Thyroid Health

Thyroid Health and Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones are responsible for some of our body’s most important functions. They’re produced by the thyroid gland and they’re in charge of our metabolism. If something is wrong with your thyroid health, your body will have problems processing energy. If you feel utterly exhausted for no reason, you struggle to lose weight, or you always feel cold, the issue might be hypothyroidism, which is the underproduction of thyroid hormones.

The reverse condition, hyperthyroidism, is less common but just as debilitating. It can lead to unhealthy weight loss, heart issues, heat sensitivity, and anxiety. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, you deserve to receive individualized, holistic treatment that’s customized to your needs.

The Thyroid Gland

Most people have heard of the thyroid gland, but what is it, exactly?

The thyroid sits at the base of the neck. It’s a butterfly-shaped gland that produces the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Together, these hormones are responsible for regulating metabolism, which influences many vital body functions. We’re familiar with metabolism mostly when it comes to how it impacts our ability to lose weight, but there’s more to it. The cells in our body rely on the two main thyroid hormones to figure out how to process energy and carry out their roles.

Those functions include, but are not limited to, breathing and heart rate, body weight and muscle strength, body temperature, cholesterol levels, and menstrual cycles, to name a few. The thyroid’s role in the body is important for most, if not all, processes that help you function on a daily basis. When T3 and T4 are not at optimal levels, it starts a downward spiral that can be hard to recover from without intervention.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid health issue that people face. If your energy is low or you’re suddenly experiencing weight gain, it’s possible that you’re suffering from hypothyroidism. It’s a frighteningly common condition that can affect any person at any age, although it’s most common in post-menopausal women.

If you’ve experienced a few of the following symptoms, you might be dealing with hypothyroidism:

Fatigue
Weight gain
Decreased energy
Constipation
Slow heart rate
Insomnia
Depression
Irregular periods
Dry skin
Hair loss
Muscle cramps
Joint pain
Sensitivity to cold

Thyroid Health and Underlying Causes

In order to treat thyroid issues effectively, naturopaths first work to identify the root causes of the condition. This allows us to prescribe a holistic treatment program that addresses every single imbalance in the body. Thyroid issues can be caused by both internal and external factors which are often interconnected. In the United States, hypothyroidism is often the result of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This auto-immune disease can manifest because of both genetic and external factors.

In some cases, iodine deficiency can be the root cause of hypothyroidism, although I find that this is less common in the US. More frequently, untreated food intolerance is the root cause, often in combination with other factors. It’s also important to remember that our hormones require fine balance. Deficiency or imbalance in other hormone systems in the body can set off a cascade that impacts the thyroid gland.

Finally, let’s not forget stress, which can precipitate all kinds of issues in the body and may even affect thyroid function.

Dr. Galina’s Approach To Thyroid Health

Every person has their own unique wellness needs, but the underlying principle of health is balance. When the thyroid hormones are out of balance, it creates chaos in the body. By ordering the right kind of labs and truly getting to the cause of each individual imbalance, I can help you obtain control over your health, so you can regain your energy and feel your best.

It may seem easier to just take a couple of pills and call it a day. But natural medicine offers alternative options for hypothyroidism that focus on your body as a whole. Our genetics and environment can predispose us to a whole range of hormonal problems. Thankfully, these risk factors can be managed and mitigated with the right approach and the proper tools.

Nature offers us the most amazing options for preventing and healing our bodies. By eating the right foods and supplements, you can obtain the nutrients that will target your hormonal imbalance and restore your wellness. By understanding exactly what it is that your body needs I can help you make these small changes that’ll lead to balance.