optimally heal and manage your thyroid health

Although hypothyroidism is not strictly a women's health condition, it affects a disproportionately larger number of women than men. 5% of women are actively treated for hypothyroidism, but if you are over 65, that increases to almost a quarter of all women (23.1%). And that's not counting the estimated 60% of people (men and women) who go undiagnosed.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypo means “low.” Like most diagnoses in conventional medicine, the name is descriptive rather than diagnostic. Hypo = "low" thyroid. It is essentially saying: your thyroid is not putting out enough thyroid hormone (thyroxin, or T4 and/or triiodothyronine, or T3). But this doesn't begin to understand why.

How do I know if I have hypothyroidism?

Constipation, fatigue, depression, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain (that is not due to diet or lack of exercise) are all symptoms that can indicate hypothyroidism.

They can also be due to numerous other issues, and usually, it is more than one cause. Even if hypothyroidism is a primary cause, you need to know how you got that way if you truly want to feel well again.

Once we know your hypothyroid is not functioning well, it is time to look throughout the body and your life for the causes. Fortunately, Functional medicine works to find these answers and provide solutions that resolve hypothyroidism's underlying drivers. Proper hypothyroid diagnosis (and treatment) includes looking at the gut microbiome and other sources of inflammation, lifestyle (stress, sleep, exercise), nutrients, and other hormones.


We look forward to hearing from you!

InHealthRVA would be delighted to help you address your health concerns and support your long-term wellness. A premier Functional Medicine and integrative health center in Virginia, we are committed to serving our community and providing the highest level of care available.

To contact us, please give us a call at 804-288-1111 or use the form below to book a FREE discovery call.


Everything Is Connected

Most cases of hypothyroidism are either autoimmune, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (-itis, meaning ‘inflammation), or non-autoimmune hypothyroidism, where the thyroid system simply is putting out less active thyroid hormones. (It can also be secondary to thyroid surgery (removal of the thyroid gland) for thyroid cancer or induced from drugs such as lithium or glucocorticoids (steroids such as prednisone).)

Since there is no difference in treatment protocols for either the autoimmune or non-autoimmune forms of hypothyroidism, most doctors in conventional practice don’t find it necessary to do testing to differentiate between them. Either way, the treatment is hormone replacement therapy.

And since neither the causes nor any other factors that may contribute to hypothyroidism or accompany it are addressed, many people feel only marginally better or continue to struggle with their energy, health, and weight. Some people will need to have their thyroid hormone medication increased or decreased often as the mechanisms that affect hypothyroidism wax and wane.

How do we better manage our thyroid health, or even heal it? Schedule your appointment today, and let us help you answer your questions.

 

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