Thyroid Health and Testing
Your endocrine system is responsible for the basic functions of your body, such as metabolism, blood pressure, reproduction, and sleep, as well as more complex functions like moods and emotions. This system is made of glands that produce all of the hormones in your body. If you think of the way that these various glands work together as a symphony, your thyroid gland is the orchestra conductor. Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid produces hormones that stimulate every cell in the body to affect immune function, skin and hair health, metabolism, liver function, cholesterol regulation, reproductive function, digestive health, and more.
Thyroid Testing and Treatment in San Diego, California
The team at Oasis Hormone Therapy and Wellness Center includes California-licensed Naturopathic Doctors and hormone experts. At our La Jolla practice, we help patients from San Diego and beyond find the hormonal balance they need to live happier, healthier lives. Our doctors understand the importance of optimal thyroid function and we offer comprehensive thyroid testing and customized treatment plans that are designed to relieve symptoms by addressing the underlying cause of thyroid dysfunction.
Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Weight Gain
- Hair loss
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Irregular periods and PMS
Understanding the Thyroid Gland
Your brain sends a hormone called TSH to tell the thyroid gland to make a hormone called T4, which is inactive. T4 must be converted by the liver to an active T3 form that will stimulate cells to initiate bodily functions. When the cells are stimulated, the body’s level of TSH goes down. If the T3 is not properly created or deployed, the brain will flood the thyroid with TSH in an effort to increase hormone production. Stress, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies can cause the body to suppress TSH, block the conversion of T4 to T3, or even produce reverse T3, which does not stimulate cells.
The Adrenal and Thyroid Connection
Our doctors understand that the thyroid gland is strongly linked to the other parts of the endocrine system, and the adrenal gland in particular. If the thyroid is the conductor, dictating the pace of the hormonal symphony, the adrenal gland is the stage manager, making sure that everyone is in the right place. The adrenal gland manages your stress response and if it is not working correctly, the thyroid will become overworked or depleted by trying to manage around the adrenal dysfunction.1 Unlike traditional medical doctors who often treat one part at a time, our doctors emphasize a holistic approach. When testing to determine the cause of your symptoms, we will check both the thyroid and the adrenals to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
The Importance of Accurate Thyroid Testing
Accurate thyroid testing is thorough and complex. It is typical in the medical industry, even for endocrinologists, to test for one or two thyroid markers (typically TSH), while our doctors test for six different markers that includes looking for thyroid antibodies. This is important because it can reveal common hypothyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s disease which is an autoimmune condition that damages the thyroid.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism
The traditional medical establishment has a rigid measurement of normal thyroid function as determined by TSH levels up to 5.0 mIU/L. However, many experts believe that levels outside of that range can indicate thyroid dysfunction. A condition called subclinical hypothyroidism has been established to identify the many patients who experience thyroid dysfunction symptoms despite the lack of a traditional medical diagnosis.2
Treatment Options for Hypothyroidism
Our first-line approach to thyroid symptoms is usually a customized plan to optimize nutrition, manage stress, and reduce inflammation. There are also several types of medications that can be prescribed, including Nature-Throid®, synthetic levothyroxine, and compounded liothyronine and levothyroxine. Our doctors will carefully analyze your test results, discuss your goals and concerns, and explain all your options in order to create a treatment plan that is best for you.
Contact Oasis Hormone Therapy and Wellness Center for Thyroid Testing and Support in San Diego
We help patients find relief from symptoms that affect their quality of life—even when other doctors have not been able to help. Our team is dedicated to using our skill and experience to help people restore a sense of well-being. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Leverone comes highly recommended as a Naturopathic Physician. She is the one to whom I entrust my health and well-being because of her gentle, yet professional demeanor when treating myself, my wife and family. Thanks Dr. Brookie.
How It Works
PHASE 1: DISCOVERY
We pride ourselves on our unique approach to patient care, tailored to ensure your success. Begin your journey with us by scheduling a complimentary 15-minute discovery call to explore our methods and determine if we’re the right fit for your wellness goals.
PHASE 2: EVALUATION
Meet with one of our doctors for a 60-minute session to discuss your health history and goals. Together, we’ll map out a personalized plan tailored just for you.
PHASE 3: PERSONALIZED PROGRAM
Embark on your unique path to wellness with our dedicated team supporting you every step of the way. Your journey to better health begins here.
PHASE 4: MAINTENANCE
After completing your tailored program, you’ll be equipped with the tools to sustain your health journey. Rest assured, we’re committed to standing by your side, supporting you through every life stage and change.
1 Wondisford FE. A direct role for thyroid hormone in development of the adrenal cortex. Endocrinology. 2015;156(6):1939-1940. doi:10.1210/en.2015-1351
1 Fatourechi V. Subclinical hypothyroidism: an update for primary care physicians. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(1):65-71. doi:10.1016/S0025-6196(11)60809-4