Diagnosing Thyroid Problems

Thyroid disease has become very prevalent in today’s world and may be present despite “normal” TSH levels. Identifying the symptoms of hypothyroidism aids the practioner to look a little deeper than just the routine and customary testing: fatigue, headaches and migraines, mood swings and irritability, hair loss, weight gain, depression and lack of motivation, decreased memory and concentration, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, hives, asthma, allergies, brittle nails, slow wound, vague symptoms, and more.

Nutrient deficiencies, such as iodine, selenium, calcium and iron can impair thyroid function. Toxins in our environment such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic often lead to disease states. Bacterial and viral infections may contribute to an auto immune condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which can result in either clinical hyper or hypo thyroid states. Testing is incomplete without getting free T3, free T4, TSH, reverse T3, iodine, thyroid globulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Then treatment must look at a host of options that best suit the individual patient and the results monitored on a regular basis. 

If you or someone you know may have a thyroid problem, the staff at Alaska Alternative Medicine Clinic are knowledgeable in how to manage different thyroid conditions to restore health and vitality. Call (907) 563-6200 today to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about their services.