Understanding Thyroid Disorders
Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your neck that produces hormones controlling your body's metabolism, energy production, and numerous vital functions. When your thyroid doesn't produce the right amount of hormones, it affects nearly every system in your body.
Types of Thyroid Conditions We Treat
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Most Common- Most common thyroid disorder
- Affects 5% of the US population
- Thyroid produces insufficient hormones
- Slows down body functions
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Autoimmune- Autoimmune condition
- Leading cause of hypothyroidism
- Immune system attacks thyroid
- Progressive thyroid damage
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
- Excess thyroid hormone production
- Affects 1% of population
- Speeds up metabolism
- Can cause serious complications
Graves' Disease
Autoimmune- Autoimmune hyperthyroidism
- Most common cause of overactive thyroid
- Can affect eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy)
- Requires specialized treatment
Other Conditions
- Thyroid nodules
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
- Thyroid hormone resistance
- Subclinical hypothyroidism
- Post-thyroidectomy management
How Your Thyroid Works
The thyroid produces two main hormones:
These hormones regulate:
Symptoms & Warning Signs
Energy & Metabolism
- Extreme fatigue despite adequate sleep
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Cold intolerance - feeling cold when others are comfortable
- Slower metabolism and digestion
Physical Symptoms
- Hair loss or thinning, including eyebrows
- Dry, coarse skin and brittle nails
- Puffy face and swelling around eyes
- Muscle weakness and joint pain
- Constipation and bloating
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Hoarse voice
- Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
Mental & Cognitive
- Brain fog and mental fatigue
- Memory problems and forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression and mood changes
- Anxiety and irritability
- Slow thinking and speech
Cardiovascular
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
Metabolic
- Unexpected weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Heat intolerance
- Excessive sweating
Physical
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Hand tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Frequent bowel movements
- Light or missed periods
- Bulging eyes (Graves')
Mental
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
Hashimoto's Specific Symptoms
- Gradual symptom development
- Firm, enlarged thyroid
- Feeling of fullness in throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Alternating hypo/hyper symptoms
Note: Hashimoto's symptoms can fluctuate as the thyroid is progressively damaged, sometimes causing temporary hyperthyroid symptoms before developing into hypothyroidism.
Are You Experiencing These Symptoms?
Take our free thyroid assessment to evaluate your symptoms and get personalized recommendations.
Take Free AssessmentDiagnosis & Testing
Accurate diagnosis requires comprehensive testing beyond just TSH levels.
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel
Essential Tests
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Primary ScreeningNormal: 0.4-4.5 mIU/L
Optimal: 1.0-2.5 mIU/L
Free T4 (Thyroxine)
Normal: 0.8-1.8 ng/dL
Indicates hormone production
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)
Normal: 2.3-4.2 pg/mL
Active hormone level
Reverse T3
Identifies conversion issues
Important for complex cases
Antibody Tests
Additional Testing
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Iodine levels
- Selenium status
- Vitamin D levels
- Iron studies
- B12 and folate
- Cortisol levels
Testing Protocol
Morning fasting blood draw
Most accurate results
Consistent timing for monitoring
Same time of day for all tests
Avoid biotin supplements 72 hours prior
Can interfere with results
Results within 48-72 hours
Fast turnaround time
Treatment Options Available
We offer comprehensive thyroid treatment options tailored to your specific condition and needs.
