Why Thyroid Meds Alone Aren’t Enough: Optimizing Conversion, Absorption, and Cellular Response
If you’ve been prescribed thyroid medication but still struggle with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, or hair loss, you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. Many patients continue to experience symptoms even when their labs look “normal.” Why? Because simply taking thyroid hormone replacement (like Synthroid, Levothyroxine, or even Armour) is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly feel your best, we need to make sure your body is converting, absorbing, and responding to thyroid hormones effectively. Here’s how—and what to do if it’s not happening. 1. Conversion: T4 to T3 Matters More Than You Think Most thyroid medications provide T4, the inactive form of thyroid hormone. Your body must convert T4 into T3, the active form that actually gets into cells and drives metabolism, energy production, and brain function. Common issues that block T4 to T3 conversion include: Chronic stress and high cortisol Nutrient deficiencies (selenium, zinc, iron, B12) Inflammation and gut imbal...