Thyroid Health
"I was told my thyroid looked normal, but I know something is wrong."
Thyroid Imbalances
Have you been feeling out of sorts lately?
Struggling with persistent fatigue or mental fog?
Noticing unexplained weight gain, even though your diet hasn’t changed?
Maybe you’re experiencing more aches and stiffness than usual, or feeling weak in your muscles.
Do you find yourself reaching for a sweater, even in the heat of summer, because air-conditioned spaces leave you chilled?
Or perhaps you’ve been feeling unusually low, dealing with mood swings or sadness that’s unfamiliar.
If any of these symptoms sound like you, it’s possible that a thyroid issue could be the cause.
What to Look for
Your thyroid plays a vital role in your energy levels and many other bodily functions. Positioned at the base of your neck, this small gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, heart rate, digestion, muscle control, brain development, mood, and bone health. It also controls how efficiently your body burns calories from the food you consume.
Common signs of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) include:
- Feeling tired all the time (especially at the end of the day)
- Needing lots of sleep
- Feeling cold
- Constipation
- Weight gain (or difficulty losing weight)
- Brain fog
- Bad memory
- Hair loss
- Dry hair
- Dry skin
- Dry eyes
- Mood problems, including feeling depressed or anxious
- Irregular menstrual cycles or heavy periods
- Problems with fertility
- Loss of interest in sex
- High cholesterol
- Puffy eyes
- Stiff or sore muscles
Thyroid health is very important for metabolism. Thyroid tells your body to burn fat to generate energy, so you can imagine what happens (or doesn’t happen!) when you don’t have enough….
Our Approach
"I was told my thyroid looked normal, but I know something is wrong."
We hear this sentiment all the time.
In medical school, doctors are taught to check TSH, the standard thyroid screening test. If you’re not feeling well and ask for a thyroid test, most doctors will measure your TSH levels. If your levels are abnormal, your doctor will diagnose you with hypothyroidism.
Here’s why this frustrates so many women.
There are many reasons why your TSH test could fall within the “normal” range, yet you still feel unwell. One reason is that the lab range is broad and often debated. Your results might be “normal” but not optimal.
Even more often, we find that while your TSH levels are fine and your thyroid produces enough hormone, your body can’t properly use the hormone. When your cells can’t use thyroid hormone, it can lead to hypothyroid symptoms, even though your TSH levels appear normal!
What could be wrong?
Your thyroid gland produces T4 (thyroxine), which circulates in your bloodstream but doesn’t do much on its own. For T4 to be effective, it must convert into T3 when it reaches your tissues, especially in the liver. T3 is the active hormone that tells your cells to burn fat and produce energy. If you’re having trouble converting T4 to T3, your cells won’t get the signal to function properly.
Here are some common reasons why T4 may not be converting into T3 efficiently:
- Stress (cortisol reduces T3 conversion)
- Nutrient deficiencies (certain vitamins are needed for T3 production)
- Gut imbalances (your gut bacteria influence the process)
- Estrogen dominance (hormonal imbalances)
- Inflammation
If this is your issue, your thyroid may be functioning fine, and you might not need thyroid replacement. Instead, we need to address these underlying factors to help your body use thyroid hormone properly!
Why are you hypothyroid in the first place?
Most women don’t know why they are hypothyroid because it’s a question rarely asked. But wouldn’t you want to know?
Certain environmental factors, such as heavy metals and toxic chemicals, can harm your thyroid gland. While iodine deficiency can also play a role, it’s less common today.
The leading cause of hypothyroidism in women—about 90% of cases—is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s.
Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, leading to thyroid dysfunction.
The unfortunate reality is that millions of people suffer from chronic autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s, often without even knowing it. Many individuals are either not receiving the correct care or have been misdiagnosed entirely, leaving their symptoms untreated.
To determine whether you have Hashimoto’s, a simple blood test for thyroid antibodies, specifically TPO antibodies, can provide the answer.
Why is it crucial to know if you have Hashimoto’s?
When you have one autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto’s, your risk for developing other autoimmune conditions increases significantly. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis become more likely, and in some cases, women develop three or more autoimmune disorders.
Addressing your immune system, which is predominantly located in your digestive tract, is essential. By focusing on strengthening and balancing your immune function, we may reduce your risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions and help manage the progression of Hashimoto’s. This approach can lead to better overall health and minimize the potential for further complications.
Functional Medicine Is Our Specialty
Functional Medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to create a personalized treatment plan. Practitioners spend time understanding the patient’s history and health goals, using advanced diagnostic testing to uncover the underlying issues affecting their health. This holistic approach integrates the best of conventional and natural medicine to promote optimal health and well-being.
What We Treat
Chronic Fatigue
Hormonal Imbalances
Digestive Issues
Sleep Disturbances
Autoimmune Diseases
Chronic Pain
Weight Struggles
Anxiety & Depression
Thyroid Disorders
Skin Conditions
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