Medical cannabis, or CBD oil, is not a first line treatment. As per the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners guidelines, “medicinal cannabis products should only be considered when all first line, conventional options have been tried.”

So, if you have a medical condition of more than 3 months duration and conventional medications have not proved effective for you or the side effects have outweighed the benefits or you wish to stop using ‘community acquired’ cannabis. Then it may be worth having a detailed discussion of the potential benefits and downside of medicinal cannabis with one of our doctors.

Who prescribes Cannabis at the Wholistic Medical Centre?

Cannabis (CBD) can only be prescribed by a Doctor through an individual application on your behalf to the Therapeutic Goods Authority – Special Access Scheme TGA SAS.

At the Wholistic Medical Centre, Dr Nick Bassal is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Authority – Special Access Scheme (TGA SAS) to prescribe Cannabis.

The Wholistic Medical Centre Difference

We differ from other clinics who prescribe cannabis, at the Wholistic Medical Centre we will consult with you from a holistic perspective. Cannabis is not just another drug, herb or magic bullet, we view it as an adjunct to holistic health care. So, where appropriate we can also discuss nutritional medicine, exercise, sleep and psychological support. It may also be useful to incorporate Chinese herbs relevant to your condition to improve outcomes. The above adjuncts will potentially have the effect of improving health outcomes, reducing the dose of cannabis you need and hence reduce the monthly cost and any potential side effects.

The Consultation Processes

For the initial appointment (which can be in person or via video) you will need to have relevant information such as medical history, letters from your GP or specialists. If Cannabis is indicated, the Wholistic Medical Centre doctor will make a formal online application to the TGA on your behalf. Note that your name is not revealed. We only need your initials and date of birth.

You will be notified once we receive the approval from the TGA.  You will be asked to make an appointment to discuss the specific medication and starting dose and things to look for. Your doctor will write a prescription and send/give that to you, along with the approval documentation. We will also endeavour to find a specific pharmacy near you that will provide you with the medication.

Follow up appointments are advised initially fortnightly to establish the correct dose and then monthly for the first 6 months to monitor progress and thereafter every 3-6 months as advised to obtain repeat scripts.

If you would like to discuss further, please make an appointment. Call 02 9211 3811 or make an online booking via our website.

What is the cost involved?

The fees below apply to Medical Cannabis consultations with  Dr Nicholas Bassal:

Initial consultation- You will not be out of pocket any more than $199 with Dr Nicholas Bassal. This is for the initial phone or video consultation (this includes the time taken for the Doctor to complete the TGA SAS application on your behalf).

The fee may be different if the consultation is in person, or on video, who you see and how long the consultation is, this is due to different Medicare item numbers that are charged. However, your out of pocket cost will remain at a maximum of $199.

Follow up consultations : $99 (out of pocket)

If you wish to gain from mindfulness-based psychotherapy, in addition to the cannabis, to assist in your holistic treatment, then a follow up consultation will be required with Dr Nicholas Bassal.

As Cannabis has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for millennia, usually in conjunction with other herbs, TCM practitioners already know which Chinese herbs to use to boost the benefit of cannabis. Each case however needs to be individualised according to their TCM presentation. If that is of interest to you, then make a consultation with Tanya Newton our highly experienced TCM herbal practitioner.

In the unlikely event that your application is declined, unfortunately the initial consultation fee is not refundable

The cost of the medical Cannabis appropriate for you varies depending on the exact product recommended (CBD:THC ratio, supply company and pharmacy). The cost can vary between approximately $200-$400 monthly.

Note- Currently cannabis products are not on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), so there is no government subsidy. So, all the costs of the cannabis products as supplied by the pharmacy are privately paid for.

If you want to find out if cannabis might help you. Please call 02 9211 3811 for an appointment.

The Ancient History of Cannabis in Medicine

Cannabis is a form of herbal medicine and has been used for over 5,000 years in many parts of the world. The medical benefits of cannabis were documented by Emperor Shen-Nung in China in 2737BC. Cannabis has been considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine and its use has been continually documented in Chinese medicine for ~1800 years. In the modern era the seeds, known in TCM as huomaren 火麻仁, are listed in the Chinese Medicine Pharmacopeia.

Read more on Cannabis in Chinese Medicine

The Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE) from Ancient Egypt describes medical cannabis.

Surviving texts from ancient India confirm that cannabis’ psychoactive properties were recognized, and doctors used it for treating a variety of illnesses and ailments, including insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, and pain, including during childbirth.

