Thyroid Health

This course will focus on the foundations of thyroid optimization. Providers will gain knowledge in laboratory assessment and the establishment of optimal levels. Differentiation between Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Hashimotos. Providers will be able to differentiate commercial versus compounding treatment modalities as well as looking at root causes of thyroid dysfunction while reviewing the most evidence-based treatment modalities to include gut Health, nutraceuticals, cortisol testing, commercially available medications, compound therapy, peptides, and so much more.

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Curriculum

Lecture 1:

• Understand and identify the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. ​
• To provide an overview of the blood work that should be ordered to evaluate thyroid function, including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies.​
• To explain how to interpret blood work results and distinguish between normal versus optimal range for thyroid function.​
• To compare and contrast the conventional medicine approach to hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease with the functional medicine approach.​
• To review the etiology of Hashimoto’s disease and how it relates to thyroid function.​
• To discuss the importance of monitoring lab values for diagnosing and managing hypothyroidism, as well as the role of vitamins and nutraceuticals in improving thyroid function. Additionally, to provide case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of functional medicine in managing hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease.

Lecture 2:

• Explain the difference between synthetic and NDT (natural desiccated thyroid) medications for thyroid replacement therapy.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using compound thyroid medication for thyroid hormone replacement.
• Review appropriate dosing guidelines for thyroid medications based on the patient’s individual needs and lab values.
• Discuss the benefits of using low dose naltrexone (LDN) as an adjunct therapy for improving thyroid function and reducing autoimmune symptoms.
• Analyze case studies demonstrating the efficacy of these modalities in a clinical setting for thyroid medication management.
• Evaluate the potential impact of diet and lifestyle factors on thyroid health and medication management.

Lecture 3:

• Describe the causes of thyroid treatment failures, including HPA axis dysfunction and inadequate conversion of T4 to T3, and how to adjust treatment to address these issues.
• Recognize the symptoms of high and low cortisol levels and explain when cortisol testing may be necessary for thyroid management.
• Identify modalities for improving cortisol levels, such as lifestyle changes and supplementation, and explain how these interventions can improve thyroid function.
• Understand the impact of thyroid function on cardiovascular disease, including the risk factors associated with thyroid dysfunction and how to mitigate these risks.
• Review the pharmacology of thyroid medications and the weaning process and describe how to properly adjust thyroid treatment to optimize patient outcomes.

Lecture 4:

• Identify thyroid’s impact on brain and heart health, including associated risks.
• Evaluate peptides BPC 157, thymosin beta 4, thymosin alpha 1 and Larazotide for thyroid support.
• Analyze IV ozone therapy’s effects on Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease.
• Compare alternative and conventional thyroid treatments for efficacy, and safety of these peptides as well as dosing.
• We will review case studies and discuss how we can incorporate these treatment modalities into practice.