If you experience changes in appetite, hair changes, weight gain, or fatigue, thyroid disorders may be to blame. At Be Balanced Naturopathic Care Center in Norwalk, Connecticut, naturopathic physician Shyron Alston, ND, diagnoses thyroid problems and treats them naturally when possible. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces thyroid hormone, which is a hormone that controls your body’s metabolism (the number of calories you burn throughout the day). Thyroid disorders often cause changes in thyroid hormone balance, leading to weight gain, fatigue, or other undesirable symptoms.
Common thyroid problems include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your body produces too little thyroid hormone, which can cause weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and feeling cold.
If you have hyperthyroidism, your body makes too much thyroid hormone, which might lead to sleeping problems, hair changes, excessive sweating, and unplanned weight loss.
Anyone can develop a thyroid disorder, but certain factors increase your risk of having one. Examples include:
Poor dietary habits or being overweight increases your risk of thyroid problems. While you can’t always prevent thyroid disorders, adopting healthy habits lowers your risk.
Dr. Alston lets you know if you have a thyroid disorder after discussing your symptoms and medical history, completing a physical exam, and reviewing the results of a blood test. Be Balanced Naturopathic Care Center offers specialty testing to provide an in-depth picture of your body’s biochemical processes.
She feels your thyroid gland to see if it appears too large and might recommend an ultrasound to get an in-depth view of the size, shape, and overall appearance of your thyroid gland.
Dr. Alston focuses on treating thyroid disorders using natural methods. She personalizes a treatment that best fits your needs. It often includes diet and exercise changes, dietary supplements as needed, weight loss, getting more sleep, and reducing stress. Botanical medicine, or herbal medicine, may help too.
To find out if you have a thyroid disorder, call the Be Balanced Naturopathic Care Center office or schedule an appointment online today.
