Hypothyroidism

About Hypothyroidism

Forum Health specializes in hypothyroidism diagnosis and treatment through advanced functional medicine, holistic thyroid specialists, integrative treatments, and customized 1-1 care. We offer thorough testing, supplementation, lifestyle and diet shifts, and more. Our experienced hypothyroidism specialists provide personalized plans to restore hormonal balance and improve vitality. Explore our expert-led clinics for cutting-edge, evidence-based hypothyroidism solutions. 

What is Hypothyroidism and Its Symptoms?

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. It may not cause any noticeable symptoms in early stages, but later it can show signs such as: fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, constipation, puffiness, muscle weakness, hoarse voice, nails or skin, memory problems, depression, and more. Luckily, hypothyroidism is treatable – and with our functional hypothyroidism specialists, we focus on more than just a pill – we provide holistic treatments that address the root cause. 

Optimize Your Hypothyroidism Treatment

Your thyroid is an extremely important butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that supports metabolic health. These hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) influence important bodily functions like energy production, heart rate, growth and development, and brain function. One of the most effective treatments for hypothyroidism is a combination of supplementation, natural hormone therapy, diet and lifestyle shifts, and treating autoimmune disorders.

About Hypothyroidism

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    How to Test for Hypothyroidism

    Hypothyroidism testing is a comprehensive blood test to assess:

    TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone):

    Helps stimulate the thyroid gland to produce T4 and T3. A high TSH level is a good indicator of hypothyroidism.

    T4 (thyroxine levels):

    The main hormone produced by the thyroid gland, T4 gets converted to T3 in the body. A TSH level result usually shows a low T4 result, clarifying if hypothyroidism is present.

    Antibody test (for Hashimoto’s disease):

    One of the primary causes of Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder. An antibody test looks for specific antibodies in the blood for a more accurate assessment of the thyroid function.

    Conventional Treatment for Hypothyroidism

    A high TSH level is a good indicator for hypothyroidism. The most common hypothyroidism treatment is the drug, Levothyroxine, a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone T4 to help restore balanced thyroid hormones.

    Holistic Treatment for Hypothyroidism

    Conventional medication can be useful, but an integrative and functional approach looks at the whole person including your lifestyle, diet, environment, and genetics to address the root cause of your thyroid condition. 

     

    • Addressing diet and food sensitivities and going gluten-free can prevent the thyroid from attacking itself. 
    • Supplementing Iodine and Selenium, two of the most important nutrients for thyroid function, can significantly move the needle for your thyroid health. 
    • Alternative treatment: Desiccated thyroid extract (DTE): this natural thyroid hormone is a medication made from dried thyroid glands of animals to help mimic the thyroid’s function. 

     

     Pros:

    • Unlike Levothyroxine, DTE contains both T4 and T3, providing more comprehensive and natural treatment. 
    • It comes from a natural source: Many patients report feeling better physically and mentally by using a naturally-derived medication source. 
    • DTE has long been used before synthetic variations came out, such as Levothyroxine.

     

    Cons: 

    • Higher T3: DTE has a higher concentration of T3 than T4 hormone than the human body produces, which could lead to fluctuations in T3 levels, potentially causing symptoms of the opposite problem: hyperthyroidism. 
    • Monitoring thyroid levels can be more complex: Due to the presence of T3, monitoring hormone levels can be more complex compared to Levothyroxine. 
    • Not FDA approved: Because DTE is unregulated and considered an “alternative” treatment, it does not have FDA clearance for hypothyroidism treatment. 

    How long does treatment take before seeing improvements?

    Although results may vary from individual to individual, you may start seeing improvement in symptoms in as little as one to two weeks, depending on your treatment. However, to get to the root cause, a longer approach to full treatment may take weeks or months.

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    Patient Reviews, Results, & Testimonials

