Beyond the TSH: A Functional Medicine Approach to Thyroid Disorders - By Dr.Brian West, DC, MS, DACBN

Beyond the TSH: A Functional Medicine Approach to Thyroid Disorders - By Dr. Brian West, DC, MS, DACBN

Are you dealing with persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, brain fog, or hair loss? You may have been told that your thyroid is "normal," yet your symptoms persist. This is a common and frustrating experience for many people. As a Functional Medicine practitioner in Montgomery, Alabama, and serving patients nationwide via telehealth, I believe it’s time to look beyond the conventional and discover the root causes of thyroid dysfunction.

Your thyroid is a master regulator of your body's metabolism, energy, and overall well-being. When this small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck is out of balance, the effects can be felt throughout your entire body. While conventional medicine often focuses on a single lab value (TSH) to manage thyroid health, a Functional Medicine approach delves much deeper.

The Problem with a Partial Picture

The standard TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) test is an important tool, but it doesn't always tell the whole story. A "normal" TSH level can often mask underlying issues. For instance, your thyroid might be producing enough hormone, but your body may not be effectively converting it into its active form (T3), or your cells might not be responding to it. This is why many people can have "normal" labs yet still suffer from debilitating symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

The Functional Medicine Difference: Finding the Root Cause

Our approach to thyroid disorders is to stop treating the symptom and start finding the cause. We use a comprehensive strategy to identify the factors contributing to your thyroid dysfunction. This includes:

• Comprehensive Testing: We don't just run a TSH test. We perform a full thyroid panel to evaluate Free T3, Free T4, and crucial thyroid antibodies (TPO and TgAb). This helps us uncover conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

• Gut Health Assessment: The health of your gut and your thyroid are intimately linked. We investigate gut inflammation, food sensitivities, and imbalances in the gut microbiome that can trigger or worsen autoimmune thyroid conditions.

• Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies: Your thyroid needs specific nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron to function properly. We use advanced testing to identify and correct these deficiencies through diet and targeted supplementation.

• Evaluating Chronic Stress: The adrenal glands and the thyroid have a powerful, interconnected relationship. Unmanaged stress can disrupt this communication, impacting thyroid hormone production and conversion. We work on strategies to support your body's stress response.

• Environmental Toxin Exposure: Just as we discussed in our last blog, environmental toxins and obesogens can act as endocrine disruptors, directly interfering with thyroid function. We look at your environment and exposure history as part of the total picture.

Taking Back Control of Your Thyroid Health

Living with thyroid dysfunction doesn't have to mean a lifetime of just managing symptoms. By identifying and addressing the root causes, you can take back control of your health. A functional medicine for thyroid approach empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet, lifestyle, and environment to support optimal thyroid function.

If you're tired of being told your labs are "normal" while your symptoms tell a different story, it's time to dig deeper.

At my clinic in Montgomery, Alabama, and serving patients all across the country via telehealth, we are ready to partner with you on your journey to optimal health. We'll work together to uncover the true cause of your thyroid concerns and create a personalized plan to help you thrive.

Don't let thyroid dysfunction define your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards feeling like yourself again.

Learn more about my Functional Medicine Approach to Thyroid Disorders.

Schedule your appointment today to begin your journey toward optimal health.

Dr. Brian West Montgomery AL

3188 Parliament Circle

Suite 801, Montgomery, AL 36116

health@drbrianwest.com \\ Tel: 334-425-8502