thyroid doctor royal oak

Could Your Unexplained Symptoms be Thyroid Disease?

/in /by

How Functional Medicine Doctors Treat Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease is an extremely common – but often misunderstood and misdiagnosed – condition that affects millions of people in the United States worldwide. Unfortunately, traditional medical approaches may overlook signs of thyroid dysfunction, leaving many patients without the comprehensive medical care they need to feel better and get their life back on track.

At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI, Dr. Nishath Hakim employs a functional medicine approach to diagnose and treat thyroid disease, focusing on the whole person and the interrelated systems of the body to achieve optimal health. In this article she explains how functional medicine can identify and treat thyroid disease that may be leaving you feeling sick, tired, and even hopeless – so you can once again enjoy your quality of life!

Functional Medicine Approach to Thyroid Disease

At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak Dr. Nishath Hakim takes a functional medicine approach to thyroid disease that goes beyond merely addressing symptoms. It involves understanding the underlying causes and how various bodily systems are interconnected.

Traditional doctors often miss or misdiagnose thyroid disease because they do not perform comprehensive evaluations or consider the broader context of a patient’s health. We have had patients come to Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, MI, who had been told by other doctors that their low energy, weakness, depressed emotional state, weight gain, etc. was “all in their head” or due to menopause or “just part of getting older” – when in fact it was undiagnosed thyroid disease!

Functional medicine practitioners like Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak look at the entire person, considering factors such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and nutrition, to identify and treat thyroid dysfunction more effectively. Comprehensive testing, explored below, is also implemented to find out exactly what is going on with your thyroid – and the rest of your body!

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease can present with a wide range of symptoms, often making it difficult to diagnose. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are the two primary types of thyroid disease, each with distinct symptoms.

Hypothyroid Disease Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Cold intolerance
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Muscle weakness
  • Elevated cholesterol levels

Hyperthyroid Symptoms:

  • Weight loss
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Heat intolerance
  • Increased appetite
  • Nervousness or irritability
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Sleep disturbances

These symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and some individuals may experience only a few or very subtle symptoms, further complicating the diagnosis. That is why thorough testing by a skilled functional medicine doctor is the best way to identify thyroid disease.

How Functional Medicine Doctors Diagnose Thyroid Disease

Functional medicine doctors like Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak use comprehensive and advanced laboratory testing to diagnose thyroid disease accurately. This approach ensures a thorough understanding of thyroid function and its impact on the body.

Comprehensive Thyroid Panel

A functional medicine doctor will order a complete thyroid panel, which includes:

  • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Measures the pituitary gland’s signal to the thyroid to produce hormones.
  • Free T4 (Thyroxine): The primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
  • Free T3 (Triiodothyronine): The active form of thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism.
  • Reverse T3: Measures the inactive form of T3, which can provide insights into thyroid hormone conversion issues.
  • Thyroid Antibodies: Tests for autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, including Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb).

Additional Laboratory Tests

To get a complete picture of thyroid health, functional medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD may also order tests to assess:

  • Adrenal Function: Since adrenal health is closely linked to thyroid function.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Including iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron, which are essential for thyroid health.
  • Inflammatory Markers: To detect chronic inflammation that can affect thyroid function.
  • Gut Health: As gut health can influence thyroid hormone absorption and conversion.

By analyzing these detailed test results, Dr. Hakim can identify subtle thyroid dysfunctions and related health issues that may be overlooked by conventional testing methods.

How Functional Medicine Doctors Treat Thyroid Disease

Once a comprehensive diagnosis is made, functional medicine doctors Nishath Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak uses a multi-faceted approach to treat thyroid disease, focusing on bringing the body into balance.

Individualized Thyroid Disease Medications

Thyroid disease treatment often includes thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The type and dosage of medication are tailored to each patient’s specific needs, whether it’s synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine or natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medications. Regular monitoring and adjustments by Dr. Hakim ensure optimal hormone levels.

Hormone Balancing with BHRT

If necessary, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be used to balance other hormones that interact with thyroid function. This is particularly relevant for patients experiencing menopause, andropause, or adrenal dysfunction. BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those the body naturally produces, ensuring better compatibility and effectiveness.

Diet, Nutrition & Thyroid Disease

Diet plays a crucial role in thyroid health. Dr. Hakim provides personalized dietary recommendations to support thyroid function, focusing on nutrient-dense foods rich in iodine, selenium, zinc, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Eliminating foods that may trigger inflammation or autoimmune responses, such as gluten or processed foods, can also be beneficial.

