Underlying Factors that Can Cause Thyroid Disease
Doctors Explain What Causes Thyroid Disease
When it comes to thyroid health, understanding the root causes of any dysfunction, or symptoms is crucial for effective treatment and long-term wellness. In Royal Oak, Dr. Nishath Hakim helps patients seeking a comprehensive approach to thyroid issues with a comprehensive functional medicine approach.
Unlike traditional medical approach taken by many doctors that often focus solely on managing symptoms, functional medicine delves deeper. Functional medicine doctors like Dr. Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak explore the underlying factors that contribute to thyroid disease – so that it can be successful treated and, in some cases, even reversed!
A thyroid doctor who practices functional medicine looks at the patient as a whole, considering not just the obvious symptoms but also the subtle signs and potential triggers that may be affecting thyroid function. This holistic approach allows for a more thorough understanding of each patient’s unique situation, paving the way for personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of thyroid dysfunction – for effective long-term results.
Thyroid Doctor’s Functional Medicine Approach
Recognizing the symptoms of thyroid disease is the first step in addressing this complex condition. A skilled thyroid doctor understands that these symptoms can be wide-ranging and sometimes subtle, affecting various aspects of a patient’s health and well-being. Common signs of thyroid dysfunction include fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, hair loss, sleep problems, and changes in heart rate. However, these symptoms can often mimic other conditions, making accurate diagnosis challenging.
In many cases, traditional doctors often misdiagnose thyroid disease – instead blaming the symptoms on menopause, stress, or other causes.
However, a thyroid doctor who takes a functional medicine approach will not only note the obvious signs but also look for less common indicators that might be overlooked in a standard medical examination. This comprehensive view allows for a more accurate assessment of thyroid function and its impact on overall health.
Functional medicine thyroid doctors also conduct comprehensive blood tests that go beyond the standard THS thyroid blood test conducted by most doctors. Dr. Hakim will also test thyroid hormone levels of Total T4, Free T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3, combined with other diagnostic and nutritional testing, to develop a comprehensive diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan.
Additionally, many doctors simply prescribe a “standard dose” of a synthetic, lab-created hormone called Synthroid. But functional medicine thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD will customize an individualized treatment plan just for you – based on your specific thyroid levels and other underlying conditions or causes of your symptoms.
Why Thyroid Disease is Often Misdiagnosed by Traditional Doctors
Thyroid disease is notoriously challenging to diagnose, often leading to missed or incorrect diagnoses. One reason for this is the wide range of symptoms that can be attributed to other conditions. A traditional thyroid doctor might focus solely on standard thyroid function tests, which don’t always tell the whole story. These tests typically measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, but they may not capture the full picture of thyroid health.
Functional medicine practitioners, including specialized thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak, recognize the limitations of standard testing. They often employ a more comprehensive panel of tests, looking at not just TSH but also free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. This broader approach helps identify thyroid issues that might be missed by conventional testing, leading to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatment plans.
Early Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease
Early diagnosis of thyroid disease is crucial for preventing long-term complications. Left untreated, thyroid dysfunction can lead to more severe health problems, including cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, and mental health disorders. A skilled thyroid doctor like Dr. Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak understands that addressing thyroid issues in their early stages can significantly impact a patient’s overall health and quality of life.
By employing advanced testing methods and considering a wide range of symptoms, functional medicine thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak understands that addressing thyroid issues in their early stages can significantly impact a patient’s overall health and quality of life. With her holistic functional medicine approach, she can often identify thyroid issues before they progress to more serious stages. This proactive approach not only helps prevent long-term complications but also allows for more effective and less invasive treatment options.
One way Dr. Hakim successfully addresses and treats thyroid disease is by identifying the underlying cause or triggers of their condition.
Thyroid Doctors Discuss Underlying Causes of Thyroid Disease
Understanding the underlying causes of thyroid disease is at the heart of the functional medicine approach. Knowledgeable thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak recognizes that thyroid dysfunction rarely occurs in isolation; it’s often the result of complex interactions between various factors. By identifying and addressing these root causes, she can develop more effective and lasting treatment plans.
