hormones . Every cell in your body has a receptor for every hormone that your body makes . The power hormones have over many systems in your body are incredible and often times when the thyroid is not functioning correctly we see many symptoms .
Restated , the older you are , the fewer hormones you have and this is why your body tanks as you get older . There are some cliffs you can fall off along the way — like menopause for women and andropause for men .
Because hormones are inter-related with each other , when one hormone is deficient , then this can affect the proportion of the other hormones . Many hormones have feedback mechanisms on each other so that if one is up , the other is down .
The brain is especially interesting when it comes to hormones . Not only do parts of the brain manufacture hormones ( pituitary gland and pineal gland ), but it also monitors their activity in the blood stream and controls the release of “ prehormones ,” called releasing factors that induce other glands to make their hormones . In the thyroid , this is the thyroid stimulating hormone ( or TSH in lab tests ). So , when the physician tests for blood levels , they will always test for TSH but not always do a complete Thyroid Panel .
There are also important nutritionals that are imperative for the proper function of your thyroid level and the conversion of T4 to T3 ( the active form ). And , without proper nutritional support , that conversion may not happen , which can cause clinical hypothyroidism .
Each individual with thyroid conditions will have different needs as far as combinations of thyroid replacement therapy . Often times we are called upon to customize the ratios and strengths of replacement medications to meet individual patient needs . This also includes the nutritional support for proper thyroid function and conversion of thyroid to the active form .
Donna Barsky , D . Ph ., R . Ph ., is a clinical compounding pharmacist and owner of Texas Star Pharmacy . She specializes in thyroid , and related hormone replacement therapies with nutritional support .
Barsky collaborates with , and refers many patients to select physicians . “ We are just part of the team ,” she says . “ At Texas Star Pharmacy , our goal is to work with the patient and their doctor to maximize their therapeutic outcomes .”
If you have any questions about your hormones or thyroid function , please contact Dr . Barsky at Texas Star Pharmacy 3033 West Parker Road , # 100 in Plano . 972-519-8475 .
R
Dr . Donna S . Barsky
R . Ph ., D . Ph . Doctor of Pharmacy , Owner
FREE 30 MINUTE NUTRITIONAL CONSULT WHEN YOU MENTION LIVING WELL ! ( BY APPOINTMENT )
COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016
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