Could You Have Low Thyroid Function?
— by Dr. Elena Michaels
Are you experiencing:
• Fatigue
• Weight issues (unable to lose weight or keep it off)
• Hair loss
• High or very low cholesterol
• Cold hands and feet
• Dry skin
• Difficulty concentrating/”brain fog”
• Short term memory loss (no, it’s not “just aging”)
• Recurrent infections
• Muscle aches/joint pain
Many people who have sought help for a variety of health concerns and thyroid function, are told that their blood tests are “normal”.
You may have been told there is “no physical cause” for your symptoms, and because you say “something is wrong” and you don’t “feel right” antidepressants may have even been suggested. There is a place for antidepressants, but it really may be your thyroid gland that is not functioning well, and/or being attacked by your own body. Most cases of low thyroid function are from Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an immune system issue more than a thyroid issue. “Chasing thyroid numbers” to get them into the lab range can be frustrating and even useless as with Hashimoto’s, the thyroid values can go up and down in cycles which are frequently felt physically and emotionally.
There are ways to enhance the immune system that are “immune neutral”…they don’t stimulate parts of the immune system and throw other parts out of balance. Healing the digestive system is important as the autoimmunity directly affects the digestive system. Eliminating inflammatory foods isn’t enough…damaged tissue must be healed as well and further tissue destruction must be monitored.
If you have been feeling frustrated about your health, not feeling well, missing your “get up and go”, lacking motivation and dealing with some of the symptoms above, working with a specialist trained in the newest ways of dealing with thyroid and Hashimoto’s can help you understand what is going on with your body and regain control of your health, and your life.
Dr. Elena Michaels is a traditional naturopathic doctor, specializing in thyroid issues, Hashimoto’s and autoimmune conditions. She sees people in her office in Valencia, California and also does phone consultations for those who are not local. Dr. Elena is also a holistic psychotherapist and hypnotherapist and has been helping others create greater health, happiness and balance for more than 30 years. Contact her at 661 250-4395, [email protected] or www.DrElena.com
“Going from high to low thyroid”?
Hi Candace,
Yes, the TSH often fluctuates in Hashimoto’s and the person may go back and forth between hyperthyroid and hypothyroid, experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of both high and low thyroid function.
Those are my symptoms and I have Hashi’s. It’s been very frustrating. Doctors will not listen to me or go by my symptoms. Plan to call your office and get in to see you. 🙂 Have so many symptoms don’t know where to start. 🙁
Hi Leslie,
I hear your frustration and unfortunately, I hear often hear the same from others.
I look forward to hearing from you so I can help you find your way through this. I know it can be overwhelming and as you said, you “don’t know where to start”. We will work on it together to help you be the best you can be!
Dr. Elena 😉