Genetic Factors & Thyroid Disease
Genetic factors play a significant role in thyroid health. Experienced thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim will consider a patient’s family history and genetic predisposition to thyroid issues. While we can’t change our genes, understanding genetic risk factors allows for targeted preventive measures and early intervention strategies.
Environmental Factors & Thyroid Disease
Environmental factors can also contribute significantly to thyroid health. Exposure to toxins, pollutants, and certain chemicals can disrupt thyroid function.
Exposure to excessive levels of iodide / iodine can result in thyroid disease. Cold and sinus medications, heart medicine (amiodarone), contrast dyes before X-rays are all common causes of iodine exposure. The drug lithium has also been determined to be a contributing cause of hypothyroidism.
Exposure to other toxins and chemicals, such as fluoride and many others, can also cause damage to the thyroid – contributing to an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland. Many processed foods, some skincare products and make-up, and certain medications may all contain toxins that can contribute to thyroid damage.
Thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak will investigate the patient’s environmental exposures, considering factors such as workplace conditions, home environment, and lifestyle habits that could impact thyroid health.
Nutritional Factors & Thyroid Disease
Nutritional deficiencies are another critical factor in thyroid health. Essential nutrients such as iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D play crucial roles in thyroid function.
A thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD in Royal Oak can conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments to identify any deficiencies that could be contributing to thyroid dysfunction. Addressing these nutritional gaps through dietary changes or targeted supplementation can significantly improve thyroid health in many cases.
Hormonal Factors & Thyroid Disease
Hormonal imbalances can also have a profound impact on thyroid function. For instance, imbalances in cortisol (the stress hormone) or sex hormones can affect thyroid function. By addressing these hormonal imbalances, a thyroid doctor can often improve overall thyroid health.
Statistics reveal that’s almost all autoimmune conditions, including thyroid disease, have a much higher incidence in females than in males. This is likely because the female sex hormones estrogen and prolactin play an crucial role in modulating the immune system.
Scientists have suspected that female hormones may play an essential role in the development of autoimmune thyroid conditions – because the most common onset times for thyroid disease to occur in women are during hormonal periods such as puberty, pregnancy and peri-menopause.
Functional medicine thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim understands the intricate connections between various hormonal systems in the body. She is skilled and experienced in testing for, diagnosing, and treating hormone imbalances in women and men that may contribute to thyroid disease and a wide variety of other conditions and symptoms.
Bacterial & Viral Triggers for Thyroid Disease
Emerging research has highlighted the role of bacterial and viral infections in triggering or exacerbating thyroid disease. Functional medicine thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim, MD will consider these potential triggers when evaluating a patient’s thyroid health. Certain infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Helicobacter pylori, have been linked to autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
By identifying and addressing underlying chronic infections, a functional medicine thyroid doctor like Nishath Hakim, MD can often improve thyroid function and overall health outcomes.
Thyroid Doctor | Royal Oak
When it comes to thyroid health, a comprehensive, root-cause approach can make all the difference. In Royal Oak, Dr. Nishath Hakim at Prosperity Health employs this functional medicine approach, offering patients a thorough and personalized approach to thyroid care.
As a dedicated thyroid doctor, Dr. Hakim doesn’t just treat symptoms – she investigates and addresses the underlying factors that contribute to thyroid dysfunction. This leads to more effective treatments that not only alleviate symptoms but helps prevent long term disease and complications related to thyroid dysfunction.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that might be related to thyroid issues, or if you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach to your thyroid health, schedule an appointment at Prosperity Health today. Dr. Hakim’s expertise as a thyroid doctor, combined with her compassionate care and commitment to functional medicine principles, can provide you with the diagnosis and treatment you need for optimal thyroid health.
Don’t let thyroid issues hold you back from living your best life. Take the first step towards comprehensive thyroid care by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hakim today. Your journey to better thyroid health and overall wellness starts at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, with thyroid doctor Nishath Hakim.