Hypothyroidism Medications
Levothyroxine (T4) - First-Line Treatment
Synthroid
Brand NameBrand name, consistent formulation
Levoxyl
Alternative brand
Tirosint
Gel capsule, fewer fillers
Unithroid
Cost-effective option
Generic Levothyroxine
Most AffordableMost affordable option
Dosing Considerations:
- Starting dose: 1.6 mcg/kg body weight
- Elderly: Start low (25-50 mcg)
- Adjustments every 6-8 weeks
- Take on empty stomach
- Consistent timing crucial
Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT)
Armour Thyroid
NaturalPorcine-derived
Nature-Throid
Hypoallergenic
NP Thyroid
Alternative NDT
WP Thyroid
Minimal ingredients
Contains both T4 and T3 - Some patients feel better on NDT
T3 Medications
Liothyronine (Cytomel)
Synthetic T3
Compounded T3
Custom dosing
Used alone or with T4 for conversion issues - Requires careful monitoring
Combination Therapy
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Supporting Supplements
Essential Nutrients
Additional Support
Why Choose Our Online Thyroid Care
Specialized Expertise
- Board-certified endocrinologists
- Thyroid-focused practitioners
- Functional medicine approach
- Latest treatment protocols
Comprehensive Approach
- Full thyroid panel testing
- Beyond TSH evaluation
- Root cause investigation
- Lifestyle optimization
Patient-Centered Care
- Symptom-focused treatment
- Not just lab numbers
- Individualized protocols
- Regular adjustments
Convenience Benefits
- Online consultations
- Home lab testing kits
- Medication delivery
- Digital health tracking
- 24/7 portal access
Cost-Effective
- Transparent pricing
- Generic options available
- Bundle packages
- Insurance assistance
- HSA/FSA eligible
Getting Started with Treatment
Initial Assessment
Comprehensive Evaluation
- Detailed symptom questionnaire
- Medical history review
- Family thyroid history
- Current medications
- Dietary assessment
Laboratory Testing
Complete Thyroid Panel
- Order test kit online
- Local lab visit option
- Morning fasting draw
- Results in 2-3 days
Provider Consultation
Virtual Appointment
- Review all test results
- Discuss symptoms in detail
- Explain treatment options
- Create personalized plan
- Address all questions
Treatment Initiation
Prescription & Delivery
- E-prescription to pharmacy
- Or direct home delivery
- Clear dosing instructions
- Lifestyle recommendations
- Supplement guidance
Monitoring & Optimization
Regular Follow-Up
- 6-8 week recheck
- Symptom tracking
- Dose adjustments
- Quarterly monitoring
- Annual comprehensive review
Ready to Feel Better?
Start with our free thyroid assessment to see if treatment is right for you.
Start Free AssessmentTakes only 5 minutes • No obligation • 100% confidential
Living with Thyroid Conditions
Medication Best Practices
Taking Your Medication
- Same time daily (morning preferred)
- Empty stomach (30-60 min before food)
- With water only
- Avoid calcium, iron for 4 hours
- Consistent brand when possible
Foods to Consider
Supportive:
- Selenium-rich foods
- Iodized salt
- Lean proteins
Limit:
- Soy products
- Raw cruciferous vegetables
- Gluten (if sensitive)
Timing: Space supplements from thyroid medication
Lifestyle Modifications
Exercise
- Start slowly if fatigued
- Build gradually
- Strength training beneficial
- Yoga for stress reduction
- Walking for baseline activity
Stress Management
- Impacts thyroid function
- Meditation/mindfulness
- Adequate sleep (7-9 hours)
- Work-life balance
- Support groups
Diet Optimization
- Anti-inflammatory foods
- Adequate protein
- Healthy fats
- Limit processed foods
- Stay hydrated
Monitoring Your Progress
Symptom Tracking
- Energy levels
- Weight changes
- Mood patterns
- Physical symptoms
- Medication timing
When to Contact Provider
- Persistent symptoms
- New symptoms
- Pregnancy planning
- Other medication changes
- Side effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Initial improvements may be noticed within 2-3 weeks, but full benefits typically take 6-8 weeks. Complete optimization may require 3-6 months with dose adjustments.
Yes, but switching should be done carefully with monitoring. Some patients notice differences between brands. We recommend retesting 6-8 weeks after any brand change.
TSH alone doesn't tell the whole story. You may have conversion issues (T4 to T3), optimal ranges may differ from normal ranges, or you may have other contributing factors like nutrient deficiencies.
Neither is universally better. Some patients do better on NDT, others on synthetic. It's highly individual. We help determine what works best for you.
Absolutely. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism significantly affect mood, anxiety levels, and cognitive function. Proper treatment often improves mental health symptoms.
Most hypothyroidism requires lifelong treatment. Some cases (like postpartum thyroiditis) may be temporary. Hyperthyroidism treatment varies based on the cause.
Not only can you, but you should! Untreated thyroid disease during pregnancy can cause serious complications. Doses often need adjustment during pregnancy.
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition that causes hypothyroidism. Not all hypothyroidism is from Hashimoto's, but it's the most common cause in the US.
Initially every 6-8 weeks until stable, then every 6-12 months. More frequent testing during pregnancy, with weight changes, or symptom changes.
Proper thyroid treatment normalizes metabolism. You may lose excess weight gained from hypothyroidism, but medication isn't a weight loss drug.
Start Your Thyroid Treatment Today
Don't let thyroid symptoms control your life. Our expert providers specialize in comprehensive thyroid care, going beyond basic treatment to help you feel your absolute best.