- 2593 Development Drive #240, Green Bay, WI 54301
- [email protected]
- 920-737-1625
- 833-973-2699
At Lindgren Functional Medicine, we understand that unexplained chronic symptoms can be frustrating and overwhelming. If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue, weight changes, mood fluctuations, or other unexplained issues, your thyroid might be at the root of the problem. The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating many of the body’s functions, and when it’s out of balance, it can impact your overall health.
Our team is dedicated to uncovering the underlying causes of your symptoms, and we specialize in comprehensive thyroid care that goes beyond just managing symptoms. We focus on restoring your thyroid health to help you feel your best again. Visit us in Green Bay to get to the bottom of your chronic symptoms and support your journey to wellness.
The concept of the ‘butterfly effect’ is that small changes will have huge effects. Nowhere in the body is this more relevant than the thyroid.
Dr. Lindgren describes thyroid function this way, “Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that the gland that is responsible for regulating things like heart rate, body weight and temperature, cholesterol levels, nervous system activities, and breathing is in the shape of a butterfly. Because as small things affect thyroid function, you get large responses that will have a direct result on your well-being.”
The thyroid is located in your neck just below the Adam’s apple and is comprised of two lobes that are connected in the middle. This gland produces and distributes two hormones — Triiodothyronine (also known as T3) and Thyroxine (known as T4) — which are regulated and kept in balance by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. These two glands will stimulate the thyroid with a hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which will tell the thyroid to produce more or less of T3 and T4 to maintain proper equilibrium. Once the T3 and T4 enter the bloodstream, they are delivered throughout the body and are used for a variety of processes. When there is an imbalance in the stimulating hormone, you will either have an excess of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) or a deficiency of these hormones (hypothyroidism).
When the levels are low, you may experience trouble sleeping, depression, sensitivity to cold, joint and muscle pain, exhaustion, dry skin and brittle hair, as well as difficulty concentrating. In the instances where your body has too much T3 or T4, you may find you have anxiety, unexplained hair loss, sweating or sensitivity to higher temperatures, nervousness, trembling in the hands, or you may experience moodiness.
Lindgren Functional Medicine in Green Bay is experienced in treating Hashimoto’s disease, a common autoimmune condition that can severely impact thyroid function. Hashimoto’s disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid, leading to inflammation and reduced hormone production. This can result in a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and depression. By taking a holistic approach to your care, we aim to reduce inflammation, balance your immune system, and restore proper thyroid function, helping you regain control over your health.
A decline in thyroid levels can be caused by Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune disease where your body begins to attack your thyroid, eventually leading to the destruction of the gland. It can also be caused by excessive amounts of iodide, which is an element that is necessary for growth and metabolic function. Some cold and sinus medicines and even some heart medications contain iodine which can lead to higher levels in the body. Another drug that has been shown to be a cause of hypothyroidism is lithium.
An overproduction of thyroid can be caused by underlying issues like Grave’s disease, inflammation of the thyroid, malfunctions in the pituitary gland, or cancer on the thyroid gland, as well as nodules that can form on the thyroid which leak out T3 and T4 without the regulation of the pituitary or hypothalamus glands.
At Lindgren Functional Medicine, our approach to treating thyroid disorders is rooted in functional medicine principles, which prioritize natural treatments and the body’s own healing ability. We take a comprehensive approach, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of thyroid dysfunction. Here’s how we approach thyroid care:
The first step in addressing thyroid disorders is thorough testing T3 and T4 levels. We go beyond standard thyroid panels you may find at other Green Bay practices and include tests that measure thyroid antibodies, nutrient levels, and other markers that can reveal underlying issues. This comprehensive testing allows us to get a full picture of your thyroid health and identify any imbalances or autoimmune activity that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Lifestyle plays a significant role in thyroid health. We work with you to make targeted changes in your diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep habits. A nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep are essential for supporting thyroid function. Additionally, we focus on reducing stress through mindfulness practices, as chronic stress can negatively impact thyroid health and overall well-being.
Iodine is a critical nutrient for thyroid function, as it is a key component of thyroid hormones. In cases where iodine deficiency is contributing to thyroid issues, we may recommend iodide treatments. However, it’s important to approach iodine supplementation carefully, as both deficiency and excess iodine can cause thyroid problems. We tailor iodide treatments based on your specific needs, ensuring you receive the right amount to support thyroid health.
When necessary, we incorporate medication into your treatment plan. This may include synthetic or natural thyroid hormone replacements to help regulate hormone levels. Our goal is to use the lowest effective dose, monitoring your progress closely and adjusting treatment as needed. Medication can be a valuable tool in managing thyroid disorders, especially when combined with other functional medicine strategies in Green Bay.
For some individuals, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is essential for restoring balance. We offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by your body. This approach supports natural hormone levels and helps alleviate symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction. HRT is personalized to your unique needs, ensuring you achieve optimal hormonal balance.
If you’re struggling with thyroid issues and are looking for expert care in Green Bay, we invite you to work with our team at Lindgren Functional Medicine. Our experienced thyroid doctors are dedicated to helping you uncover the root causes of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your body’s natural healing abilities. Whether you’re dealing with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, or another thyroid disorder, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Take the first step towards better health and schedule a consultation with us today. Let us help you restore balance and vitality to your life.
Lindgren Functional Medicine Clinic in Green Bay – making healing affordable, personalized, and convenient.