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Hypothyroidism services offered in Portland, OR
Hypothyroidism - underactive thyroid function - is one of the most common and most undertreated conditions in naturopathic practice. Standard thyroid testing often misses the full picture, and many patients continue to feel unwell even on thyroid medication.
Naturopathic physicians Rebecca Sand ND and Elizabeth Emrick ND at Open Wellness PDX offer comprehensive thyroid evaluation and individualized treatment for hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and subclinical thyroid dysfunction.
Call the Portland office, request a telehealth visit, or book online.
Hypothyroidism Q&A
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, body temperature, mood, cognition, digestion, skin health, and reproductive hormones - which is why hypothyroidism can cause such a wide range of symptoms.
Classic symptoms include fatigue and low energy, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, cold intolerance or consistently feeling cold, brain fog and poor memory, depression or low mood, dry skin and hair loss or brittle nails, constipation, slow heart rate, irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, and elevated cholesterol.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis - an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid - is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States and requires a different treatment approach than non-autoimmune hypothyroidism.
What causes hypothyroidism?
Causes include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine or selenium deficiency, gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability, estrogen dominance which interferes with thyroid hormone binding, environmental toxin exposure including fluoride, bromine, and heavy metals that displace iodine, chronic stress and cortisol excess which suppresses TSH and conversion of T4 to active T3, and subclinical nutrient depletions.
Standard TSH testing alone is insufficient to identify many of these patterns. Dr. Sand and Dr. Emrick use advanced thyroid panels including free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies, alongside inflammatory markers, nutrient levels, and hormone assessment via DUTCH testing to build a complete picture.
How does naturopathic medicine treat hypothyroidism?
Treatment at Open Wellness PDX is individualized based on the type and cause of thyroid dysfunction. A comprehensive plan may include targeted thyroid-supporting nutrients including iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, vitamin D, and tyrosine; gut healing for Hashimoto's and autoimmune-driven cases; hormone balancing; anti-inflammatory nutrition; stress and cortisol support; environmental toxin reduction guidance; nutrient optimization; and prescription thyroid hormone support including T3/T4 combination therapy or natural desiccated thyroid when indicated.
For patients already on levothyroxine who still feel unwell, a naturopathic evaluation often reveals conversion issues, nutrient depletions, or autoimmune activity that explains persistent symptoms and opens new treatment options.
To get started, call 503-770-0670, request a telehealth visit, or book online.