The Ancient Greeks used cannabis to dress wounds and sores on their horses, and in humans.

In the medieval Islamic world, Arabic physicians made use of cannabis for its diuretic, antiemetic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties from the 8th to 18th centuries.

Modern History of Cannabis

An Irish physician, William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, is credited with introducing cannabis to Western medicine. O’Shaughnessy discovered cannabis in the 1830s while living abroad in India, where he conducted numerous experiments investigating the drug’s medical utility (noting in particular its analgesic and anticonvulsant effects). He returned to England with a supply of cannabis in 1842, (Queen Victoria even used it for period pain) gradually its use spread through Europe and the United States. Cannabis was entered into the United States Pharmacopeia in 1850 and used legally until US prohibition in 1937

Cannabis began to attract renewed interest as medicine in the 1970s and 1980s, in particular due to its use by cancer and AIDS patients who reported relief the effects of chemotherapy and wasting syndrome. In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical cannabis in defiance of federal law. In 2001, Canada became the first country to adopt a system regulating the medical use of cannabis.

Our Body’s Own Cannabis

In 1992 it was discovered that our body produces its own cannabis like neurotransmitters and has receptors for them. (similar to the discovery of our natural endorphins). So, it was named the endo cannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS modulates different body systems to help achieve homeostasis. It is involved in many functions including inflammation, pain, sleep, appetite, digestion, metabolism, cardiovascular function, bone development, reproduction, immune function, mood, memory and cognitive processes.

The Endo-Cannabinoid System (ECS)

We have two natural endocannabinoids – anandamide (from the Sanskrit word, “ananda” meaning bliss; similar structure to THC) and 2- AG (similar structure to CBD) and it was also discovered that there were two types of cannabinoid receptors – CB1 and CB2.

Most of the receptors are CB1 receptors and located in the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain (cognitive functions, memory) – e.g. hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, cerebral cortex. And peripheral nervous system (PNS) all the nerves connected to our muscles and organs.

CB2 receptors are in the immune system and gut (immune function, pain and inflammation).

CBD and THC are chemically similar to our own naturally produced cannabinoids- hence they can interact with our CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Chemistry of Cannabis

Many people are familiar with two of the well-known chemicals found in medicinal cannabis- CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol).

Cannabinoids can be classified into three categories:

•      Endocannabinoids– natural produced in the body
•       Phyto cannabinoids– from plants
•       Synthetic cannabinoids– pharmaceutical products

The cannabis plant has over 500 chemicals which can be grouped as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.  There are approx. 140 cannabinoids of which CBD and THC are the most well-known and researched. However, the terpenes and flavonoids have their own beneficial actions and also work synergistically with the cannabinoids- this is known as the entourage effect. Which is why we prefer whole plant extract.  The main variety of the cannabis plant is Cannabis sativa. Hemp is a strain of Cannabis sativa and has been bred to have lower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects.  Hemp has been used for centuries for its fibre for making cloth, paper and ropes. Marijuana the other strain of Cannabis sativa which has been bred to have higher concentrations of THC and is the strain commonly used recreationally.

Medicinal uses of CBD and THC

CBD – this is the non-psychoactive component that has many beneficial properties including:

•      anti-inflammatory
•       anti-epileptic
•       anxiolytic
•       analgesic
•       anti-emetic
•       anti-psychotic

CBD is thought to inhibit the enzyme that breaks down anandamide (one of the two natural cannabinoids in the body) and stimulates the production of 2-AG (the second naturally occurring cannabinoid).

THC – produces the psychoactive effects (“high”) that cannabis is known for. However, it also has many other benefits including:

•      analgesic
•       anti-spasmodic
•       improving appetite
•       anti-inflammatory
•       anti-emetic
•       anti-spasticity

THC binds to CB1 receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system whereas CBD binds very weakly to CB1. It has been found that when THC is combined with CBD, this helps to reduce the THC’s psychoactive side effects. Phyto cannabinoids can also bind to other receptor sites apart from CBD 1 and 2. e.g. CBD is an agonist (enhancer) for the serotonin receptor.

CBD and THC can be used alone on in various formulations depending on individual circumstances and medical conditions.

In Australia in November 2016, THC became a Schedule 8 classification (controlled drugs – like morphine) and CBD became a Schedule 4 classification (prescription only medicine – like antibiotics, strong painkillers) by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).

Which medical conditions is Medical Cannabis (CBD) useful for?

• Chronic non cancer pain (CNCP)
• Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
• Cancer pain
• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Autism
• Endometriosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine
• Anxiety/Depression
• Chronic insomnia
• PTSD
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Sleep disturbance associated with Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

Who cannot use Cannabis (CBD)?

CBM is generally contraindicated in:

•      Unstable cardiopulmonary disease
•       Cardiovascular risk factors
•      Pregnancy and breast feeding.
•       Active mood disorder, a history of psychotic disorder, schizophrenia.
•       Hypersensitivity to cannabis products

Caution is required in:

•       Patients < 25 years old. Cannabis can be used with careful monitoring in children/young adults with certain conditions like epilepsy (e.g. Dravet syndrome- drug resistant epilepsy) or autism.
•       Kidney/liver impairment
•       History of substance abuse
•       Previous or family history of mental illness e.g. schizophrenia.
•       Patients with risk of fall e.g. frail elderly patients.

Drug interactions – caution if taking these medications

•       Blood thinning agents e.g. warfarin.
•       Drugs/herbs that are also metabolised by CP450.
•       Sedatives and analgesics- alcohol, benzodiazepines, anti-depressants, anti-epileptics

What are the side effects of Cannabis?

The most common side effects are dry mouth, dizziness, disorientation, confusion, drowsiness, fatigue and anxiety.

Less commonly, people may also experience increased heart rate, impaired reaction times, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and depression.

These effects are dose related and completely reversable.

That’s why we use the principle of “start low and go slow”.  Each patient will be started at an low dose, with any dose changes done gradually and closely monitored especially in the initial phase. Once on a stable dose, the frequency of follow up visits can be less frequent. The aim is to be on a dose that provides maximum benefit with minimal side effects. Each patient will be different.

Forms of Medical Cannabis

The oil is the most commonly used method for administering medical cannabis. The whole plant extract is mixed with a food grade oil (e.g. olive, canola). A dropper is used to place the oil under the tongue, it is absorbed within a minute.

Taste is generally not an issue. Capsules containing the oil are also available.

There are other methods like using a vaporiser or inhalation and creams/patches, but these are not currently approved in Australia.

Absorption of Cannabis

When taken as an oil (most common form of medical cannabis) under the tongue, and not swallowed, Cannabis is absorbed directly into the blood stream and has medium bioavailability. The effects can be felt in 30min to 90min and last about 4-8 hrs.

When Cannabis (CBD) is ingested, (added to food) it goes through the digestive tract, has lower bioavailability and is slower to act. Effects can be felt in 30min to 2 hours and last 3-6 hours.

By contrast smoking ‘community acquired’ cannabis (not recommended) provides high bioavailability and acts within a few minutes with a duration of 3 to 4 hours. The dose delivered by smoking is highly variable depending on the strain, potency of the plant, how it has been grown and dried. Generally smoking can deliver a dose of about 250mg to 1000mg of THC this of course hinges on initial quantity and how many people are sharing.

Can I drive?

CBD is less likely to impair driving than THC; however, there can still be very small amounts of THC in a CBD only product. So, until Mobile Drug Testing legislation allows for minimal levels of medicinal THC (like alcohol), it is not advised to drive even though your driving may not impaired.

If you want to find out if cannabis might help you, please call 02 9211 3811 for an appointment with

Dr Nicholas Bassal

The post Cannabis and Medicine first appeared on Wholistic Medical Centre.

The post Cannabis and Medicine appeared first on Wholistic Medical Centre.

Is it legal?    

Medical practitioners in Australia can legally prescribe medicinal cannabis through regulated pathways such as the Special Access Scheme Category B and the Authorised Prescriber Scheme. These pathways are typically used by doctors for unapproved medicines.

Dr Vicki Kotsirilos, Victorian GP and Integrative Medicine Practitioner, became Australia’s first authorised GP prescriber of medicinal cannabis in May 2018. She said recently that GPs currently have ‘a large demand’ for knowledge about the use of medicinal cannabis. Dr Kotsirilos says there is a lack of knowledge about the clinical usage of medicinal cannabis which stems from a lack of formal education and upskilling available to GPs.

‘We need regular top-ups of education because the science actually changes every day and there’s new studies that come out all the time,’ she said. ‘Because it is a plant medicine, it’s not part of our curriculum, so all the learning is self-taught.’

 What is it currently prescribed for?

The main medical conditions for which medicinal cannabis is prescribed in Australia to date are:

• chronic non-cancer pain
• epilepsy
• multiple sclerosis
• palliative care including cancer pain management
• cancer-related nausea and vomiting.

Is it available at Wholistic Medical Centre?

