Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that rests at the front of your throat. It’s a critical part of your endocrine system, producing hormones that influence every cell in your body.

Your thyroid regulates your metabolic rate, as well as your heart and digestive function. It contributes to muscle control, brain and bone development, and your mood.

Hypothyroidism occurs when your body doesn’t produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones, and you develop symptoms including:

Low energy levels and fatigue

Increase sensitivity to cold

Constipation

Dry skin

Weight gain and a puffy face

High cholesterol levels

Heavy, irregular periods

Thin hair

Depression symptoms

Memory problems

However, your thyroid may become hyperactive and produce too many hormones, leading to symptoms such as:

Unintentional weight loss

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Anxiety and irritability

Tremor

Excessive sweating

Insomnia

Increased hunger

Fatigue and sluggishness

Increased sensitivity to cold

Increased sleepiness

Dry skin

Constipation

Muscle weakness

Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

Joint pain and stiffness

Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding

Depression

Problems with memory or concentration

Swelling of the thyroid (goiter)

A puffy face

Brittle nails

Hair loss

Enlargement of the tongue

A detailed medical exam, diagnostic testing and sometimes imaging can be helpful in determining if you have a thyroid disorder.

When treating thyroid issues naturopathically, Dr Threasa Andrys always looks at the bigger picture of your health when determining which labs and assessments are needed to get you on the right path to healing.

Dr. Threasa Andrys takes a customized naturopathic approach to treating thyroid function to improve your health. While some patients benefit from hormone supplementation, it doesn’t address the underlying cause of your thyroid malfunction. Dr. Andrys often combines conventional hormone supplementation with nutrition advice, natural medicines, herbs, and other therapies to reduce the inflammation and balance the immune response that contributes to many thyroid problems.