Targeted supplementation may be prescribed by Dr. Hakim to address specific deficiencies and support overall thyroid health. Common supplements include iodine, selenium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and probiotics to enhance gut health. These supplements are selected for you by Dr. Hakim, based on your individual test results to ensure they meet your unique needs.

Thyroid Disease Doctor | Royal Oak

At Prosperity Health in Royal Oak Dr. Nishath Hakim utilizes a customized, whole-person approach to treat thyroid disease. By employing advanced diagnostic testing and a comprehensive treatment strategy, functional medicine addresses the root causes of thyroid dysfunction and brings the body into balance. This method not only alleviates symptoms but also promotes long-term wellness and vitality.

If you suspect you may be suffering from thyroid disease, or another undiagnosed or underlying condition that is compromising your health and well-being, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hakim Prosperity Health in Royal Oak today – and embark on a personalized journey towards optimal thyroid health and overall well-being.

Royal Oak Thyroid Doctor: 248-997-4242

Why Traditional Doctors Misdiagnose Diseases in Menopausal Women

/in /by

Functional Medicine Doctors Effectively Treat Menopausal Women

Menopause marks a significant phase in a woman’s life, including the end to monthly periods, as well as eliminating the need for birth control. But menopause also comes with many accompanying changes in the body that can be complex, frustrating, and even dangerous. Unfortunately, many traditional doctors and medical practitioners encounter challenges in diagnosing and treating menopausal women accurately.

By focusing only on a woman’s symptoms – rather that looking at her as a whole person – many conventional OBGYNs and other women’s healthcare providers miss or misdiagnose serious health issues. At Prosperity Health in the greater Southfield, MI area Dr. Nishath Hakim takes a functional medicine approach to addressing menopausal women’s health, that looks at the whole person.

In this article, Dr. Hakim delves into the complexities and shortcomings that often surround outmoded healthcare models for treating menopausal women, that may lead to missed or misdiagnosed conditions. And she explains how a functional medicine approach can better identify, diagnose and treat health concerns of menopausal women – so that they can enjoy life at every age.

Doctor Bias in Diagnosing & Treating Menopausal Women

Bias, whether conscious or unconscious, can affect how medical professionals perceive and treat menopausal women. Stereotypes about mood swings, hot flashes, and other common symptoms may overshadow the individual’s unique health profile. This bias can lead to doctors overlooking other potential health issues that may manifest during menopause. In other words, many traditional doctors simply blame everything on “the natural change of life” – and miss or misdiagnose more pressing individual health concerns.

This is aggravated by the fact that menopausal symptoms can overlap with those of various health conditions, leading to confusion and misdiagnosis. For instance, fatigue, a common symptom of menopause, can also be indicative of thyroid dysfunction or nutritional deficiencies. By closely examining symptoms, conducting thorough diagnostic testing, and considering the broader health context, functional medicine doctors like Dr. Hakim can get to root cause of a woman’s symptoms and treat the underlying condition – so that her symptoms improve, and she can once again enjoy life.

Conditions Commonly Missed by Doctors in Menopausal Women

Thyroid Dysfunction: Menopausal changes may mask or mimic symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Proper thyroid function is crucial for overall well-being, and misdiagnosing thyroid issues during menopause can lead to inadequate treatment.

Hormone Imbalance: Beyond the hormonal shifts of menopause, imbalances in other hormones can occur, affecting mood, energy levels, and overall health. Identifying and addressing these imbalances is key to comprehensive healthcare.

Nutritional Deficiencies & Gut Issues: Menopausal women might be prone to nutritional deficiencies and gut-related problems. These issues, if overlooked, can contribute to fatigue, digestive discomfort, and a range of other health concerns. Prosperity Health in the greater Southfield, MI area offers GI-MAP stool testing for pathogens, to detect the presence of parasites, fungi, and bad bacteria that may be compromising your health.

Similarly, micronutrient testing of the woman’s blood can determine how her body is absorbing and utilizing the nutrients that it is receiving. Once any deficiencies are identified, a functional medicine doctor like Nishath Hakim, MD can prescribe proper supplementation and nutrition to help treat or remedy your issues.

Cardiovascular Diseases: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in the US, claiming over 300,000 lives annually. This accounts for one in every four female deaths in the country.