We are very fortunate that Dr Nick Bassal, who had already begun upskilling in the use of medicinal cannabis, has been invited to participate in a conference in Montreal, Canada, taking place as this newsletter goes to ‘print’. So, watch this space if you believe that you have a need for medicinal cannabis.

Medical cannabis for period pain? Would you like to have your say?

‘Development of a clinical trial on medicinal cannabis for primary dysmenorrhoea: Co-Design.’

Researchers from NICM Health Research Institute would like to invite women who suffer from ‘primary dysmenorrhoea’, that is period pain not due to endometriosis or adenomyosis, to participate in an on-line focus group to have your say in how clinical trials should be designed to be relevant and well-structured. Read the participant information at https://nicm.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1615795/Participant_Information_Sheet_MC_and_Period_pain_V2.pdf

Or ask our wonderful Reception Team at the Wholistic Medical Centre for more details.

The post Where are we up to with medicinal cannabis? first appeared on Wholistic Medical Centre.

The post Where are we up to with medicinal cannabis? appeared first on Wholistic Medical Centre.

Ingredients

1 Fennel bulb

1 Head of broccoli

1 Zucchini

1 Bunch of English Spinach

1 Bunch of Parsley – keep a little parsley to garnish.

4 Cloves of garlic

1 Tbspn olive oil

1 Tin of Chickpeas 440g

2-3 cups of stock (Vege or chicken – you choose)

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional – Nutritional Yeast or Parmesan

Method

Chop garlic and fry gently in olive oil, add roughly chopped vegetables and stock. Ideally stock should just cover vegetables – I put everything in except the spinach then add stock to cover vegetables. Throw the spinach in on top as it reduces quite dramatically in size.

Simmer until tender. Add chickpeas, salt & pepper to taste. Blend.

A stick blender is ideal to create a fabulous green soup.

I like to add nutritional yeast just before serving or you may like to add parmesan.

Garnish with parsley.

By Lucy Bella – Wholistic Medical Centre Office Manager

The post Healthy Green Soup recipe first appeared on Wholistic Medical Centre.

The post Healthy Green Soup recipe appeared first on Wholistic Medical Centre.

On a trip to Canberra I hired an ebike to ”pootle” around (a term I had not come across before but my friend assured me was the correct description for ambling around on a bicycle with no express purpose or intention).

It was love at first sight – the Kalkhoff was a step-through with a generous sprung seat and ample carry basket at the rear, three power selections and a it was lovely charcoal gray. The top power setting meant that no hill was too steep for me to tackle.

We proceeded to ”pootle” around the city and suburbs and by the end of my weekend I was googling where I could buy one in Sydney.

Shout out to the Dutch Bicycle shop – Omafiets at 17 George St, Redfern.

My old Giant was retired and instead of just doing a ride on weekends I now began to commute to work. Luckily part of my journey to Wholistic Medical Centre goes through Centennial Park. This has become the highlight of my day – twice a day. On the morning ride I usually check in on the flock of geese to see what shenanigans they are up to and to listen to their communal honkings. On the return I get to whizz through the ghost gums with my lights casting eerie shadows.

I have found that my headspace is markedly improved by the big sky experience and the gentle exercise that commuting by ebike has offered me.

Then of course we come to the accessories – initially I had the high vis vest that all the construction workers wear but then my awesome daughters bought me a vest that was just a bit special (Hey Reflecto). I have added flashing lights to my helmet for night riding so I now feel very visible.

In the last year I have covered over 4000 kms on The Beast and worn out one set of brake pads. I would encourage anyone who is considering an ebike to visit your local bike shop and take one out for a proper trial ride.

Lucy Bella – Wholistic Medical Centre’s much-loved Office Manager

The post How my ebike, affectionately known as “The Beast”, changed my world first appeared on Wholistic Medical Centre.

The post How my ebike, affectionately known as “The Beast”, changed my world appeared first on Wholistic Medical Centre.

The thyroid gland is an extremely important gland which regulates a number of complex hormonal reactions. Because of the complexity of its inter-reactions it is readily poorly diagnosed.

As an Integrative GP, I see patients on a regular basis who have been misdiagnosed or inadequately treated for thyroid problems. Thyroid function, its’ diagnosis and treatment are areas in which I have a particular interest.

The standard medical test for assessing thyroid function is to test the levels of the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in the blood – however this test alone is not sufficient. Patients who have apparently ‘normal’ levels of TSH can in fact have significant thyroid problems and are therefore commonly misdiagnosed.

