At our naturopathic clinic in downtown Toronto, our naturopathic doctors help patients address thyroid concerns: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
How our naturopaths can help address thyroid concerns
The thyroid is a butter-fly shaped organ in the throat that regulates overall body metabolism. Thyroid conditions are common concerns of patients who see naturopathic doctors. At Bloor Integrative Health, we offer comprehensive thyroid testing and naturopathic treatments plans for patients experiencing a variety of thyroid health concerns ranging from hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease.
Hyperthyroidism
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism results from an overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. This often causes an increase in heart rate, palpitations, blood pressure, anxiety (mental health), tremors, sweating, bowel frequency, metabolism and may lead to sleep problems, fatigue and weight loss.
What causes hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a thyroid nodule that overproduces thyroid hormone or an autoimmune disease called Graves’ disease. Blood testing is required to confirm the diagnosis.
Naturopathic treatments for hyperthyroidism
Naturopathic treatments can significantly help reduce the production of thyroid hormone and are based on treating the root cause of any thyroid imbalance.
Underlying factors that would be investigated further may include microbiome disturbances, gastrointestinal inflammation, leaky gut, pathogenic microbes, oxidative stress, compromised toxin filtration, vitamin and mineral status, heavy metals, adrenal hormone dysfunction and lifestyle factors including diet, sleep and stress.
In our work, we have found that taking a whole-body approach to this condition can be very helpful for our patients.
Hypothyroidism
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is an under-active thyroid condition in which the thyroid doesn’t produce or activate adequate thyroid hormone.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Symptoms of an under-active thyroid can include:
- low energy,
- weight gain,
- feeling cold or sensitive to temperature extremes,
- cold hands and feet,
- low body temperature,
- constipation,
- hair loss,
- dry hair,
- dry skin,
- increased appetite,
- disrupted sleep,
- changes to menstrual cycle,
- problems with memory and concentration,
- a puffy face
- and depression.
Causes of hypothyroidism
Causes of an under-active thyroid can include hormonal fluctuations like pregnancy, acute and chronic stress, mineral deficiencies like iodine and selenium and vitamin status fluctuations needed to convert thyroid hormone into its active form.
Hypothyroidism is often part of an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. If this is the case there is good evidence and correlation to food intolerance, a disrupted gut environment and subsequent inflammation and changes to the immune system.
Testing for hypothyroidism
Blood testing for thyroid hormones and antibodies is very reflective of status and therefore useful and accurate to base an assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan. Our naturopathic doctor will likely order thyroid testing among other tests and will use follow up testing to assess improvement along with symptom changes.
Naturopathic treatment for hypothyroidism
Naturopathic treatment course will relate to the cause of your thyroid imbalance and will likely involve dietary modifications, support for optimal digestive environment, specific nutritional supplementation and botanical and/or homeopathic medicine to support hormone balancing and immune health.