Thyroid Conditions

More than 12% of people in the United States develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. At Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine, naturopathic wellness doctor Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the team can help you manage thyroid disease using a holistic, integrative approach. Schedule an evaluation at the Portland, Oregon, office by calling or using the online booking feature today.

What are thyroid conditions?

Thyroid conditions affect your body’s thyroid hormone production. They prevent the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, from making the right amount of thyroid hormone. This hormone plays a vital role in regulating your body’s metabolic rate (how well you can transform food into energy). 

Thyroid conditions are common, but may cause negative symptoms or medical complications when left untreated.

What are the different types of thyroid conditions?

Examples of thyroid diseases include:

• Hypothyroidism: too little thyroid hormone
• Hyperthyroidism: too much thyroid hormone
• Thyroiditis: thyroid gland inflammation
• Thyroid nodules: nodules on the thyroid gland
• Thyroid cancer: cancer of the thyroid gland
• Goiter: enlarged thyroid gland
• Postpartum thyroiditis: thyroid changes after giving birth

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition that can lead to hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency can also cause your body to make too little thyroid hormone.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that can cause an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid nodules and too much iodine intake are other causes of hyperthyroidism.

About 20 million people in the United States have a thyroid condition. 

What are the symptoms of thyroid conditions?

The symptoms you might experience because of thyroid disease include:

• Weight loss or gain
• Fatigue
• Hot or cold intolerance
• Slow or fast heart rate
• Dry, clammy, or sweaty skin
• Dry, coarse, or greasy hair
• Depression, anxiety, nervousness, or irritability 
• Heavy or irregular periods in women
• Difficulty seeping

However, the exact symptoms you will notice depend on the type of thyroid disease you have. Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition. 

How are thyroid conditions diagnosed?

To diagnose a thyroid disorder, the Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team discusses your medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle. They complete a physical exam, order blood tests, evaluate your thyroid gland, and may order a thyroid ultrasound or biopsy. 

How are thyroid conditions treated?

Your personalized thyroid disorder treatment plan may consist of:

• Healthy lifestyle
• Dietary supplements
• Medications
• Metabolic support
• Dietary changes
• Regular exercise
• Healthy weight management
• Stress management
• Acupuncture 

Severe forms of thyroid conditions may need surgery. The goal of thyroid disease management is to maintain healthy thyroid hormone levels as naturally as possible. The Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team personalizes a plan offering effective, long-lasting results. 

Schedule a thyroid condition evaluation at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.