The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the front of the neck. Glands secrete hormones, and the thyroid hormone controls the body’s metabolism, mood, temperature regulation, circulation, and much more. Thyroid disease affects over 20 million people in the United States, most of whom are women. The body is negatively impacted in many ways when thyroid disease is present. Some forms of thyroid disease are autoimmune in nature, meaning the body’s immune system is attacking the thyroid.
This article will focus on hypothyroidism as it is far more common than hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. Classic symptoms include constipation, weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance or feeling chilly all the time, depression, hair loss, ridges in the nails, dry skin, brain fog, heavy menses, and thinning of the outer 1/3 of the eyebrows. Some of these symptoms are general while some are quite particular, however if you experience several from this list you may want to have your thyroid evaluated! Particularly if you have a family history of thyroid conditions.
Beyond these bothersome symptoms, there are more concerning long-term effects of hypothyroidism emerging in research. Hypothyroidism reduces circulation of blood and is being linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, likely from not enough blood flow to the brain over long periods of time. Hypothyroidism is also linked to infertility, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. These are other important reasons to not simply shrug off those bothersome symptoms!
Conventional physicians such as MDs can identify extremely obvious hypothyroidism according to bloodwork, but as with any disease people present on a spectrum of severity. Unfortunately, this means many individuals with more mild thyroid disease are missed entirely. Patients with mild thyroid lab abnormalities can still significantly suffer. It is important to seek a second or third opinion, ideally from an integrative or holistic provider, to truly determine if your thyroid needs support.
Integrative and holistic providers also see how all the glands are connected and in communication with each other. Successful treatment of the thyroid requires an individualized approach, which is rarely available in the brief amount of time conventional physicians are allowed with patients. If you are on thyroid medication and aren’t experiencing relief from your symptoms, rest assured you are in good company as many patients feel this way! The good news is relief is possible with the right approach.
What might your holistic treatment plan look like for thyroid support? A blood draw to evaluate all the necessary thyroid markers, which usually involves more tests than MDs are willing to run. The plan may involve targeted supplementation to provide you with nutrients that protect and support the thyroid gland. Examples include iodine and selenium. Lifestyle tweaks such as stress reduction and consistent exercise are important for thyroid health. Lastly, botanical therapies are highly effective and augment the benefits of prescription thyroid hormone replacement. To find out more or to schedule a quick 5-minute conversation or appointment with Dr. Laurel Ash, call our office at (360) 597-2688 to start your journey to better health.