Anne Marie

Thyroid

Common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction

  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Weight changes (gain or loss)
  • Mood changes (depression, anxiety, or irritability)
  • Sensitivity to cold (hypothyroidism) or heat (hyperthyroidism)
  • Skin changes (dry skin or increased sweating)
  • Hair thinning or dry, brittle hair
  • Digestive changes (constipation or diarrhea)
  • Brain fog, memory issues, or difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleepiness)
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The thyroid is a small gland with a big job! It regulates your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, mood, digestion, and even reproductive health. When thyroid function is disrupted, whether underactive (hypothyroidism), overactive (hyperthyroidism), or autoimmune in nature, this can have widespread effects on overall health.

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In our practice, we take a comprehensive approach to thyroid health. Rather than focusing solely on TSH, we assess a full thyroid panel including free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies to gain a complete picture of your thyroid function and the factors that may be interfering with it.

Common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Weight changes (gain or loss)
  • Mood changes (depression, anxiety, or irritability)
  • Hair thinning or dry, brittle hair
  • Skin changes (dry skin or increased sweating)
  • Sensitivity to cold (hypothyroidism) or heat (hyperthyroidism)
  • Digestive changes (constipation or diarrhea)
  • Brain fog, memory issues, or difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleepiness)
Thyroid conditions are often multifactorial. Nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, gut imbalances, and autoimmune triggers can all play a role. We focus on identifying and addressing these underlying drivers using a personalized treatment plan that may include:
  • Targeted nutrition and lifestyle recommendations
  • Herbal and nutritional supplements
  • Stress management and adrenal support
  • Gut healing protocols
  • Desiccated thyroid when indicated

For individuals with confirmed hypothyroidism, especially those who do not feel well on conventional T4-only medications like levothyroxine, desiccated thyroid can be a valuable option. Derived from porcine thyroid gland, it contains both T4 and T3, offering a more complete replacement therapy for some patients.

We work collaboratively with your prescribing physician or, where appropriate, we prescribe desiccated thyroid as part of an integrative plan. Our goal is to find the right protocol to support symptom relief, optimal lab markers, and improved quality of life.

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Your Queries Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Thyroid imbalances can cause a wide range of symptoms. In hypothyroidism, you may experience fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, depression, constipation, cold sensitivity, and hair thinning. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, may cause anxiety, heart palpitations, weight loss, heat intolerance, and difficulty sleeping. If you feel “off” but your basic labs are normal, deeper thyroid testing may reveal imbalances that standard tests miss. Naturopathic care investigates these root causes comprehensively.
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid, often treated with hormone replacement. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, gradually impairing its function. While both result in low thyroid hormone levels, Hashimoto’s is driven by immune dysfunction, often triggered by gut issues, chronic stress, or environmental factors. Conventional treatment typically addresses hormones, not the autoimmune root. Naturopathic care focuses on calming the immune response, reducing inflammation, and supporting the thyroid holistically to prevent further damage and restore balance.
Subclinical hypothyroidism occurs when TSH is slightly elevated but free T3 and T4 remain within normal range. You may still experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or brain fog even if your labs are “normal.” It’s a sign that your thyroid is under strain, and early intervention can prevent progression. Naturopathic treatment focuses on addressing contributing factors like stress, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, and gut health. Supporting the thyroid before it worsens often leads to better long-term outcomes and helps you feel more like yourself.
Yes, food plays a key role in thyroid health. Nutrients like selenium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins are critical for thyroid hormone production and conversion. At the same time, food sensitivities, gluten, and inflammatory diets can aggravate autoimmune thyroid issues. We often recommend anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich protocols tailored to your lab results and symptoms. If you have Hashimoto’s, gut healing and reducing immune triggers is essential. Whether you’re on medication or not, dietary changes can significantly enhance how your thyroid and whole body function.
Absolutely. We assess whether your current dose and type of medication are working effectively and support the body in optimizing hormone conversion and cellular uptake. Our approach works alongside your prescription to address nutrition, stress, gut health, and inflammation, factors that medication alone doesn’t resolve. The goal is to help you feel better, not just normalize lab numbers.

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a synthetic form of T4, the inactive thyroid hormone your body must convert to T3, the active form. It’s commonly prescribed for hypothyroidism and dosed based on lab levels of TSH and T4. For many patients, it works well, especially when their body efficiently converts T4 into T3.

Desiccated thyroid is derived from pig thyroid and contains a naturally balanced mix of T4 and T3, as well as T1, T2, and calcitonin. Some patients who don’t feel well on T4-only medications report better energy, mood, and symptom relief with desiccated thyroid, particularly if they struggle with T4-to-T3 conversion.

The best choice depends on the individual. Factors like adrenal function, gut health, nutrient status (iron, selenium, zinc), and stress levels all impact how your body uses thyroid hormones. We use comprehensive lab testing including free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and antibodies to help determine the most effective and supportive option for you.

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