Did you know that Synthroid (levothyroxine) the medication to treat hypothyroidism is the #1 prescribed drug in the US? While it may be necessary for some patients most people don’t realize it is not their only option for treating hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Wouldn’t it make more sense to figure out why your body is attacking its own tissues vs putting in a synthetic hormone that will ultimately decrease your thyroid’s ability to produce your own thyroid hormone through a complex feedback mechanism? There are many genetic, nutritional and environmental causes of autoimmune thyroid disease (including Hashimoto’s and Grave’s). We use a comprehensive history and lab testing to not only get a thorough look at all your thyroid hormone levels, but also determine why your body may be attacking itself.
***On a personal note, treating and correcting for underlying causes of thyroid conditions (and other autoimmunities) is one of my biggest passions. I was diagnosed with thyroid disease as a teenager and spent most of my young life battling fatigue, digestive issues and weight gain despite “normal” TSH levels while on medication. It was not until I learned of the connection between Hashimoto’s and Celiac that I understood how important our food and environment is to our health.
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