Is it my thyroid? That’s a question many people ask when they have chronic symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and weight fluctuations. However, you might not get the answers you need from a traditional primary care doctor.
At Discovery Health Healing Center in Green Bay, we’re thyroid experts. We know that balancing related hormones can lead to a noticeable improvement in your quality of life. Instead of relying solely on medications, we use natural interventions to help you feel your best. You don’t have to struggle with thyroid issues. Get started with Kelly Felmer, DNP, and her team.
The Importance of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It regulates metabolism, energy levels, and other bodily functions by producing hormones that influence every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. When the thyroid is not functioning correctly, it can lead to a host of health issues that can significantly impact one's quality of life.
The thyroid gland produces hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). When these hormones are imbalances, it can lead to issues with:
- Metabolic Rate: Regulating the speed at which the body converts food into energy.
- Heart Function: Influencing heart rate and blood pressure.
- Digestive Function: Aiding in digestive processes and nutrient absorption.
- Muscle Control: Contributing to muscle function and development.
- Bone Health: Maintaining bone density and strength.
- Mental Health: Affecting mood, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being.
Four Common Thyroid Issues You Need to Know
1. Hypothyroidism
This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression, and slowed heart rate. It often results from autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It’s perhaps the most common thyroid issue we see at our Green Bay clinic.
2. Hyperthyroidism
In contrast, hyperthyroidism involves an overactive thyroid producing excessive hormones. Symptoms can include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, sweating, and irritability. Graves' disease is a common cause of hyperthyroidism.
3. Thyroid Nodules
These are growths within the thyroid gland. While often benign, they can sometimes produce excess hormones or become cancerous. Symptoms may include a visible lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness.
4. Goiter
This refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can result from iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Graves' disease. A goiter can cause swelling in the neck, breathing difficulties, and swallowing issues.
Accurate Testing: The First Step to Effective Treatment
At Discovery Health Healing Center, we believe that accurate testing is the cornerstone of effective thyroid treatment. Our comprehensive approach includes blood tests, imaging, and thorough patient history to ensure precise diagnosis and personalized care plans. Conventional tests can be inaccurate because the tests use flawed metrics related to “normal” thyroid levels. Even if you’ve gotten tested before, you should make sure you received an advanced test, not just a standard blood test.
"Accurate testing allows us to tailor treatments specifically to the patient's needs, addressing the root cause rather than just managing symptoms," says Kelly Felmer, DNP, the founder and lead practitioner at Discovery Health Healing Center in Green Bay.
Even if your thyroid levels aren’t an issue, we will still work hard to uncover what’s causing your symptoms.
Holistic Consultations for Thyroid Care
Our holistic approach to thyroid care goes beyond conventional treatments. We incorporate nutrition, weight management, lifestyle modifications, sleep optimization, and hormone balance to support overall health and well-being.
Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports thyroid function and overall health. We provide personalized nutritional guidance to address deficiencies and promote healing.
Weight Management: Addressing weight concerns through tailored exercise and dietary plans helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Lifestyle: Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, are integral to our holistic approach, aiding in the management of thyroid conditions.
Sleep: Ensuring adequate and quality sleep is vital for hormone regulation and overall health. We offer strategies to improve sleep patterns.
Hormone Balance: Balancing thyroid hormones with other hormones in the body is essential for comprehensive care. We assess and address hormonal imbalances to promote optimal health.
Why Choose a Functional Medicine Approach for Thyroid Issues?
Many common approaches to thyroid issues involve medication. While medication may help in some situations, it shouldn’t be the first or only treatment. We’ve seen that medications like levothyroxine can lead to long-term side effects that can cause noticeable discomfort.
A functional medicine approach, however, focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of thyroid dysfunction rather than merely treating symptoms. This approach offers several benefits. First, treatments are tailored to individual needs, considering genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. We also see your body as an interconnected system. Perhaps there’s another issue that’s impacting your thyroid function; we want to get to the bottom of that, too.
Our emphasis on prevention and long-term health rather than short-term symptom management encourages patients to take an active role in their health journey through education and lifestyle changes.
Partner with Discovery Health Healing Center for Thyroid Health in Green Bay
If you are experiencing thyroid issues, we invite you to partner with Discovery Health Healing Center in Green Bay. Our holistic, patient-centered approach ensures comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. Together, we can work towards achieving optimal thyroid health and overall well-being.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, balanced life.
Testimonial
Dr. Kelly is awesome!
She really listens and provides answers that I have never heard before.
After just 2 treatments I feel better than the dozens of doctors before her combined.
If you have one of those conditions that’s hard to figure out, I highly suggest to try Dr Kelly.
Ken D. (5 Star google review)
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