Thyroid disease is blanket term that covers all dysfunctions of the thyroid, ranging from an insignificant goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the gland, all the way to life-threatening thyroid cancer.
Despite its small size the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, which sits in the front of the neck, plays a very important function. The hormones it produces control how well your cells use energy, regulate metabolism and affect nearly every part of the body, including the brain, heart, muscles and skin.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when not enough thyroid hormones are produced. The most common type is called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to produce antibodies that attack and sometimes destroy the thyroid gland.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, also called an overactive thyroid, means that the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than needed. If not properly treated, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious heart problems. It can be especially dangerous during pregnancy.
What causes these conditions?
Hypothyroidism with too little hormone production, can be triggered for many reasons, including certain medications, treatments with radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism, surgical removal of the gland, and growths or inflamed tissue on the thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism with excessive hormone production can occur due to certain autoimmune disorders, inflammation of the thyroid, medications, exposure to high levels of iodine, and growths on the gland.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Weight gain and fatigue
- Slowed heart rate
- Sensitivity to the cold
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Elevated blood pressure
- Shaking hands
- Visibly swollen thyroid gland
How they treat it
Conventional thyroid disease treatments attempt to restore proper hormone levels with drugs and sometimes surgery. For an underactive thyroid, synthetic hormones are used, and for an overactive thyroid, radioactive iodine is employed to destroy selective parts of the thyroid tissue. Obviously, these treatments can come with numerous side effects.
How we treat it
Whereas conventional healthcare focuses on the use of medication or other methods that suppress symptoms or block natural functions, at the Magaziner Center we use natural therapies that work in conjunction with the body. We try to identify factors that may be adversely affecting the thyroid gland, such as exposure to environmental chemicals or heavy metals, and look for nutrient imbalances or food sensitivities. We then treat these problems by building up the body’s innate healing mechanisms. We also assess and treat patients for bio-energetic weaknesses, which when addressed can help improve thyroid function.
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