Hypothyroidism and Hashimotos
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not work the way it is supposed to. The thyroid is a small gland that is located at the front of your neck under your adam's apple. The thyroid regulates metabolism, temperature, mood, sleep, and weight.
What is Hashimotos?
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body's functions. Inflammation from Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It primarily affects middle-aged women but also can occur in men and women of any age and in children.
Causes
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Inflammation
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Poor diet (especially one lacking in iodine and selenium)
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Virus or Bacteria
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Hormone imbalance
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Genetics
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High stress
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Lack of exercise
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Medications
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Pregnancy
Symptoms
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Fatigue and sluggishness
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Increased sensitivity to cold
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Constipation
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Pale, dry skin
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A puffy face
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Brittle nails
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Hair loss
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Enlargement of the tongue
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Unexplained weight gain
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Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
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Joint pain and stiffness
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Muscle weakness
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Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
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Depression
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Memory lapses
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Thyroid nodules
Beneficial Tests
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Thyroid tests: To find out if you have hypothyroidism, your doctor will run blood tests to check for levels of the hormones known as T4 (thyroxine) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). Hypothyroidism is diagnosed in your thyroid test when TSH is high. Sometimes, TSH can be high, but the thyroid is still producing enough hormones. This condition is referred to as subclinical (or mild) hypothyroidism.
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Other thyroid tests to get: T3, TPO Anitbodies, TG Antibiodies
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Full bloodwork panel that evaluates infections, organ function, inflammation, and vitamins
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Nutrient deficiency testing - the thyroid runs on vitamins so if youa re low in vitamins, your thyroid can not work properly
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Digestive function testing
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Food intolerance and allergy testing
Allopathic Treatment Options
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Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. Common side effects may include: muscle weakness; headache, leg cramps; nervousness, trouble sleeping; diarrhea; skin rash, partial hair loss.
Naturopathic Treatment Options
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Discover the root cause to why your body is creating symptoms.
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Begin with natural, non invasive solutions to support and stimulate the thyroid to heal itself.
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Support elimination and liver health to detox environmental toxins.
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Address nutrient deficiencies that the the thyroid needs.
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Removes food intolerances, food allergies, and other environmental toxins that may be impacting the thyroid and causing inflammation.
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Optimize digestive function, the foundation to thyroid health.
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Manage stress and unresolved trauma that weakens the thyroid.
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Optimize thyroid function and thyroid hormone production with herbs and vitamins.
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Support emotional health and spiritual health which are essential in overall sense of wellbeing.
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Teach lifestyle adjustments unique to your lifestyle and schedule that may include exercise and other lifestyle habits. Dr. Felty looks at more than your symptoms. She provides care for your whole health. Many different factors impact your symptoms. Dr. Felty will take time to educate you and work with you to feel better
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Naturopathic Counseling
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Hydrotherapy
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Homeopathy
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Exercise
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Referral to other healers or practitioners relevant to your health and healing.
Everyone is unique and has different reasons why they develop hypothryoidism and Hashimotos. Good news is that everyone can improve their condition and activate their natural ability to heal. Dr. Felty can educate you on what your body, mind, or spirit needs to improve and heal from this. Call Dr. Felty's office at 872-228-1630 to schedule an appointment. Her front desk staff will take good care of you.
Dr. Felty is not a medical doctor. She is a naturopathic doctor and in the state of Illinois, naturopathic doctors are not licensed. She does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. She works with you and your primary care team to provide holistic care and education that supports overall wellbeing.