Misdiagnosis can lead to the distressing situation where a patient is told that their thyroid function is normal when in fact it is the cause of many of their symptoms. In these cases, a patient can find themselves on the merry-go-round of being referred off to all sorts of specialists and being put on any number of drugs for symptomatic relief (eg. anti-depressants for mood disorders, statins for high cholesterol, contraceptive pill for period problems) when the real cause is right there waiting to be discovered – if only the correct tests are performed – and interpreted correctly.

Once the correct hormonal tests are performed and the genuine underlying causes determined, an effective treatment regimen can be put in place. This can give a long-lasting benefit and a whole new lease on life to people who have needlessly suffered for, sometimes, many years.

This article explains the complexities of the thyroid and its hormonal relationships in a way that is designed to be straight forward enough for a non-medical person to understand and to enable anyone to take a more proactive role in their health management.

Introduction to the Thyroid

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, weighing less than an ounce. Its name coming from “thyros” – meaning “shield like”.

The thyroid gland is an extremely important endocrine gland in the body. It can be viewed like a ‘spark plug’ that initiates a number of vital functions, and also like a thermostat that then regulates those functions. If the ‘spark plug’ function isn’t working properly then some vital functions won’t be turned on sufficiently. If the ‘thermostat’ function is not working, then some vital functions will be either over-stimulated or under-stimulated. For effective treatment to be applied it is essential that we understand exactly how the thyroid is malfunctioning.

The vital functions that the thyroid has control over include cellular metabolism, temperature regulation, growth and development (especially foetal, and early childhood), fat breakdown, neurotransmitters in the brain and gut function.

Why talk about the thyroid gland?

Thyroid conditions are extremely common. They occur in women 10 times more often than in men and can be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed leading to years of ineffective treatment and loss of quality of life.

Of those that are diagnosed, some are not effectively managed. This can occur because the underlying causes of thyroid dysfunction are not sufficiently looked at, the interpretation of results is not sufficiently accurate or because the treatment options given may not be the best for that individual.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of an under-functioning thyroid are fatigue, dry skin, low mood and constipation. However, because the thyroid gland controls so many functions, there can be a wide variety of symptoms. This somewhat explains how some of the misdiagnoses happen.

Other symptoms include, but are not limited to – cold hands and feet, irregular heart rate, swollen legs/ankles, puffy face, low body temperature, morning headaches, needing more sleep than usual, low heart rate, long recovery period after exercise or illness, poor immunity and recurrent infections, low libido, feeling of fullness in throat, sore throat, transient neck pain, menstrual problems, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, gut symptoms including ‘irritable bowel syndrome’ (IBS), constipation and bloating, brain fog, memory problems, goitre- neck lump, soft, weak pulse, puffiness around the eyes or face, enlarged tongue (macroglossia), voice hoarseness, slowed speech and slowed movements.

And, of course in an over-functioning thyroid, the symptoms may be the opposite. The gland may even go from under- to over-functioning.

How the thyroid gland works

It all starts in the brain and then cascades throughout the entire body! The hypothalamus gland in the brain secretes Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) which stimulates the pituitary gland (also in the brain) to secrete Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). TSH then stimulates the production of Thyroid Hormone T4 from the thyroid gland.

T4 itself is inactive and needs to be converted to Thyroid Hormone, T3. T3 is the main active thyroid hormone.  It is T3 that does most of the work.

The conversion from T4 to T3 is done mainly outside the thyroid gland, including in the gut and the kidneys. Indeed 20% of thyroid hormones are generated via gut bacteria.

There are many factors that are needed for the conversion from T4 to T3 to happen. The main nutrients required include iodine, selenium, magnesium, zinc, iron, B vitamins (especially B2,B3,B6) and vitamin D. The main factors that can interfere with the conversion of T4 to T3 include stress, heavy metals, plastics and other endocrine disruptors, also other halogen chemicals including fluoride and chlorine.

If any part of the cascade of hormones from the brain down through the thyroid to the gut and kidneys is disrupted or incomplete, or if nutrients levels are insufficient, or if negative influences are too high – then the eventual production of T3 can be inhibited.

We can already see why simply testing for TSH can be inadequate as a diagnostic tool if the problem lies further down the chain,  if the problem lies in the gut  or if the problems lies in nutrition or in the presence of too many negative influencers such as stress or chemical exposure.

The pitfalls of thyroid management

TSH is the standard thyroid test that is measured.

