Hashimotos Thyroditis and Other Thyroid Disorders
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, defined by low thyroid function, is one of the most common health disorders and is just one example of a dis-ease state that occurs when the body falls out of balance. Approximately 20 million Americans have this condition defined by low thyroid function, yet it is estimated that about 60% of these people are unaware of it. This means that many people are continuing to suffer from some of the classic symptoms associated with hypothyroidism like weight gain, fatigue and depression, while being told that their thyroid health is fine. Why? The short answer is that the appropriate tests are not being run to appropriately diagnose and treat this condition.
Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and is also one of the most commonly diagnosed health conditions. Conventional doctors typically only prescribe medication for treatment of this condition, informing patients that their need for medication will be lifelong. As a Naturopathic Doctor I have a different perspective and take a different approach to treatment. I recognize that the conventional approach ignores one important fact: Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is NOT a thyroid problem. When the health of our thyroid gland is compromised, there is often too much or too little thyroid hormone produced and medication is often recommended (and necessary) to help support thyroid function. Yet simply prescribing a pill in the form of thyroid medication does not address the underlying problem(s) nor correct the underlying root cause(s) that are disrupting the gland’s function in the first place.
My Naturopathic Thyroid Reset Program
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I recognize that the thyroid gland is the innocent bystander, not the problem itself. Because nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxicities and chronic infections are often the underlying root causes that disrupt thyroid function, these causes must be addressed and treated appropriately in order to restore proper thyroid health.
As part of my thyroid reset program, I help patients with low thyroid function learn about what they can do to help restore the health of their thyroid and their metabolism so that symptoms of weight gain, depression, fatigue and hair loss are a thing of the past. Evaluating an individual’s health history, diet, lifestyle, home/work environments, stressors and symptoms is just the initial step to discovering where the imbalances are rooted. Specialty testing is utilized when necessary to help identify the underlying causes and clarify appropriate treatments.
If you are suffering from symptoms like depression, weight gain (or the inability to lose weight), constipation, hair loss and sleep disturbances, and your doctor is telling you that “everything is fine”, seek a second opinion. These symptoms are tell-tale signs that you are right - something is indeed out of balance.
If you want to see a doctor who can evaluate you holistically and help you get back on the right track to vital health, book an appointment with me to begin taking the initial steps to get you on the right path to health and wholeness.