With the Hormone Advanced Practice Module upon us, I thought I’d highlight a hormone-related toolkit item. I do a lot of clinical work around thyroid dysfunction, and I often find myself trying to explain the numerous factors that can affect how the thyroid functions. For instance, nutrients that are important for thyroid hormone production or conversion of T4 to T3 or cellular sensitivity. Additionally, I explain the factors that may inhibit proper production of thyroid hormones, such as toxins, infections, or stress—factors that may push conversion of T4 to RT3 and slow metabolic processes. We have a nice handout entitled, fittingly enough, “Factors That Affect Thyroid Function.” I find it useful to go through this chart with patients as I go over some of the reasons why I may be prescribing nutrients, exercise, a detox program, or further laboratory evaluation. It makes it easier to connect the patient to the recommendations I’m suggesting.

How to Access

1. Log in to the IFM website using your email address and password.
2. Select My Toolkit from the menu on the left.