Carolina Holistic Medicine | Functional & Alternative Medicine | Charleston, SC

Hypothyroidism

Healing Topics

Are you one of many thyroid patients that are ignored by your providers?
Are you told that normal TSH levels do not warrant adjustments in dose?
Have you been told that your persisting symptoms of fatigue, brain fog,
constipation are all “in your head”?

We are Thyroid Specialists with offices in Charleston and Murrells Inlet, SC. We offer the proper testing (not just a TSH and T4) and therapies to diagnose and treat hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroid disorders, auto -immune thyroid and sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Our physicians order hs-TSH, f-T3, f-T4, reverse-T3, TPO and TG-Ab titers.

We also utilize TSI-Ab and Ultrasound studies. Urine dry spot technology for Iodine and Selenium levels and genomic testing for THFR -mutations.

If you have sufferer from not being diagnosed correctly, or have been offered a limited number of therapies, it may be time to seek expert care.

We are here to make things right. Our physician and mid-level practitioners are leading authorities in the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders in South Carolina. 

Hypothyroidism

What is Chronic Fatigue

One of the most common “chief complaints” of Americans today is chronic fatigue or low – energy. Multi-factorial in nature and with many things contributing, such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, stress at work, stress at home, environmental toxin exposure and bioaccumulation, hormone imbalance (especially thyroid and adrenals/HPA), disrupted sleep and lack of “alone time to meditate.”

Our approach of mind-body-spirit medicine takes into account all these factors and provides a road-map or blueprint to follow to get your life and energy back

Do you have any of these Hypothyroidism Symptoms?

HYPOTHYROIDSM FAQ

What is Hypothyroidism?

 Hypothyroidism in one of a few thyroid conditions that cause a person to not feel too well.  Symptoms may be a few or many and can include: brain fog, weight gains, cold all the time, constipation, hair loss or thinning, elevations in cholesterol levels, bone loss, irregular periods and infertility.  Besides Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism is actually the most common disease of the thyroid gland. 

Dramatically increasing over the past few years it accounts for about 12% of the US population having hypothyroidism, 60% are actually going un-diagnosed.  There are 5-times more women than men with this thyroid condition and one in eight (1:8) women suffer some form of hypothyroidism.  Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common reasons for hypothyroidism and it is an autoimmune disorder.  There are about 21-million prescriptions for Synthroid written annually and almost 50% of folks in America over the age of 50 are on this medication.  Synthroid while one of the most prescribed drugs in the world turns out to not be the best fit for many patients.

There is the obvious hypothyroidism where TSH levels are very high and T3 and T4 levels are low.  This is an easy diagnosis and treatment will alleviate many of the symptoms.  There is a condition called Subclinical Hypothyroidism where TSH is high, but levels of T3 and T4 are ”within normal ranges”; often times these people are not treated appropriately. 
 
Finally and most importantly there is Functional Hypothyroidism, this is where serology (lab work) is normal (ie, normal TSH, T3 and T4 levels) but there is a drop in metabolism, low basal body temperatures and a myriad of symptoms that are easily overlooked by the inexperienced practitioner.
Yes, anyone should have a full spectrum thyroid functions lab (serology) and even if highly suspected thyroid ultrasound if there is any question about a diagnosis.  Treatment depends on severity, other comorbid factors and what type of therapy is right for each patient based on individualized care plans.
Office visits and laboratory vary but our center offers special low cost pricing for full thyroid panels if you insurance will not pay for or your primary care provider refused to order for you. 
 
Cost of therapy varies depending on if it is a routine prescription for T4 replacement, T4/T3 (NDT) such as Armour or NP-Thyroid or other, or a compounded sustained release prescription.  Often times rehabilitation of the thyroid gland and improving T4 to T3 conversion may not necessitate a prescription for meds but rather a nutritionally based approach.
There are little to no risks for evaluations and treatment of obvious cases of hypothyroidism and Hashimotos.  The risk is non-treatment or misdiagnosis where a condition goes untreated for years leading to several chronic conditions that may have been prevented. 
 
Such as bone loss (osteoporosis); dementia, cognitive decline, abnormal glucose and lipid (cholesterol) metabolism, obesity, offspring that have cognitive issues, and more.

It varies, if the underlying cause is identified and treated, there is a chance a patient can come off of thyroid-replacement-therapy.  It is crucial for best treatment to start off knowing what the root cause is and addressing that as well.

Ready for a Consultation?

Don’t let poor health slow you down indefinitely. Schedule a consultation today with Carolina Holistic Medicine and let our team of world class holistic medicine specialists heal your body, deliver profound personalized healthcare, and get you back to your full and active healthy lifestyle.

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