Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a small but essential gland located at the base of the neck, responsible for regulating the body’s metabolic rate. Thyroid hormones play a key role in metabolism, growth, and development. When the thyroid is not functioning optimally, it can result in symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty with weight management, and even mood disturbances like depression.

Functional Medicine Approach to Thyroid Disorders

Untreated thyroid issues can result in fatigue, mental health challenges, hormone imbalances (such as adrenal and sex hormones), weight gain, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In the United States, 27 million people are affected by thyroid disease, and one in eight women will experience a thyroid disorder during their lifetime.

Functional medicine approaches help optimize thyroid hormone levels through a holistic treatment plan that incorporates dietary changes, nutritional support, stress management, and, when necessary, targeted hormonal replacement therapy.

(Source: American Thyroid Association)

Testing for Thyroid Disorders

At Rayma Health, we provide comprehensive thyroid screening to ensure we capture every opportunity to restore optimal thyroid function. While conventional medicine typically only checks TSH levels, we go further by examining all relevant thyroid biomarkers, including:

  • Total and Free Thyroxine (T4)

  • Triiodothyronine (Free T3)

  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

  • Reverse T3

  • Anti-Thyroglobulin and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies

This thorough screening helps us identify early signs of thyroid autoimmune disease and address the underlying causes of fatigue and other health issues.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland either doesn't produce enough hormone to meet the body's needs or isn't effectively using the thyroid hormone.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Fatigue and low energy

  • Increased sensitivity to cold

  • Constipation

  • Dry, pale skin

  • Puffy face

  • Brittle nails

  • Hair thinning or loss

  • Unexplained weight gain

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Muscle weakness

  • Depression

  • Memory problems

  • Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of T3 and T4 hormones, which is the opposite of hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Increased anxiety

  • Weight loss

  • Panic attacks

  • Irritability

  • Hand tremors

  • Hair loss

  • Muscle aches

  • Shortness of breath

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Excessive sweating

  • Infertility

  • Heat intolerance

  • Irregular menstrual cycles

  • Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea

Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder and the leading cause of hypothyroidism. In this condition, the immune system attacks the thyroid, damaging it and preventing it from producing enough thyroid hormones.

A functional medicine approach to thyroid disorders focuses on restoring immune system balance and repairing the thyroid’s ability to function properly.

At Rayma Health, we assess factors such as digestion, diet, environmental toxin exposure, chronic infections, and stressors that may contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we provide personalized treatments and lifestyle recommendations to address each patient's specific needs.