Tests for levels of T3 and T4 are only carried out if TSH levels fall outside of ‘normal laboratory ranges’. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that ‘normal laboratory ranges’ are generally too wide to be sufficiently sensitive to subtle variations in TSH. TSH can also be suppressed by cortisol (stress) and other illness, making it even more challenging to interpret thyroid function if we rely on TSH alone.

There is ample research showing that T3 levels are the most predictive marker of effective thyroid function – not TSH.

Even when T3 and T4 levels are tested, the interpretation of those results is very important. Again, the acceptable ‘laboratory range’ is wide and it may be that the T3 and T4 levels lie just within the ‘normal’ range but are a good way away from being optimal.

The optimal levels of T4 are 16-18pmol/L and T3 5-6pmol/L whereas the ‘laboratory ranges’ will accept readings that are significantly lower than these optimal values. This is very common and is often referred to as ‘subclinical’ hypothyroidism whereby the patient has clinical symptoms, but all the test values fall within the ‘normal’ range.

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition of the thyroid and many patients with an underactive thyroid actually have Hashimoto’s. Diagnosing Hashimoto’s syndrome requires antibody testing which isn’t routinely done, so patients often remain undiagnosed. In still other cases, patients can be Hashimoto’s sero-negative.

The Often Overlooked role of the Gut

The critical link between the gut and the thyroid includes the following factors:

• 20% of thyroid hormones are made in the gut by bacteria
• Inflammatory gut conditions, leaky gut and autoimmune conditions of the gut are toxic to thyroid function

A good long-term solution to an underactive thyroid must therefore include a full assessment of the diet and implementation of a nutritional plan that will underpin any drug program.

But thyroxine is given for under-active thyroid – shouldn’t that fix the problem?

Thyroxine is the drug that is equivalent to T4. Sometimes taking Thyroxine is sufficient and it helps to alleviate the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

Sometimes taking Thyroxine is not sufficient.

If there are issues with the conversion of T4 to T3 due to nutrient deficiencies, stress or toxins, then giving Thyroxine isn’t necessarily the solution. The roadblock that is preventing the conversion of T4 to T3 will also prevent the conversion of Thyroxine to T3. So, in those cases, taking thyroxine will not be very helpful. In those cases we need to investigate further and apply treatments that will genuinely work.

In some cases taking Thyroxine can actually make the situation worse!! This happens because the body can interpret high levels of emotional, chemical or nutritional stress in a way that converts T4 into a hormone called reverse T3 (RT3). RT3 actively works to shut down the thyroid gland – exactly the opposite of what is required! In these cases the more Thyroxine that a patient takes, the more RT3 that is produced and the less active the thyroid may become.

So, thyroxine has its limitations. The answer once again is appropriate testing, excellent analysis and coming to a diagnosis that pinpoints at exactly which part of the hormone cascade the problem is occurring.

Management of thyroid problems

Every person with thyroid problems is different. However, there are some common principles that apply to everyone, and then specific elements that pertain to the individual and to that individual’s specific thyroid condition.

In every case lifestyle factors need to be addressed.  A healthy nutritious diet, appropriate exercise – not too little and not too much, sleep (it IS medicine!), stress management strategies, relaxation and fostering positive relationships. These are the foundations of recovery.

Supporting the adrenal and nervous system is critical. Functional and Integrative GPs like myself as well as some other practitioners at the Wholistic Medical Centre are trained in prescribing supplements and herbal medicines that can be used to help support the gut, liver, thyroid and adrenals.

Conclusion

Thinking of an underactive thyroid in simple terms, and trying to apply a single approach to what is a very complex situation will mostly lead to failure.

The good news is that when time is taken to fully understand a patient’s history, when a full suite of relevant pathology tests is run, and when a skilled analysis of all of the data is carried out, it is possible to achieve life changing results for many patients.

I hope this article provides the many thyroid sufferers with information that they can take into conversations that they are having with their medical teams.

I am very happy to respond to email enquiries and of course I am available for consultations both face to face in my rooms and also on Skype/Zoom for those that don’t live in Sydney.

The post Thyroid problems – living beyond “normal” first appeared on Wholistic Medical Centre.

The post Thyroid problems – living beyond “normal” appeared first on Wholistic Medical Centre.

Is your work week so busy you are finding it had to make an appointment to attend to your back pain or headache?

Wholistic Medical Centre offers osteopathy on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.

Osteopath available:

Vincent King, Dip H.Sc (Massage) B. App. Sc. M.Ost

The post Osteopathy is available on Saturdays first appeared on Wholistic Medical Centre.

The post Osteopathy is available on Saturdays appeared first on Wholistic Medical Centre.