What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroid occurs when the thyroid becomes underactive.

What causes it? The are many causes of hypothyroidism including genetics, stress and nutritional deficiencies specific to too low amounts of iodine consumption. Iodine is an essential element that helps the thyroid gland produce hormones.

What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms include fatigue (despite plenty of rest), constantly cold, weight gain, dry skin, brittle hair that falls out, depression and sometimes elevated cholesterol levels.

Some individuals have "normal" levels of thyroid hormone show up on their blood test results however still notice many hypothyroid symptoms. This is where optimal thyroid ranges are helpful to consider. If their TSH levels (thyroid stimulating hormone, released by the pituitary gland) are outside of this tighter range, then it is possible they have subclinical hypothyroidism. This can be treated very effectively with natural medicine, restoring better metabolism, mood and energy levels. See below for more information.

What are my treatment options? 
It is best to speak to your health care provider for best treatment options for your individual case.

Conventional approaches:
Once individuals are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, they are typically prescribed man-made hormones (i.e. synthyroid or thyroxine) to make up for the decreased hormone levels. Once treatment is life-long because once a patient starts these medications, their thyroid gland shuts off its own hormone production (since it is no longer needed). Some individuals may need to have their thyroid gland surgically removed. Although these people will need to take hormones for the rest of their lives, they are typically able to live normal, healthy lives.

Natural alternative or complimentary options:
These include assessing ones blood work to identify the extent of the hypothyroidism (i.e. are the levels suboptimal, or in disease range?). Ones this is established, various treatment options are available. These include Clinical Nutrition by either a KIH Nutritionist or Naturopathic Doctor and natural medicine prescriptions to restore proper mineral and anti-oxidant levels which are critical in thyroid hormone production. Other natural remedies may be prescribed based on the individuals symptom picture or the cause behind why they developed the thyroid imbalance in the first place.

If you are looking for effective treatments for hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism and live in or near Vaughan, come visit us at KIH clinic. We are located in Kleinburg (Vaughan), Ontario, right in the heart of the Kleinburg village. Fill out the form to the right of this page and we will get right back to you promptly with up-to-date, accurate and useful information on the next best steps in the treatment of your condition/concern.

Resources:

Natural Standard

http://naturalstandard.com.ezproxy.ccnm.edu/databases/conditions/all/condition-thyroiddisorders.asp