We’ve been helping people find better strategies for the management of thyroid disorders for over a decade at Green Healing Wellness. Taking the time to listen and approach each case individually is key to successfully finding solutions for people who have struggled to find an effective approach to maintaining thyroid health.

An estimated 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, and 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime. This small gland located near the base of the neck is responsible for producing hormones that regulate all aspects of our metabolism.

An under-functioning thyroid gland, referred to as hypothyroidism, is the most common disorder of the thyroid gland and leads to low metabolism resulting in classic symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or inability to lose weight, brain fog, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, hypertension, brittle nails, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Unfortunately, the traditional approaches to the diagnosis and management of thyroid conditions often fail to individualize treatment options resulting in many patients living with unresolved thyroid symptoms or unaware they have a thyroid disorder at all.

Traditional approaches to thyroid management rely on a single class of thyroid hormone replacement medications and often overlook other FDA-approved therapies that can provide the relief many people are seeking. In addition, traditional approaches typically consider only lab values as a gauge for determining successful treatment. The patient’s experience is typically prioritized below the results of lab tests. This can be confusing, because many people still have symptoms of their thyroid disorder but are told that since their numbers are normal, there is nothing else that can be done. Lingering symptoms of fatigue, hair loss, brain fog, weight gain, constipation, low body temperature, dry skin, and joint and muscle aches can all be signs that your body is still struggling with a thyroid imbalance, despite having “normal lab values.”

While less common, hyperthyroidism is a state in which the thyroid gland has become overactive. Symptoms are characterized by an overactive metabolism and can include weight loss, diarrhea, sweating, heart racing, protrusion of the eyes, anxiety and insomnia.

Hyperthyroidism is typically treated by either destroying the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine or surgically removing the gland. In both instances, people lose their natural source of thyroid hormone and become dependent on taking thyroid medication for the rest of their lives. I have found natural therapies to be an amazingly effective tool in the management of hyperthyroidism, and many patients have been able to regulate their condition permanently without having to destroy or remove their thyroid gland. With proper medical oversight, and diligent effort in the areas of lifestyle, nutrition and botanical therapy, it is often possible to reverse hyperthyroidism.

Working with a clinician that takes the time to listen to your concerns and has extensive experience working with natural approaches to supporting thyroid health is the first step in finding a solution that is right for you.

A wide variety of may be available for you including nutrition, herbs, vitamins and nutrients, and prescriptive thyroid hormones including natural glandular extracts and compounded thyroid hormone.

If you are struggling with symptoms you think might be related to your thyroid health, call the office for a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Passero to learn more.