Thyroid

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate many essential functions in your body, including:

• Metabolism
• Body weight
• Heart rate
• Cholesterol levels
• Menstrual cycles
• Body temperature
• Digestion
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Thinning Hair

Thyroid hormones are so vital that your body works to keep blood levels within a specific range. Health problems begin when the hormones get too low or high.

What problems affect the thyroid gland?

Though you can develop thyroid nodules or an enlarged thyroid (goiter), there are two primary thyroid disorders:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive gland fails to produce enough hormones. An autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive gland. As a result, thyroid hormone levels go above normal, potentially leading to serious problems like a rapid or irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and eye problems.

This condition typically develops due to Grave’s disease (an autoimmune disease). You could also have thyroid nodules or thyroiditis, which can produce extra hormones.

What symptoms develop if I have thyroid disease?

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms such as:

• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Puffy face
• Constipation
• Sensitivity to the cold 

A few examples of hyperthyroidism symptoms include:

• Thinning skin
• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Bulging Eyes
• Tremor
• Fine, brittle hair
• Frequent bowel movements
• Sensitivity to heat

Connect Integrative Medicine specializes in getting to the root cause of your symptoms so they can recommend the best treatment.

How is thyroid disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing thyroid disease can be easily underdiagnosed due to improper testing. The pituitary gland releases a hormone (TSH) that regulates the thyroid gland’s production of its two hormones (T3 and T4).

When diagnosing thyroid disease, some practitioners only test for TSH. Connect Integrative Medicine goes beyond TSH to also test levels of free T3 and free T4 because that’s the only way to get an accurate diagnosis of how your thyroid is actually functioning.

How are thyroid problems treated?

Connect Integrative Medicine takes an integrative and comprehensive approach to treating thyroid disease. While your primary treatment may require medication, they also care for the whole person by combining medication with supportive natural therapies. Your treatment may include any of the following:

• Hormone replacement therapy (for hypothyroidism)
• Medications that reduce hormone production (for hyperthyroidism)
• Dietary counseling
• Supplements

To get experienced care for a thyroid problem, call Connect Integrative Medicine or book online today.