Thyroid

Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid regulates metabolism, energy, mood, digestion and temperature. An imbalanced thyroid can affect the whole body. Thyroid dysfunction is a commonly under-treated condition because of the heavy reliance on TSH as a marker of thyroid health.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) tells you whether the brain is asking the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones. TSH doesn’t tell you the thyroid hormone levels and whether antibodies are attacking the thyroid. Many people with thyroid dysfunction can have a TSH that falls “within normal limits".

Conditions I Support

  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Subclinical thyroid dysfunction

  • Thyroid-related symptoms: fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, constipation, mood changes

Common Symptoms (Hypothyroidism)

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Weight gain

  • Hair thinning/loss

  • Cold intolerance

  • Constipation

  • Brain fog

  • Low mood

  • Dry skin

  • Irregular menses

  • Bradycardia (slow heart beat)

Common Symptoms (Hyperthyroidism)

  • Weight loss

  • Heat intolerance

  • Loose stool

  • Insomnia

  • Nervousness

  • Irregular menses

  • Tremors

  • Tachycardia (fast heart beat)

  • Thyroid eye disease

How I Assess Thyroid Function

  • Physical exams (when available)

  • Full Thyroid Panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3

  • To assess for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Thyroperoxidase & Thyroglobulin Antibodies

  • To assess for Graves’ Disease: Thyrotropin Receptor Antibodies & Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin

  • Nutrients that affect thyroid function: iodine, selenium, zinc, ferritin, iron panel, vitamin D

  • Assessing other contributing factors: gut health, chronic inflammation, adrenal function, hormones

My Approach To Treatment

  • Prescribing Desiccated Thyroid when indicated (Ontario only)

  • Working together with your family doctor or endocrinologist

  • Addressing Hashimoto’s and Graves as autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

    • Looking at underlying contributors such as gut health, infections, stress

  • Correcting nutrient deficiencies

    • High dose Vitamin D3 as indicated (Ontario only)

  • Stress and adrenal support

  • Diet and lifestyle support

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to stop my thyroid medication?

No - I work along with your prescriber to ensure our treatments work together and not against each other. My goal is to address what medication isn’t covering such as autoimmune activity, nutrient deficiencies and other contributors.

Why is my TSH is normal but I still feel “off”?

This is a common reason people consult with me regarding their thyroid health. I work with you to investigate the full picture of your thyroid function - looking at your hormones, antibodies and contributing factors.

Is Hashimoto’s connected to my gut or other symptoms?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is strongly connected to gut health and frequently coexists with other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. That’s why it’s important to treat the whole person and contributing factors instead of just focusing on TSH.

Do you treat thyroid conditions virtually?

Virtual consultations are available across Alberta, Nova Scotia & Ontario. In person appointments are available in Toronto.

Schedule a Discovery Call