But while one in four women in the US has some form of cardiovascular disease, it is very concerning that one in three women are unaware they have heart disease. This is because symptoms in women can be atypical and differ from classic presentations in men, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. And although the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases with age, symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath are often attributed to menopause by women and their doctors, when in fact it is cardiovascular issues that need attention.

Mental Health Conditions: Menopause is a time of hormonal fluctuation that can seriously influence mental health. Yet, rather than appropriately treating clinical depression and anxiety, conventional healthcare providers may dismiss these conditions as solely the “mood swings” of menopause. Functional medicine doctors recognize the nuanced relationship between hormonal shifts and mental health and provide appropriate support and interventions.

Functional Medicine: Diagnosing Menopausal Women’s Health Issues

When addressing the symptoms and health issues of menopausal women, functional medicine doctors offer a comprehensive and personalized approach that emphasizes the unique biological complexity of each women. The diagnosis process in functional medicine involves a thorough assessment that goes beyond just treating surface symptoms.

Functional medicine doctors utilize comprehensive lab testing to delve into each patient’s health at a molecular level. This may include checking hormone levels, thyroid function, and markers for nutritional deficiencies. These tests offer a more in-depth understanding of the intricate changes occurring during menopause.

Beyond routine blood tests, functional medicine may involve more specialized blood work to assess specific biomarkers related to menopausal health. This can unveil insights into inflammation, immune function, and metabolic status, contributing to a more holistic diagnostic approach.

Because menopausal women often experience changes in nutrient absorption and gut health, functional medicine doctors may also incorporate nutritional testing and gut health assessments to identify deficiencies and imbalances. Addressing these issues can enhance overall health, improve vitality, and alleviate symptoms associated with menopause.

Functional Medicine Doctors Treat Menopausal Women’s Health

Functional Medicine’s treatment strategies are rooted in identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than merely managing symptoms.

Hormone therapy in functional medicine is tailored to the individual’s specific hormonal profile. Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, functional medicine recognizes the uniqueness of each woman’s hormonal landscape during menopause. Hormone therapy may include bioidentical hormones to mimic the body’s natural hormonal structure.

Functional medicine doctors also place a strong emphasis on lifestyle modifications. This may include personalized nutrition plans, exercise regimens, and stress management techniques. Lifestyle interventions play a crucial role in supporting menopausal women’s overall health and well-being.

Targeted supplementation is often a part of functional medicine interventions. Based on individual nutritional testing, women may be prescribed specific supplements to address deficiencies and optimize health during menopause.

Functional Medicine Menopause Doctors | Southfield, MI Area

Dr. Nishath Hakim in the Southfield, MI area takes a comprehensive, “whole person,” functional medicine approach to understand the intricacies of each woman’s menopausal health – ensuring the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Functional medicine doctor Nishath Hakim, MD offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to diagnosing and treating health issues in menopausal women. By leveraging advanced testing, personalized treatment plans, and addressing root causes, she optimizes health and improve the quality of life for women navigating menopause – so they can live with wellness and vitality at every age.

Menopause Doctors | Southfield, MI Area: 248-997-4242

 

Integrative Medicine Doctors Provide Specialized Men’s Healthcare

/in , , , /by

Men’s Healthcare Needs Differ from Women’s

You’ve heard the saying “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus” … well, nowhere is that more true than in the realm of healthcare. The unique healthcare needs of men often differ significantly from those of women. Yet many doctors simply offer a one-size-fits all approach to men’s health.

At the heart of integrative medicine is the ideology of 100% individualized healthcare – treating each patient as a unique individual with customized treatment plans.

Dr. Nishath Hakim, an esteemed integrated medicine doctor at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, is dedicated to providing specialized men’s healthcare tailored specifically to the needs of male patients. In this article, we explore why men’s healthcare demands a distinct approach. And we delve into the advantages of seeking comprehensive healthcare services offered by integrative medical providers like Doctor Hakim in Royal Oak.

Men Are More Likely to Ignore Their Health

Statistics reveal a concerning trend: men are significantly more likely to overlook their health concerns than women. According to various health organizations, men are less likely to schedule regular check-ups and are often more hesitant to address health issues promptly.

A 2017 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that men were less likely than women to have seen a healthcare provider in the past year for a preventive care visit. More specifically, research conducted by the American Cancer Society found that men were more likely than women to delay seeking treatment for cancer. The study found that 23% of men delayed seeking treatment for cancer, compared to 17% of women.

