Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid gland is a small but mighty hormonal powerhouse. We usually think of the thyroid being related to energy and metabolism and while that’s certainly true, every cell in our body needs thyroid hormones. This means that an under functioning thyroid can affect almost any body system and result in a long list of symptoms. If your thyroid isn’t working, nothing else seems to matter!
Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction may include:
  • Fatigue, weight gain, constipation
  • Low body temperature
  • Low mood, depression, anxiety 
  • Muscle aches or joint pain
  • Brain fog, poor memory 
  • Changes in hair and/or skin
  • Other conditions related to hypothyroidism such as high cholesterol, depression, PCOS, menstrual changes, chronic pain 
Commonly seen thyroid conditions include: 
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis  
  • Grave’s disease
  • Thyroid Nodules
  • Post-partum Thyroiditis
  • Subclinical Hypothyroidism (you have symptoms but your lab tests are “normal”) 

​Treating the Root

Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the #1 most commonly prescribed medication in Canada. While many people find relief on Synthroid, others continue to experience symptoms for decades.  Our goal is to determine the root cause of your thyroid dysfunction, which may include:
Treatment may include:
  • Assessment of other hormones that can affect thyroid health  
  • Working with your medication to improve active hormone levels
  • Providing specific vitamins and minerals for thyroid hormone production and activation
  • Standardized herbal extracts to support thyroid and adrenal function
  • Investigation of lifestyle and dietary factors that affect thyroid function
  • Use of desiccated thyroid (see below) 

Desiccated Thyroid

Desiccated thyroid is an alternative to Synthroid (levothyroxine) for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Unlike Synthroid, desiccated thyroid contains both of the active thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) which mimics the natural hormone production of our body.

Desiccated thyroid is available through pharmacies by prescription only and is produced in Canada by a single company (ERFA). ERFA produces a standardized product that contains specific amounts of thyroid hormone per dose. Desiccated thyroid is NOT the same as supplements or commercially available products containing natural thyroid or thyroid ‘extracts’ (which are not standardized and not recommended). In the US, desiccated thyroid is often called Nature Thyroid or Armour Thyroid. 
 
Desiccated thyroid is available through Naturopathic Doctors who have successfully completed the Therapeutics and Prescribing Course through the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). 

Looking for more information? Book a free 15-minute thyroid consultation with Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND