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Andrea had tried everything to lose weight. At 43, she had cycled through virtually every diet approach, hired multiple trainers, tracked macros meticulously, and even tried prescription weight loss medications—all with minimal results.
“I exercise five days a week and eat better than anyone I know,” she explained during our first consultation. “My friends can’t understand why I struggle with my weight while they eat whatever they want. My doctor just tells me to eat less and move more, but I’m already doing that to an extreme degree.”
Her frustration was compounded by other symptoms that had emerged gradually: crushing afternoon fatigue, thinning hair, dry skin, and constant cold sensitivity. When she mentioned these to her primary doctor, they checked her TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), declared it “normal” at 4.1, and suggested her symptoms were likely stress-related or age-appropriate.
Andrea’s situation reflects a common pattern we see in functional medicine: subclinical hypothyroidism that significantly impacts metabolism and weight but doesn’t cross the threshold for conventional diagnosis and treatment.
Comprehensive testing revealed what standard evaluation had missed:
* While her TSH was technically within the reference range (0.5-4.5), it was far from optimal
* Her Free T3 (the active form of thyroid hormone) was in the bottom 10% of the range
* She had elevated thyroid antibodies indicating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
* Her reverse T3 was elevated, blocking thyroid receptors
* Several nutrients crucial for thyroid function were suboptimal
Most importantly, we discovered that her previous extreme dieting had further suppressed her thyroid function—creating a frustrating cycle where her weight loss efforts were actually making her metabolism slower.
Rather than putting Andrea on another restrictive diet, we created a comprehensive thyroid support protocol:
1. Nutrient repletion focused on selenium, zinc, iodine, and iron—critical for thyroid hormone production and conversion
2. Anti-inflammatory dietary approach addressing her specific food sensitivities while ensuring adequate calories and protein
3. Stress management techniques to address the cortisol elevation that was blocking T4 to T3 conversion
4. Strategic exercise modification—temporarily replacing intense cardio (which was increasing her reverse T3) with strength training and walking
5. Sleep optimization to support overnight hormone regulation
6. Low-dose natural desiccated thyroid hormone to support her system while we addressed root causes
The transformation in Andrea’s health began gradually but accelerated over time:
* Within the first month, her energy levels improved significantly
* By three months, she had lost 11 pounds without restricting calories
* At six months, her thyroid antibodies had decreased by 60%
* After nine months, she had reached her goal weight and was able to maintain it without constant struggle
“What amazes me most,” Andrea shared at our one-year follow-up, “is that I’m actually eating more food now than during all my years of dieting—but my body is finally processing it properly. I used to blame myself for lacking willpower, when my thyroid was the real issue all along.”
Andrea’s story highlights a critical insight about weight regulation: your thyroid controls your metabolic rate at the cellular level. When thyroid function is compromised—even within “normal” lab ranges—your body’s ability to convert food into energy becomes impaired. The result is weight gain or resistance to weight loss that can’t be overcome through diet and exercise alone.
Signs your weight struggles might have a thyroid component include:
* Weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite caloric restriction
* Cold intolerance, especially cold hands and feet
* Fatigue that worsens with exercise rather than improves
* Hair thinning, dry skin, or brittle nails
* Brain fog or memory issues
* Menstrual irregularities or PMS
* Constipation despite adequate fiber and water
If you’ve struggled with stubborn weight despite doing “everything right,” consider whether suboptimal thyroid function might be a missing piece in your health puzzle. A comprehensive thyroid evaluation often reveals opportunities for metabolic support that standard testing misses entirely.
Next month, we’ll explore the complex connections between inflammation and chronic pain—and how addressing inflammatory drivers can resolve pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments.
You are invited to join Perks of Wellness
In person, Quantum Surfing: An Energetic group session. Come get energy work done is a group setting, by donation. Tuesday, September 8th at 6:30pm. You can sign up by responding to this email or calling the office. See our Meetup group or go to Perksofwellness.com for more information.
Ask the Doc, a virtual Q&A for 30 minutes. Each month come and ask your questions are a particular topic, join the free conversation. This month we will be looking at Six Essentials Health (Live Q&A) on, Tuesday, September 15th at 6:30pm. The Meetup will be online, the Google Meet link will be emailed the day of to anyone who RSVPed. RSVP in the Meetup group or responding to this email.
Sis Essentials for Health: The Daily Choices That Shape Health & Resilience will be on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30pm. The Meetup will be online, the Google Meet link will be emailed the day of to anyone who RSVPed. RSVP in the Meetup group or responding to this email.
🌐 **Join Our Community:** I’m also excited to announce the launch of our new virtual Meetup group, Perks of Functional Medicine. This group is dedicated to exploring the world of functional medicine and getting to the root causes of your health issues. Whether you’re a seasoned health enthusiast or just starting your journey to wellness, there is something here for everyone. Join us for informative discussions, workshops, and events that will empower you to take control of your well-being and live your best life.
Meetup Group (https://www.meetup.com/perks-of-functional-medicine/)
P.S. If you found this tip helpful, keep an eye on your inbox. I’ll be sharing more valuable insights to help you take control of your health each week.
Be Good to Yourself,
Dr. Brian Perks DC, MPH
Perks of Wellness
2333 First Avenue #105
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-0345
drperks@perksofwellness.com
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