Madison Thyroid Help: Why Managing Low Thyroid Is So Important

Depression, chronic fatigue, low libido, joint and muscle pain, headaches and migraines, anxiety, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, and GI issues are only just a few of the symptoms associated with low thyroid dysfunction. As you can see, a lot of these symptoms are easy to overlook and attribute to other health concerns. This is one reason that many thyroid disorders remain undiagnosed. However, a thyroid condition left unmanaged, over time, can progressively get worse and become quite debilitating. Besides greatly affecting the quality of your life, a thyroid condition that is not managed properly can also lead to more serious health concerns.

Because traditional medical practitioners often don’t have specialized training in thyroid conditions, there are many thyroid disorders that remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed. This is because TSH testing alone does not reveal the root cause of the thyroid disorder. In fact, it is only one of six to eight different thyroid markers that should be tested in order to properly diagnose thyroid dysfunction; this is why many patients have “normal” TSH levels, yet still suffer from thyroid dysfunction. Unfortunately, medication only successfully serves one of these thyroid markers, and this is why many patients still suffer from their symptoms, even while taking medication.

However, there is hope. Functional medicineis offering patients a new approach that is much more effective. Functional medicinemeans that your body is prepared to handle and naturally protect itself from the damages of physical, mental and emotional stress.  In other words, functional medicine doctorsfocus on getting the body’s systems to function optimally again by discovering the underlying causes of health problems. The goal is for you to take control of your health for the rest of your life and not for just a few months, ending the constant stream of return trips to the doctor with little to no improvement.

It all begins with comprehensive testing that is designed to get to the bottom of exactly what’s causing your thyroid dysfunction. A functional medicine provider is evaluating your body as an entire operating system rather than just focusing on isolated symptoms. They will gather information about how each of your body systems is operating and determine where imbalances are occurring. By eliminating the root cause of your thyroid condition, you will have a better chance of successful recovery and long-term health and wellbeing.

Your functional medicine doctor becomes your mentor throughout your recovery process, your teacher who educates you about your condition, and your partner and advocate in better overall health and wellbeing. Your health is too important to leave to a “one size fits all” approach. Learn how a functional medicine doctor can help you change your life today.