Thyroid Health 101: Understanding Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto's
By Dr Meg Arlt
Fatigue that does not lift with sleep. Weight that will not budge. Feeling cold when no one else is, or wired and unable to wind down at night. These symptoms get blamed on a lot of things, and sometimes the answer is a small gland at the front of your neck. Thyroid dysfunction is common, often missed, and very treatable once you know what you are looking at. Here is what we look for and how we approach it.
What Is the Thyroid and What Does It Do?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It plays a large role in how your body functions day to day.
It helps regulate energy levels, metabolism, body temperature, hair, skin, and nail health, as well as mood and focus, among others. When the thyroid is off, it is often very clear to both patients and our providers.
High vs Low Thyroid Function: Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid Explained
The thyroid can be either underactive (hypothyroid) or overactive (hyperthyroid). Both are thyroid conditions, though symptoms vary greatly.
Low Thyroid (Hypothyroid) Symptoms
Fatigue
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Feeling cold
Constipation
Dry skin or hair thinning
High Thyroid (Hyperthyroid) Symptoms
Anxiety or feeling "wired"
Heart palpitations
Trouble sleeping
Weight loss
Feeling warm or sweaty
Loose stools
Thyroid Labs: What We Test and Why
TSH
Free T4
Free T3
Thyroperoxidase (TPO) Antibodies
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
What's commonly seen with hypothyroidism?
Elevated TSH with low Free T3 and Free T4 levels
What about hyperthyroidism?
Low TSH with elevated Free T3 and Free T4 levels
What if antibodies are elevated?
This suggests there is an autoimmune component to the thyroid dysfunction. Hashimoto's is the condition most associated with hypothyroidism, and Graves' disease with hyperthyroidism.
Note that additional labs not mentioned are used to assess for Graves' disease.
What makes autoimmune thyroid issues tricky?
Symptoms and labs can ebb and flow. There may be times when the thyroid is underfunctioning, and other times when it is overfunctioning. We use both symptoms and labs to track these changes.
Our Root Cause Approach to Natural Thyroid Support
Our goal is to support both:
Thyroid function
The underlying immune imbalance
In keeping with our root cause philosophy, we seek to understand why the immune system is reacting. There is often, but not always, a genetic component, along with imbalances in one of more of the following areas:
Blood sugar
Gut flora
Nutrient levels
Adrenal function
Sex hormone balance
Nervous system regulation
Once we gain clarity on what to focus on, we utilize herbs, supplements, homeopathics, and diet and lifestyle modifications to support overall health.
During our 1:1 time together, we guide you on what to incorporate and help answer common questions such as:
Is iodine helpful or harmful for Hashimoto's?
Would a gluten-free diet be helpful?
How often should I have my thyroid tested?
Working With Our Naturopathic Doctors on Thyroid Health
Whether you have already been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, autoimmune or not, or if you suspect you may have thyroid dysfunction, our providers at Terrain would love to support you.
