The Thyroid Gland and Estrogen Dominance
Hypothyroidism affects women seven times more frequently than men. The epidemic of estrogen dominance among women in this country is the cause of this disparity. When estrogen levels are high, the liver produces high levels of thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), a protein that binds to thyroid hormones in the blood and prevents them from being taken up by the cells. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and counterfeit estrogens prescribed during and after menopause also cause estrogen dominance and increased levels of TBG.
Women suffering from estrogen dominance may have a normally functioning thyroid gland that produces adequate amounts of thyroid hormone, and blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone may be read as “normal.” However, because the hormone is bound to and inactivated by circulating proteins, little of it is actually getting into the cells. A physician who relies solely on blood tests for diagnosis is likely to tell a woman that there is nothing wrong with her, despite the fact that her symptoms all point to a state of functional hypothyroidism.
I have said it before, but it bears repeating: Listening to the patient’s symptoms rather than relying on blood tests is the best way to diagnose and treat hormonal problems. This is true not only of thyroid problems, but also of problems relating to the female hormones. Unlike body temperature, which varies little from day to day in a healthy person, hormone levels can vary widely, even within the same twenty-four-hour period. This is especially likely to occur among women in their premenopausal years.
Sandra
I think this is my problem? I always think I need more estrogen so the doctor ordered me estrogen patches .025 mg. But then I start bleeding and get extreme anxiety. I am also on armour thyroid because my other doctor prescribed it when I was having signs of perimenopause. My TSH is at .04 but my free t4 and free t3 are within low normal range. I was on 90 mg. Armour but it was just reduced to the 75 mg. Due to my low TSH. I am so confused. I don’t feel well. I was told my FSH doesn’t show menopause yet? Can you help me in any way? I suffer with alot of chemical anxiety. Its debilitating. The other doctor wants to put me on anti depressants. I still have to work a full time position. I know there is an answer to this.
Hotze Team
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We are so sorry that you are struggling with health issues. If someone has negative health symptoms when taking a hormone, then it is possible that they are not on the right dose for their body’s needs. It’s also possible that one could have other hormone deficiencies and imbalances. We cannot diagnose nor give medical advice over the internet, however please take our symptom checker to help identify all of the symptoms you are having and what could possibly be the underlying cause: http://makeshift-worm.flywheelsites.com/symptom-checker/
Here are some helpful articles:
http://makeshift-worm.flywheelsites.com/2018/04/anxiety-relief-with-bioidentical-progesterone/
http://makeshift-worm.flywheelsites.com/2018/05/5-hormone-related-causes-of-anxiety-in-women/
We will be happy to help you. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances. Please call our wellness consultants at 281-698-8698 for a complimentary wellness consultation. We see patients from all over the world – you only need to come here to Houston in person for your first comprehensive visit with the doctor, then after that, your follow-ups may be done over the phone. It would be our privilege to serve you.
To your health,
Hotze Team