    5/5
    Rebecca S.
    I’ve been coming to Forum Health for 7 years now and they’ve been truly life changing. They’ve helped me manage my Hashimotos and my journey through perimenopause. They’ve also helped my husband and 4 of our 8 children. I can’t recommend them enough and I wish all medical communities looked at hormonal and thyroid concerns with the depth and breadth that Forum Health does. In addition to the help they offer, they are some of the most welcoming, thoughtful and caring people I’ve ever met. Everyone from their doctors and nurses to their administrative staff go out of their way to get to know you. They greet you like a life long friend! I love this team! Highly, HIGHLY recommend!!
    Shelbi G.
    Forum Health and Debbie Bluestien have completely changed my life struggling with Hypothyroidism and hashimotos! I am forever grateful and will be a life long patient! Highly recommend!
    Katelin T.
    Thyroid, Hashimotos, hormones. Dr. Tracy is worth every penny!
    Sarah R.
    I highly recommend Michael Sullivan. I’ve seen him since my first diagnosis of hashimotos in 2019 and wouldn’t go to anyone else. The testing they do is whole person based and important. He’s optimized my hormones and given advice when I’ve been at the end of my rope with all my symptoms because I have so many. It’s a tough journey, don’t go it alone! The office here is great, the best part is plenty of free parking and great coffee next door at George. Great little community with a playground close by. I had to bring my 3 year old with me due to a babysitter illness and all the staff was wonderful and able to accommodate her. I appreciate not being over prescribed medications, and the bills are much lower than some similar places in Dallas. Most places fully just don’t take insurance. Thank you Forum!
    Amy M.
    After not being able to get my thyroid under control and just bouncing on levels of synthroid, Dr. Anjitha Thomas took the time to really test my bloodwork and go through everything with me. We discovered I wasn’t just hypothyroid, but had Hashimotos. She also found many other issues in my bloodwork and took her time explaining them and how we could address them. She is patient, works with the entire body, and uses holistic practices as well rather than just throwing meds at you. I also appreciated using natural thyroid meds other than synthroid which is filled with synthetics and fillers. The entire staff is fantastic. I am so happy with this practice!
    Jessica A.
    I’ve been going to Elise Clark since 2021. She has always been great and helped with my hormone issues and hypothyroidism when I had been to 4 other doctors before her with no results. She listens and treats your symptoms along with your lab work results. We go over the lab work thoroughly every time and talk about what else can help besides medicines or supplements. I have never once regretted going to their practice and am so glad I found them when I did.
    Renee B.
    The staff at Forum Health are kind, good communicators, relaxed and professional. Dr. Seibold is an amazing doctor—extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, respectful, very clear communication about what lab results mean and explaining the mechanisms behind various different treatment options. I’m being treated for mold toxicity, neurological /late stage Lyme, Bartonella, activated chronic EBV, hypothyroidism, and extreme hormonal imbalances. I’ve made more improvement in a few months here than I did in 6 months at a different clinic with a Lyme Literate provider.
    Leanna K.
    Absolutely love Elise Clark at Dr. Scott's office! After years of no one helping me with my PCOS, Hypothyroidism & numerous hormone issues, I can honestly say that they have been a life saver for me. Elise is kind, listens to you & is always responsive to my questions. Highly recommend!
    Audrey L.
    NP Elise Clark is amazing. I started coming here after several other doctors told me I didn’t have a thyroid condition and/or wouldn’t put me on meds. Elise’s attention to detail and care for me led to a hypothyroidism diagnosis that caused severe anxiety, significant hair loss, weight gain and more for over a year. Since coming here I feel much better and I am very thankful for Elise and for this practice. Elise is kind and cares about your health. Yes, it may be more expensive than other doctors but I have found it to be very worth it. These days you can’t put a price tag on good healthcare as it is few and far between. My thyroid levels have normalized and I’m looking forward to continued healing. Thank you Elise Clark!
    Elena B.
    Great experience. Often, reviews are based on short-term experiences. In my case, I base this rating on 1+ year visiting this office. They are very responsive and it is easy to communicate with this office (to include email). Appointments are flexible and include virtual visits. This is a life saver given traffic in DFW. They don't push supplements or the like as some offices do. If you do want to buy vitamins, etc, they offer some and I find the price reasonable. They do a great job figuring out a thyroid hormone treatment that is specific to the person's needs. They are not dogmatic in their approach to thyroid health management. This office does not accept insurance (for office visits but blood test can be run by insurance as well as meds depending on plan). That said, for long term hypothyroidism sufferers this office is, in my opinion, a good place to call.

    To find a “thyroid doctor near me,” Forum Health offers functional medicine for thyroid disorders. With a host of expert hypothyroidism specialists, you can easily treat your symptoms and get to the root cause of your hypothyroidism with holistic tools, diet, and lifestyle shifts. Contact our team today to set up a consultation and feel better in weeks.

    Find a Hypothyroidism Specialist Near Me

    FAQs

    Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include: 

     

    • Fatigue
    • Hair loss 
    • Brittle nails 
    • Weight fluctuations
    • Fertility problems
    • Mood swings
    • Digestive issues
    • Constipation 
    • Puffy and swollen face
    • Droopy eyes
    • Sensitivity to cold 
    • Coarse hair and voice
    • Slow pulse
    • Hand tingling or pain
    • Muscle cramps
    • Joint pain 
    • Confusion
    • Increased or irregular menstrual cycle 

    All thyroid diseases can be treated resulting in a normal functioning thyroid, but there is no set cure for hypothyroidism. Those who receive adequate treatment can live life normally symptom-free.

    There are many ways to treat hypothyroidism. Medication may be administered. However, a root-cause approach to treating hypothyroidism through functional medicine may result in more thorough results from lifestyle and dietary changes, supplementation, further food sensitivity testing, and natural hormone replacements. 

    Weight gain is a symptom of hypothyroidism. If you’re gaining rapid weight, see your doctor to test for any other issues that may be going on.

    With a holistic treatment program and an expert hypothyroidism specialist, the condition can be managed to the point of being symptom-free with a thyroid that functions optimally. Find a local hypothyroidism specialist in your area today. 

    The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include: 

     

    • Fatigue
    • Hair loss 
    • Brittle nails 
    • Weight fluctuations
    • Fertility problems
    • Mood swings
    • Digestive issues
    • Constipation 
    • Puffy and swollen face
    • Droopy eyes
    • Sensitivity to cold 
    • Coarse hair and voice
    • Slow pulse
    • Hand tingling or pain
    • Muscle cramps
    • Joint pain 
    • Confusion
    • Increased or irregular menstrual cycle 

     

    When patients undergo integrative hypothyroidism treatment, they can expect to see an improvement or disappearance of symptoms within weeks. 

     

    At Forum Health, we are a clinic that offers advanced diagnostic testing and integrative treatments for hypothyroidism. Instead of a standard, one-size-fits-all approach, our hypothyroidism specialists work with our patients 1-1 and come up with a comprehensive, holistic treatment plan, which may include supplementation, diet and lifestyle shifts, natural hormone therapy, and other natural remedies for hypothyroidism. Find a thyroid doctor near you with Forum Health.

     

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