Hashimoto’s Thyroditis & Hypothyroid Treatment

Low Thyroid function (or Hypothyroidism) is an increasingly common condition in the United States.  Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that effects thyroid function.  In Hashimoto’s, immune system antibodies damage the thyroid cells and inhibit the thyroid’s ability to make thyroid hormone (T3 & T4). Over time, thyroid tissue destruction can cause thyroid hormone levels to become low enough to show symptoms. This condition called auto-immune hypothyroidism (heye-poh-THEYE-royd-ism) has common symptoms such as:

Mental slowing, depression, dementia, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, hoarse voice, irregular menstruation, infertility, muscle stiffness and pain, high LDL cholesterol

To understand why thyroid function is so important for health we can start with the basic facts: Every cell in the human body has receptors for thyroid hormone.  With every organ system “listening” to the thyroid, it’s function has impacts on all major systems of the body. Thyroid disorders most often cause a range of health problems concurrently and often influence the following systems: immunity (or autoimmunity), reproduction/libido, digestion, cardiovascular, and muscular.  In addition, physical symptoms are most often accompanied with emotional problems, including depression or anxiety.

We specialize in an integrative approach to Thyroid health.  People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can benefit greatly from acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.  At out clinic, traditional therapies are done in conjunction with modern testing (TSH, T4, T3 lab results), nutrition and/or thyroid glandular supplements. Based on our extensive experience with the treatment of Low Thyroid we have found the following:

1. Treatment of hypothyroidism with acupuncture is a great compliment to Western treatments.  Most patients see measurable benefits within the first month of treatment where the most problematic symptoms are improved.  After 2-4 months the thyroid lab values are retested.  Usually lab values are greatly improved.
2. Patients experience little, or no side effects from treatment.
3. Patients often minimize the occurrence or side effects of Western medicines.
4. Many patients who have taken thyroid medication for a long time are able to work with their prescribing doctor to reduce their medications as symptoms improve and lab tests are within optimal range.

Basic dietary advice for Low Thyroid.

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