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

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.

Patient Reviews, Results, & Testimonials
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
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
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
Can hypothyroidism be cured?
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.
How do you manage hypothyroidism?
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.
Can hypothyroidism cause rapid weight gain?
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.
Can hypothyroidism be reversed without medication?
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.
What symptoms can improve through hypothyroidism treatment?
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.
What are the benefits of treating hypothyroidism at Forum Health
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.
Hypothyroidism is available at these Forum Health clinics
Find a hypothyroidism specialist nearby. Our hypothyroidism specialists are available at these Forum Health clinics near you:
California
Colorado
Florida
Illinois
Michigan
North Carolina
Ohio
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas