thin nails

Proper overall body function depends on thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is a metabolic hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. There are two types of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce these hormones, thus the importance of iodine in our diet. About 80% of the thyroid hormone we produce is T4, which is the inactive hormone and held in reserve, while T3 makes up 20% of the thyroid hormone and is about four times stronger than T4. T3 is the active hormone that the body uses to function.

The release of thyroid hormones is controlled by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced in the pituitary gland. When there are high levels of TSH in the blood this means the pituitary is trying to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones but the gland is not responding. Because thyroid hormones are bound to proteins while circulating in our bodies, it is the unbound, available, Free T4 and Free T3 that should be measured along with TSH.

Naturally derived thyroid, with the mixture of T4 and T3, is the ideal replacement because it mimics the natural thyroid hormone produced by the body. Unfortunately, it has become routine practice to prescribe synthetic T4 alone which is not adequate and may not be converted to the more biologically active form T3, for proper levels of thyroid hormone.

Thyroid Treatment for Men

Ann J. Peters MD offers thyroid treatment for men. Healthy thyroid levels are critical to a man's overall health, including his sex drive and metabolism. As a man ages, his thyroid function tends to slow down and become more susceptible to disease and damage. Consequently, a man's energy and libido drop to their lowest levels. This can significantly decrease the quality of a man's life. Fortunately, Dr Peters provides save and effective thyroid treatment for men that restores vim and vigor.

Role of the Thyroid

The thyroid gland is small, measuring only about 2 inches long and weighing less than one ounce, but mighty. Located in the neck just below the voice box, the butterfly-shaped gland has two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe. The thyroid gland secretes two hormones, known by their abbreviations T3 and T4. The hormone T3 is a product of T4; it is more active than T4 and T3 directly affects tissues.

The thyroid gland and the hormone it secretes affect every cell of the body. Some physicians refer to the thyroid as the "traffic direction center" of the entire endocrine system because of the way it controls the rest of the hormones in the human body. One of thyroid and thyroid most important roles is to regulate metabolism.

The Aging Thyroid Gland

As a man ages, his thyroid gland becomes "lumpy," and hormone production slows. As a result, T3 and T4 levels drop and symptoms appear.

Dysfunctional thyroid glands produce either too much or too little T3 and T4. Medical professionals say a man has hyperthyroidism if his thyroid gland produces too much of these hormones. Hypothyroidism is a condition where a sluggish thyroid produces too little T3 and T4.

Symptoms of Low Thyroid Hormone Levels

Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 affect nearly every tissue in the body so low levels of these hormones cause poor overall health. Symptoms can take years to develop, so many men do not realize the significant physical changes taking place - many just chalk it up to the aging process.

The main symptoms of low thyroid levels are fatigue and lethargy. Low thyroid levels cause a variety of other uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Weight gain
• Bloated face
• Pale and dry, flaky skin
• Hoarse voice
• Extreme sensitivity to cold
• Frail fingernails, hair, and even eyebrows
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness
• Swollen or stiff joints
• Stiff, weak, achy muscles
• Elevated blood cholesterol level

Left untreated or poorly treated, these symptoms become progressively worse until serious medical conditions - like goiter, slow thought processes and depression - develop.

Who Needs Thyroid Treatment?

While women are more prone to thyroid problems requiring treatment, although people of both genders are more likely to develop thyroid problems after they reach the age of 60 years. Other risk factors for hypothyroidism in men include:

• A history of medical treatment using radioactive iodine or other drugs that affect the thyroid
• The presence of autoimmune disease in the immediate family
• Exposure to radiation
• Surgical removal of part of the thyroid, known as thyroidectomy

Benefits of Thyroid Treatment for Men

Hypothyroid is almost completely treatable with thyroid treatment for men. Ann J. Peters MD provides safe and effective thyroid treatment for men with the use of synthetic thyroxine, a medication that has the same chemical structure as T4. She will base a patient's dosage on age, weight, severity of thyroid dysfunction, other health problems and his medications.

Thyroid treatment for men works quickly - many of Ann J. Peter's patients experience results in as little as one to two weeks.

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that most men with a thyroid hormone disorder experienced some degree of sexual dysfunction. In conclusion, the researchers found that normalizing these hormone levels reverses sexual dysfunction.

Ann J. Peters is one of the nation's leading hormone replacement specialists. She has developed a thyroid treatment program that restores thyroid hormones, revitalizing a man's energy levels and sex drive. Contact the offices of Ann J. Peters to learn more about thyroid treatment for men in New York, San Francisco, and Palm Beach. Call 888 545 3047 to secure a consultation with Ann J. Peters today.

Call 888 545 3047 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ann J Peters in her anti-aging clinics in New York or San Francisco or email admin@mdlongevity.com for more information about our anti-aging treatment program.