Thyroid Health

Thyroid health can influence nearly every part of your whole-person wellness, particularly if you have a thyroid disease like hypothyroidism. Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician Dr. Alexis Michopoulos, DO, offers personalized health care in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Michopoulos uses functional and integrative approaches to help you achieve your health goals while preventing disease, increasing your energy, and improving your quality of life. Call the office or book your appointment through the online scheduling feature now.

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It creates thyroid hormones that help control virtually all bodily functions, so it has a significant effect on your:

• Energy level
• Metabolism
• Mood
• Weight
• Digestion
• Brain function
• Skin and Hair

A healthy thyroid keeps you functioning at your peak, but thyroid health issues can drag you down and decrease your quality of life. 

What are the most common thyroid health problems?

The most common thyroid problems are:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when you don’t produce enough thyroid hormones. That slows many bodily processes, leading to issues such as fatigue, weight gain, coldness, dry skin, poor concentration, constipation, and depression. About five in 100 Americans aged 12 and older have hypothyroidism. 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when you make excessive thyroid hormones. It can speed up bodily processes, causing issues like weight loss, erratic heartbeat, and nervousness.

Because the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also occur in many other conditions, you need a comprehensive health evaluation to rule out other issues and confirm that your thyroid gland is the source of your issues. 

What causes thyroid health problems?

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can occur for many reasons, including:

• Cancerous tumors
• Thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis)
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Iodine deficiency
• Excessive iodine
• Non-functioning thyroid gland
• Graves’ disease
• Thyroid nodules
• Genetic disorders
• Radiation therapy
• Thyroid surgery

People who have autoimmune disorders, such as Type 1 diabetes, Celiac Disease, and PCOS (to name a few), are more likely to develop thyroid disease. With Type 2 diabetes, you have a lower risk of thyroid disease than those with Type 1, but you still need to monitor your thyroid health. 

Dr. Michopoulos evaluates your symptoms and performs appropriate medical testing to find the underlying cause of your thyroid health problems. 

How are thyroid health problems treated?

The disease-based medical model creates fear and anxiety without really giving you actionable solutions. Instead, Dr. Michopoulos uses a health-centered approach that helps you achieve good thyroid health and effective whole-body healing. 

You learn how to take back your health, take responsibility for your own wellness, recognize problems, and listen to your body. 

Dr. Michopoulos may prescribe a treatment plan, including prescription medications, supplements, lifestyle changes, osteopathic manipulation, and other customized care to improve and optimize your thyroid health. Some people may need hormone replacement for hypothyroidism. 

When you have thyroid issues, your physical, mental, and emotional health can suffer. Dr. Alexis Michopoulos, DO, can help you reclaim your wellness, so call the Denver office or click the online scheduling feature today.