A 2020 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that men were less likely than women to have a regular doctor or healthcare provider. The study found that 78% of women had a regular doctor or healthcare provider, compared to 67% of men. And the National Institute on Aging found that men were less likely than women to talk to their doctor about their health. The study found that 54% of men had talked to their doctor about their health in the past year, compared to 66% of women.

Dr. Nishath Hakim in Royal Oak aims to shift the men’s healthcare narrative by offering a comfortable and specialized environment where men can openly discuss and manage their health concerns and obtain personalized medical treatment.

Men’s Disease Prevention Doctor

Specialized men’s doctors focus not only on treating diseases that are common in male patients, but also on preventing them. Three top areas addressed by men’s integrative medicine specialist include cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and hormone decline.

Men’s Heart Disease Doctors

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. However, men are more likely than women to develop heart disease. In 2020, about 11.6% of men had heart disease, compared to 8.8% of women. Men are also more likely than women to have a heart attack. In 2020, about 346,100 men had a first heart attack, compared to 232,000 women.

Men are also more 25% more likely than women to die from heart disease. In 2020, about 258,000 men died from heart disease, compared to 201,900 women.

Dr. Hakim specializes in preventing cardiovascular issues through the Bale-Doneen Method, a personalized approach to heart attack and stroke prevention. This method involves in-depth risk assessments and focuses on early detection and prevention strategies tailored to each patient.

Men’s Metabolic Syndrome Doctors

Metabolic syndrome is a group of five conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, abnormal cholesterol levels, and increased waist circumference. There are approximately 29 million adult men in the United States with metabolic syndrome.

Addressing metabolic syndrome is another key aspect of men’s integrative medicine doctors. By providing comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Hakim helps men mitigate the risks associated with metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Men’s Hormone Replacement Doctor

Testosterone levels in men decline gradually but significantly as a man ages. This process is known as “andropause”. Testosterone levels in men typically begin to decline gradually in their mid-30s, with about a 1-2% reduction per year.

Physically, low testosterone levels in men may cause reduced energy levels, fatigue, and a decline in muscle mass and strength. Sexual health can also be profoundly affected by “Low T”, leading to a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, and diminished overall sexual performance. Emotional well-being is also impacted by men’s hormone decline, with symptoms including irritability, mood swings, and a heightened risk of depression.

Men with low testosterone may notice changes in body composition, such as increased body fat, particularly around the abdomen. Additionally, there may be cognitive effects, such as difficulty concentrating and memory issues.

Many traditional internists, family doctors, or general practitioners simple address individual symptoms – often with a pill – without diagnosing and remedying the underlying hormone deficiency responsible for these problems.

Recognizing the pivotal role hormones play in virtual all aspects of men’s health, specialized men’s integrative medicine doctors offer hormone balancing services. This is crucial for maintaining overall well-being, energy levels, sexual performance, mental clarity, and other issues related to testosterone decline.

Men’s health specialist Dr. Nishath Hakim specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to address the many issues associated with hormone insufficiency. By customizing BHRT treatment plans, she is able enhance men’s sexual health, prevent disease, increase vitality, assist with weight loss, and greatly improve a man’s overall quality of life.

Men’s Medical Aesthetics Doctor

A men’s integrative medicine specialist will also recognize that it is important for men to look as good as they feel! Dr. Hakim extends her expertise to medical aesthetics, offering services like men’s Botox (aka Brotox) and dermal fillers than can take years off a man’s appearance. These non-invasive aesthetic procedures available at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak are performed in a discreet and private environment – helping men reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

Dr. Hakim also specializes in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy coupled with microneedling. These natural cellular rejuvenation treatments aid in the reduction of acne or other scars, minimizes wrinkles, and promotes skin revitalization.

Specialized Men’s Doctors | Royal Oak

If you are a man in the Royal Oak or greater Oakland County area, don’t wait until it’s too late to see a doctor. Specialized men’s healthcare services at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak don’t just treat health issues – they can prevent them.

With a comprehensive approach encompassing disease prevention, sexual health, weight management, hormone balancing, medical aesthetics, and more, Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak offers personalized healthcare for the whole man. By addressing the unique health needs of men and fostering a comfortable and discreet environment of open communication, Dr. Hakim is committed to helping men achieve optimal health and well-being at every age.

Schedule a specialized men’s doctors appointment at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak today  – and take control of your health so you will live with health and vitality now and for years to come.

