Thyroid Health
Common conditions include hypothyroidism (where the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones), goiter, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism (where the thyroid is making too much thyroid hormones) and subclinical thyroid (mild or early-stage) abnormalities.
Thyroid disorders are among the most prevalent endocrine conditions worldwide. It is estimated that up to 60% of individuals with a thyroid condition are unaware they have it. Women face a particularly elevated risk, with approximately 1 in 8 developing a thyroid disorder during their lifetime. Millions of people are affected by some form of thyroid dysfunction, and even more experience subclinical (mild or early-stage) abnormalities. Because symptoms are often subtle or nonspecific, many thyroid disorders remain undiagnosed without routine screening or targeted evaluation.
What causes/worsens a thyroid disorder?
There are many factors that can induce and contribute to thyroid disorders, including autoimmunity (hashimoto's and grave's disease), genetic susceptibility, nutrient deficiencies, environmental exposures, blood sugar issues and other hormone imbalances. For instance, iodine deficiency is a well recognized cause of hypothyroidism, as inadequate iodine intake impairs the thyroid gland’s ability to make sufficient thyroid hormones. Taking into account the gut brain axis is also an important thing to consider since the gut supports thyroid function through nutrient absorption, immune modulation, and hormone metabolism. In fact, keystone probiotics support thyroid health by stabilizing the gut microbiome, strengthening immune balance, improving nutrient availability, and reducing inflammatory triggers that can affect thyroid hormone production and regulation.
How can the functional medicine perspective help?
Comprehensive testing can help uncover underlying imbalances and areas of dysfunction that may require targeted support. These include things such as nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxin exposure, gut microbiome imbalances or other systemic factors influencing overall health. Addressing these findings and identifying lifestyle areas such as stress, sleep quality and other factors can all improve overall health status.