Thyroid Specialist
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A Path to Natural Health
Naturopathic Doctor located in Issaquah, WA
When your body attacks your thyroid, you may experience sluggishness, weight gain, and other symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. Dr. Maura Scanlan is a naturopath that helps people with hypothyroidism heal. She operates under the principle that the body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism and that interventions using natural hormones and dietary strategies contribute to a resolution of your thyroid problems. If you live in the area of Issaquah, Washington, call her practice, A Path to Natural Health, or make an appointment using the online booking option.
Thyroid Q & A
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your throat. It regulates your metabolism, growth, and body temperature.
What is hypothyroidism?
When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid isn’t producing thyroid hormones at a fast enough rate. As a result your metabolism slows down and you experience a number of related symptoms, including:
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin and thinning hair
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Impaired memory
When hypothyroidism goes untreated, these symptoms become more severe. You can develop a goiter and your thought process slows. Heart disease, infertility, and peripheral neuropathy often coexist with hypothyroidism.
What causes hypothyroidism?
Autoimmune disease, age, genetics, and dietary factors can contribute to hypothyroidism. Women are at particular risk. Other factors that make it possible your symptoms are thyroid related include:
- Being age 60 or older
- Having an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Family history of thyroid disease
- Prior treatment with radioactive iodine
- History of radiation to your neck or upper chest
- Pregnancy or recent delivery
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Dr. Scanlan may suspect hypothyroidism after reviewing your medical history and current symptoms. She also runs blood tests that check the amounts of various thyroid hormones in your body. Ultimately, her intention is to resolve your symptoms and make you feel better. The blood tests inform her diagnosis, but don’t dictate it.
How does a naturopath treat hypothyroidism?
Dr. Scanlan discusses nutritional interventions that can help you manage thyroid issues. Sometimes, when you have a food intolerance or sensitivity, it can trigger your immune system to attack your thyroid and compromise its function.
In addition, Dr. Scanlan offers hormone replacement, including thyroid hormone, to help bring your levels into balance, so you function optimally. She also considers your sex hormones and how they impact your thyroid hormone balance. Sometimes, estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement is also necessary.
The exact treatment plan is individualized for each patient with thyroid imbalance. Dr. Scanlan adjusts therapies according to how your body reacts to each intervention.