Men’s Doctor | Royal Oak: 248-997-4242

 

Prevent Heart Disease by Maintaining Healthy Arteries

/in , /by

Yes, You Can Prevent Heart Disease with Healthy Arteries!

Not worried about heart disease? Every American should be! Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than half a million people dying from heart disease every year – which is equivalent to 1 in every 4 deaths.

According to the American Heart Association, about 121.5 million adults in the United States (48%) have some form of cardiovascular disease. And it can have a significant impact on quality of life for those living with the condition. But heart disease is not something that occurs suddenly. Rather, it develops over years (even decades) – typically starting in the arteries. And often, by the time patients realize they have heart disease, permanent damage has been done.

The good news is that by taking care of our arteries – the way that we take care of our teeth or skin – we can help keep arteries young and healthy and prevent heart disease. In this article, Royal Oak heart disease prevention doctor Dr. Nashith Hakim, MD explains how she can help you protect your arteries and maintain heart health now … and for years to come.

BaleDoneen Method of  Heart Disease Prevention

Many cases of heart disease are preventable through lifestyle changes and early intervention that maintain artery health. Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak is trained and certified in the BaleDoneen Method, which focuses on maintaining artery health to prevent heart disease.

Dr. Hakim is an integrative medicine doctor, which means that she looks at the “whole person” and takes an individual, holistic approach to preventing disease. The BaleDoneen Method is a personalized approach to heart disease prevention and treatment that focuses on maintaining the health of the arteries.

The BaleDoneen Method was developed by Bradley Bale, MD, and Amy Doneen, DNP, who recognized that traditional risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, were not enough to identify all individuals at risk for the condition. They developed the BaleDoneen Method to take a more comprehensive approach to heart disease prevention.

The BaleDoneen Method uses advanced imaging technology – including ultrasound and CT scans – to detect early signs of artery disease and inflammation, even before symptoms appear. It also looks at other factors that can contribute to heart disease risk, such as genetics, lifestyle habits, and stress levels. Based on this information, a personalized prevention and treatment plan is developed to help individuals maintain optimal artery health and reduce their risk of heart disease.

Maintaining Artery Health with the BaleDoneen Method

The BaleDoneen Method emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimal artery health to prevent heart disease. The arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the arteries become damaged or inflamed, it can increase the risk of heart disease.

Inflammation is a key contributor to artery damage and heart disease. The BaleDoneen Method uses advanced testing to identify inflammation in the body and then develops a personalized plan to address it. This may involve changes to diet, lifestyle habits, and the use of anti-inflammatory medications or supplements.

High blood pressure is another major risk factor for heart disease. The BaleDoneen Method closely monitors blood pressure levels and develops a personalized plan to help individuals maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

High cholesterol levels also contribute significantly to artery damage and heart disease. The BaleDoneen Method uses advanced lipid testing to identify the specific types of cholesterol that are most harmful and develops a personalized plan to reduce cholesterol levels.

Benefits of the BaleDoneen Method of Heart Disease Prevention

The BaleDoneen Method offers several benefits for those looking to prevent heart disease and maintain optimal artery health. Perhaps most importantly, the BaleDoneen Method uses advanced imaging technology to detect early signs of artery disease and inflammation before symptoms appear. This allows for early intervention and personalized treatment to prevent the progression of heart disease – rather than waiting until the disease has progressed.

Like all of Dr. Hakim’s integrative treatment plans at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak, the BaleDoneen Method takes a personalized approach to heart disease prevention, taking into account an individual’s unique risk factors and needs. This allows for tailored treatment and better outcomes.

The BaleDoneen Method looks at all factors that can contribute to heart disease risk – not just cholesterol and blood pressure – including genetics, lifestyle habits, diet, exercise, and stress levels. This comprehensive approach allows for a more accurate assessment of an individual’s heart disease risk and a more effective prevention plan.

Heart Disease Prevention Doctor | Royal Oak

If you have been diagnosed with signs of heart disease – or you want to prevent heart disease from sneaking up on you – schedule a consultation at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak today!

Several clinical research studies have shown that the BaleDoneen Method can lead to improved outcomes for those with heart disease. By focusing on early detection and prevention of artery damage and inflammation, Dr. Hakim at Prosperity Health in Royal Oak can help you maintain a healthy heart for years to come.

Heart Disease Prevention Doctor | Royal Oak: 248.997.4242