Written by Dr. Navleen Arora, ND – Insight Naturopathic Clinic
Are you experiencing weight gain, fatigue, or hair loss? It might be time to take a closer look at your thyroid!
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck responsible for regulating your metabolism and energy levels and affecting almost every cell in your body.
Unfortunately, thyroid disorders have become increasingly prevalent and affect many individuals. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I aim to provide my patients with valuable strategies and insights to support their thyroid health and metabolism.
Having your thyroid thoroughly assessed is the first step towards knowing if it is functioning well and is often discussed as part of your overall health assessment. This includes running a comprehensive thyroid panel that tests your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), and thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies. Based on the results of these tests, we can identify if you are suffering from subclinical or overt thyroid disease and also determine whether your thyroid disease is caused by an autoimmune disorder.
The most common type of thyroid disease is Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, menstrual irregularities, muscle pain, and depression.
Fortunately, there is increasing evidence for natural strategies to help manage thyroid disease and promote overall hormone balance. Supporting your thyroid requires a multifaceted approach that considers all the factors that can affect it. This includes implementing a thyroid-supportive diet, managing stress, incorporating herbal and nutrient supplementation, and making necessary lifestyle modifications. As Naturopathic Doctors, we help our patients through their thyroid struggles by providing a comprehensive assessment and incorporating the appropriate changes so they can take an active role in their overall health.
If you think you may be suffering from thyroid disease, it is essential to consult a qualified naturopathic doctor or healthcare professional to receive personalized guidance and support on your journey to optimal thyroid health and metabolism.