Naturopathic Thyroid Treatment in Phoenix
Low thyroid function is common, yet it is often overlooked when labs look “mostly normal.” Too many patients with a long list of hypothyroid symptoms are told it is all in their head or that fatigue is normal. At Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ , we look at the bigger picture: whether your thyroid has the nutrients it needs, whether stress or medications are affecting hormone production and conversion, and how your gut and adrenal glands are involved.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding the Thyroid
The thyroid gland sits in your neck below the Adam’s apple and produces thyroxine (T4), which is converted into the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). The brain monitors downstream metabolism and signals the thyroid with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): low metabolism prompts more TSH, which stimulates more T4. T4 is converted into T3 in the liver, heart, muscles, gut, and nervous system. This conversion relies on an enzyme made by gut bacteria, so your gut health directly affects thyroid function. Conversion also happens in the mitochondria, so nutrient deficiencies, toxins, and pesticides can all impair it. Birth control pills can affect thyroid hormone function, too.
Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid
When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough T4 or doesn’t convert enough T3, it is called hypothyroidism. When the thyroid overproduces hormones, it is called hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is much more common.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the immune system creates antibodies that attack and damage thyroid tissue. These antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies (TGA) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), should always be included in your initial thyroid labs. Autoimmune conditions are more common in women and tend to run in families.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Thyroid receptors are found on every cell, so symptoms are widespread. Common hypothyroid symptoms include:
- Fatigue at any time of day
- Low body temperature (consistently below 98.6°F)
- Poor circulation, cold hands and feet, cold sensitivity
- Hair thinning or loss (head, arms, eyebrows)
- Nail ridges, weakness, or brittleness
- Dry skin
- Constipation or sluggish digestion
- Depression and insomnia
- Slow metabolism and difficulty losing weight
- Poor memory or concentration
- Headaches and fluid retention
- Joint pain
- Menstrual issues such as heavy bleeding and PMS
- Fertility issues and miscarriages
- High cholesterol from poor cholesterol metabolism
- Enlarged thyroid (goiter) or the sensation of a lump in the throat
- Decreased reflexes, particularly the Achilles tendon
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other issues, such as anemia, which is why thorough testing matters.
Monitor Your Body Temperature
- Use a mercury-free liquid metal thermometer.
- Check your oral temperature three times a day for five consecutive days.
- Average each day’s readings.
- If your daily averages are consistently below 98.6°F, talk with your physician about a thorough thyroid lab panel.
A Complete Thyroid Lab Panel
Common thyroid labs test only TSH and T4, which misses most of the picture. A full thyroid panel should include:
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Free T4
- Free T3
- Thyroid antibodies (TGA and TPO)
- Reverse T3, a helpful marker of T4 to T3 conversion
For the most accurate results, have your thyroid labs drawn in the morning before eating, and if you take thyroid hormone, before your dose. Learn more about our laboratory testing.
Wellness Labs That Affect Thyroid Function
Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Check out our free thyroid webinar replay. Many other factors influence thyroid function, so your physician may also recommend:
- Micronutrient panel
- Iron, selenium, iodine, and vitamin D
- Cortisol, since elevated stress hormones can lower thyroid conversion (see our adrenal stress panel)
- Food allergy panel to check for sensitivities affecting gut function, absorption, and inflammation
- Organic acid panel to assess mitochondrial function, detoxification, gut dysbiosis, neurotransmitters, and micronutrients
Supporting Optimal Thyroid Function
Our physicians are trained to thoroughly assess thyroid, adrenal, and mitochondrial function. Once the weakened systems are identified, your physician customizes a plan that may include vitamins, minerals, herbs, supplements, probiotics, and natural or synthetic thyroid hormones. For a free brief meet and greet with one of our naturopathic physicians, call (480) 588-6856.
Thyroid Condition FAQs
Why do I have thyroid symptoms if my labs are normal?
Standard labs often test only TSH and T4. A full panel including free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies can reveal conversion problems or autoimmunity that basic testing misses.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces antibodies (TPO and TGA) that attack the thyroid, reducing hormone production. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
What are common symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Common symptoms include fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight gain, hair thinning, dry skin, constipation, depression, poor concentration, heavy periods, and high cholesterol.
How does gut health affect the thyroid?
Converting T4 to active T3 requires an enzyme made by gut bacteria, so poor gut health can reduce active thyroid hormone.
Should I check my body temperature?
Yes. Checking your oral temperature three times a day for five days and averaging the results can help. Consistently low averages below 98.6°F may warrant a full thyroid panel.
Do you prescribe thyroid medication?
Yes. Our physicians may use natural or synthetic thyroid hormones along with vitamins, minerals, herbs, supplements, and probiotics.
When should thyroid labs be drawn?
Ideally in the morning before eating, and before your thyroid medication if you take it.
Get Answers About Your Thyroid
Stop being told your symptoms are normal. Call Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at (480) 588-6856 to schedule a thorough thyroid evaluation.
