What causes thyroid problems?
Your thyroid is a gland located at the front of your neck responsible for producing thyroid hormones. Thyroid problems are common and can be caused by:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Radiation treatment
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
- Thyroiditis
- Thyroid nodules
- Too little or too much iodine
- Some medications, including thyroid hormone medications
Midwest Integrated Medical Center staff evaluate your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms — in addition to analyzing your functional lab work — to determine the cause of your thyroid problems.
What are the differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
The main differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the function of your thyroid and how well it produces thyroid hormones. With hypothyroidism, the gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. With hyperthyroidism, the gland is overactive and produces too many thyroid hormones.
(Testimonial)
The team at Midwest Integrated Medical Center gave me my life back! I saw them for autoimmune thyroid-related problems. In five months, I put my condition in remission and lost 78 lbs. After seven months, I lost a total 100 lbs. and have the energy I did 20 years ago. Midwest Integrated Medical Center is a great team and their support and encouragement is much appreciated. The team has become more than health providers—I consider them friends after this journey. It’s comforting to know that advice or just a friendly face is always there when I need it. They taught me a new lifestyle and I look forward to years of great health because of it!
Hypothyroidism
Without enough thyroid hormones, your body’s processes slow down. Common symptoms include:
- Feeling cold
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
- Constipation
- Weight gain
These symptoms are associated with many non-thyroid conditions, so the only way to know your diagnosis is through lab testing.
Hyperthyroidism
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Nervousness or irritability
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Feeling hot
- Insomnia
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Diarrhea
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (called a goiter)
Like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism symptoms overlap with many conditions, so functional lab work at Midwest Integrated Medical Center is your best way to reach the correct diagnosis.
How do I know what type of thyroid problem I have?
If you experience thyroid-related symptoms but are unsure of the cause, your first step is to visit Midwest Integrated Medical Center for comprehensive functional lab testing. Our expert staff meets with you regularly to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any recent changes to your health or lifestyle that could have triggered your symptoms.
After he analyzes your lab testing and symptoms, he determines the cause of your health problems — whether a thyroid issue or something else. He then provides personalized treatment recommendations to improve the function of your thyroid and regulate the levels of hormones it produces.
How does functional medicine help with thyroid problems?
Since thyroid problems can have many causes, our team begins by identifying the root cause and developing a treatment strategy. Your treatment may include nutritional changes — such as limiting foods that contain iodine — or incorporating natural supplements that support thyroid health.
Another strategy is incorporating exercise into your daily life. For some thyroid conditions, excessive exercise can aggravate your symptoms. Our team helps you determine which types of exercise are best for you.
If you suspect a thyroid condition, get tested at Midwest Integrated Medical Center by calling or scheduling your visit online.
Dr. Cooper see's patients in the following cities: Woodbury, MN River Falls, WI New Richmond, WI Stillwater, MN "
