1 in 7 people have a thyroid disorder. Thyroid issues are especially common in women. In functional medicine, we take a holistic approach to working with thyroid concerns. In conventional medicine, the provider may only look at a couple of labs—Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and T4—and not much else. This is unacceptable because so much more goes into an accurate diagnosis. It is possible, and happens often, to have a completely normal TSH alongside a low Free T3, low T4, and high antibodies signaling a problem. Patients can be very symptomatic at this point and they need support.
Initial Lab Tests I Recommend for Evaluating Thyroid Health:
- TSH
- Free T3
- Free T4
- Thyroid antibodies
- Reverse T3
- Urinary iodine levels (morning)
- Iron (serum)
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
How Do We Treat Thyroid Conditions from a Functional Medicine Perspective?
We concentrate on boosting the nutrients the thyroid needs to function optimally. We test and don’t guess about where you are at with these micronutrients. We use all the tools available, medication included, to find the right fit for each individual—and it’s not always just levothyroxine.
For some, it’s a brand like Tirosint paired with supplemental T3. Others may benefit from porcine-based desiccated thyroid. In certain cases, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is used as an adjunct to therapy to reduce inflammation. Each person has different needs.
For example:
- Some people need a small amount of iodine daily.
- Some may need to explore gut health and reverse leaky gut.
- Elevated cortisol levels may be impacting the thyroid, leading to elevated reverse T3 (the inactive form of thyroid hormone).
- Others may have toxic burdens that negatively affect thyroid function.
Specialty Functional Medicine Labs That Could Help:
- Comprehensive Stool Testing: Especially useful if your thyroid condition is autoimmune.
- Salivary Cortisol Patterns (CAR): To assess adrenal health.
- Total Toxic Burden Testing: To identify heavy metals, mold mycotoxins, PCBs, PFASs, and other toxicants.
Taking a functional medicine approach to thyroid health means addressing the root causes of dysfunction and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. This personalized approach ensures that each patient’s unique needs are met—whether through targeted nutrient replenishment, carefully chosen medications, or addressing lifestyle factors like stress and toxic exposure.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent thyroid symptoms despite being told your labs are “normal,” there is hope. Functional medicine offers a path to deeper investigation and comprehensive care, empowering you to take control of your health and feel like yourself again. Schedule a consultation to explore how we can support your thyroid health and overall well-being.