Thyroid Specialist in Denver
Functional thyroid specialists at The Healing Center Denver have become leading adjunctive practitioners in low thyroid and other disorders of the endocrine system. Many patients have come to us after being diagnosed with Hashimotos hypothyroid/hypothyroidism or other thyroid symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, and inability to lose weight.
We work primarily with people:
- Taking thyroid medication and still having low thyroid symptoms
- Who have autoimmune thyroid antibodies
- TPOab and Antithyroglobulin ab
- Who have been told their thyroid is normal but are still experiencing low thyroid symptoms
Types of Thyroid Disorders:
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, mood, GI motility, and overall well-being. There are multiple patterns of thyroid dysfunction and until you know yours, you can’t effectively heal it.
1. Hypothyroidism – When your thyroid is running slow
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, which fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormone T4 and/or T3.
- This can also include an autoimmune attack called Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
What Are Some Common Symptoms?
Some common signs of hypothyroidism or thyroid disorders include:
- An inability to lose weight, even with diet and exercise
- Needing an excessive amount of sleep to function
- Being fatigued and tired most of the time
- Having memory issues or a “foggy brain”
- Feeling cold all the time
- Depression or lacking motivation
- Constipation or bowel problems
- Hair loss or thinning of the hair
- Decreased libido
It’s important to note that individuals may experience a combination of these symptoms or only a few, and symptoms can vary in severity.
2. Hyperthyroidism – When your thyroid is running fast
Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland which is overproducing thyroid hormones. This is a serious medical condition and first be addressed by your conventional medical doctor. The underlying reason can then be supported through functional medicine care.
Common symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, protruding eyes and can be life threatening.
Causes of Thyroid Imbalances
Thyroid imbalances can arise from various factors, including:
- Autoimmune conditions: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) are autoimmune disorders where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, and insufficient iodine intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and other nutrients are important for thyroid health. Deficiencies in these nutrients can contribute to imbalances.
- Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and affect thyroid function.
- Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances in other hormones, such as cortisol, insulin, estrogen, or testosterone, can impact thyroid function.
- Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental pollutants, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with thyroid function.
- Genetic factors: Some individuals may have genetic predispositions that make them more susceptible to thyroid disorders.
These factors can interact in complex ways, contributing to dysfunction and the development of thyroid disorders.
Treatment Options
At The Healing Center Denver, our thyroid specialists offer a comprehensive range of adjunctive treatment options to address thyroid disorders and promote optimal thyroid health. Our approach focuses on personalized care, tailored to each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and health goals.
Below are some of the treatment options we may recommend:
Functional Medicine Approaches: At The Healing Center Denver, our thyroid specialists take a holistic approach, addressing underlying imbalances in the body’s systems that may contribute to thyroid dysfunction. We use functional medicine testing and personalized treatment plans to identify and address root causes.
- Removing triggers of inflammation
- Supporting optimal thyroid function
- Addressing immune reactions to food or the body
- Supporting detoxification
- Addressing nutrient deficiencies
- Clearing emotional blocks
The Value of Holistic Care
Most medical professionals only look at TSH levels to diagnose and care for low thyroid. This ignores the fact that there are six patterns of hypothyroidism, which may cause problems and not affect your TSH levels. Only using TSH for diagnosis risks missing something vital.
The Endocrine Society recommends TSH normal lab levels at 1.8 to 3.0, and most labs have yet to catch up. That’s why your lab work may come back as normal, although you’re still experiencing symptoms. Our providers in Denver take a unique approach to care, using neurological and functional medicine to get to the root cause of the issue.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis of thyroid disorders typically involves a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Contact our specialist team in Denver for more information on diagnosis and treatment.
How can I schedule a consultation with a thyroid specialist?
To schedule a consultation with one of our specialists in Denver, please contact our clinic via the contact form on our website, or give us a call on (303) 721-9800. Our team will be happy to assist you in booking an appointment and answering any questions you may have about our services, treatment options, and insurance coverage.
Can thyroid disorders affect fertility and pregnancy?
Yes, these disorders can impact fertility and pregnancy. Imbalances in hormone levels can affect ovulation, menstrual regularity, and sperm quality. Additionally, untreated disorders during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and developmental issues in the baby. It’s essential for individuals with thyroid disorders who are planning to conceive or are pregnant to work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their condition effectively.
Are there any dietary changes that can help support thyroid health?
Yes, certain dietary changes can support thyroid health. Limiting processed foods, refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol can help reduce inflammation and support overall well-being.
Avoiding wheat can be helpful because when your body makes antibodies to wheat because of a leaky gut, those antibodies can cause a thyroid attack because of the similarity in molecular amino acid structure.
How long does it take to see improvements with treatment?
The timeline for improvement in symptoms varies depending on factors such as the severity of the thyroid disorder, the chosen treatment approach, and individual response to treatment. Some individuals may experience symptom relief shortly after starting treatment, while others may require adjustments to their treatment plan or additional interventions to achieve optimal results.