Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland surrounding the windpipe at the base of the neck. Its primary role is controlling metabolic rate in the cells, and therefore has a lot to do with energy level. The most common thyroid condition is hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. These patients may experience fatigue or low energy, cognitive slowing, depression, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, and feeling cold. On the opposite end, patients with an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, may experience anxiety, loose stools, clammy skin, racing or bounding heartbeat, weight loss and potentially notice a prominence or bulging to their eyes.

Those living with a thyroid disorder may have already seen a doctor, had lab work done, and been placed on medication. For some patients, they do not seem to benefit from the medication. Other patients may want to try a more natural method of treating their thyroid condition.

By taking a natural approach encompassing the entire body and constellation of symptoms versus just treating based on a laboratory number, I have the ability to treat more holistically based on what the patient’s body and energy levels are telling us. Sometimes patients may have normal lab results but are still symptomatic. In that case we need to investigate and determine the cause of the symptoms so that an appropriate solution and treatment can be presented. I work to provide a comprehensive solution to thyroid care, using both lab testing but also natural diet and supplementation to support the thyroid and gain overall balance and energy.

I treat thyroid disorders with a different approach. I look at all of your symptoms, not just your TSH or other lab values. We use natural approaches to boost your thyroid function and rebalance your endocrine system as well as the rest of your body! The thyroid does not work in a vacuum. As mentioned, it is responsible for metabolism throughout the body, so it is important to evaluate the rest of the body and ensure that the endocrine system in balanced for appropriate functioning.

I use sophisticated testing, thorough intake of symptoms and years of clinical experience to come up with a plan that will resolve patients’ symptoms and helps rebalance the entire body in the process. I work to get to the root of a patient’s thyroid imbalance and use naturopathic and homeopathic modalities to support the thyroid functioning optimally. I offer personalized nutritional counseling and supplements and can counsel patients with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions on how to eat and best take care of their thyroid.

Patients sometimes underestimate the impact that overall health, such as diet and buildup of toxins in the body, can have on delicate glands such as the thyroid. Through my training in functional medicine testing, I have the ability to test for toxin build up in the body, as well as the various hormone levels necessary for evaluating the thyroid.