According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid disease, yet up to 60% of them are unaware of their condition.

Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid disease.

How many women do you know assume weight gain, lethargy, insomnia, and brain fog are the unavoidable hallmarks of middle age and thyroid dysfunction?

Or, despite being told by the MD their lab tests are perfectly normal, they intuitively know something is not right. Is a future of prescription drugs the only option?

The thyroid gland powers every cell in your body through the hormones it produces. These chemical messengers determine the reproduction and energy level of cells, keeping your organs functioning optimally, managing metabolism, supporting the health of your brain, reproductive system, skeletal structure, and more.

Every system of the body depends an a health thyroid gland. Yet for the thyroid to work properly, it is at the mercy of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland; the liver and the gut for converting T4 to T3; correct levels of oxygen and glucose in the blood; adequate amounts substances including iron, iodine, selenium, B12, vitamins A and D; proper feedback loops; and a healthy immune system, to name a few factors. Understanding all variables relating to thyroid health must be taken into consideration.

Diagnosing thyroid function by measuring only a few markers, typically T3 and TSH, does not provide a complete picture.

In fact, a full thyroid panel should include more than 10 different markers along with assessing gut and liver health, the immune response to rule out Hashimoto’s disease, adrenal function, diet, lifestyle, nutrient deficiencies, and systemic inflammation. Adjusting drug dosages based on symptoms or minimal diagnostic information is short-sighted.

At Balance Atlanta, Dr. Caroline will recommend ordering a complete blood panel measuring over 80 biomarkers to understand the entire picture. Based on her findings and your health history, she will devise a nutritional and lifestyle program to support improved thyroid and whole body performance. By integrating the best in allopathic and holistic health, patients are moving in the direction of wellness versus sickness management.

Signs and symptoms often associated with thyroid dysfunction:
  • Fatigue
  • Brain Fog
  • Weight gain or inability to lose weight
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Hair loss, brittle nails
  • Dry or clammy skin
  • Constipation or loose stool
  • Poor concentration
  • Infertility
  • Low libido
  • Depression
  • Decreased or increased heart rate
  • Decreased or increased body temperature
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Insomnia
  • Shakiness or tremors
  • Increased hunger and thirst
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