Understanding hypothyroidism: a holistic approach

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone helps set the pace of your metabolism, so a shortfall can affect energy, weight, mood, digestion, skin and more.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms often develop slowly and are easy to put down to stress or age. They may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Feeling cold more easily
• Constipation
• Dry skin and hair
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Low mood and mood swings
• Poor memory and "brain fog"
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• A hoarse voice or swelling at the front of the neck (goitre) in some cases

Many of these symptoms have other causes too, so a blood test ordered by your doctor is the way to find out whether your thyroid is involved.

What happens if it isn't treated?

Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to complications, including:

• Heart and circulation. Higher cholesterol and a raised risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Mental health. Depression, anxiety and slowed thinking.
• Fertility and pregnancy. Difficulty conceiving, a higher risk of miscarriage, and effects on the baby's development. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, your doctor will want to monitor your thyroid closely.
• Myxedema. A rare but life-threatening state of severe hypothyroidism, with extreme tiredness, low body temperature and confusion or loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency.

This is why medical diagnosis and treatment come first.

How can TCM help alongside medication?

Many people with hypothyroidism take their medication, have normal blood tests, and still don't feel well. Others are working with their doctor to get the dose right. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may be used alongside that care, with the aim of supporting energy, digestion, sleep and mood.

In TCM, the symptoms people describe with hypothyroidism, such as tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain and sluggish digestion, are often linked to patterns such as Spleen and Kidney yang deficiency. These are traditional patterns, not Western diagnoses. They guide the choice of points, herbs and advice. The approach may include:

• Acupuncture. The aim is to support circulation, energy and a calmer stress response. Research on acupuncture for thyroid conditions is limited, so we focus on how you feel rather than on promises about thyroid levels.
• Chinese herbal medicine. Formulas are tailored to your pattern. Some herbs and seaweed-based products contain iodine or can interact with thyroid medication, so Dalibor needs to know everything you take, and your doctor should too.
• Overall health. TCM looks at underlying imbalances, sleep and stress resilience as part of the bigger picture.

Does diet matter?

Yes, diet is a big part of how you feel. Dalibor may suggest reducing foods that tend to drive inflammation for you and building meals around whole foods, and he can explain how TCM views warming and cooling foods for people who feel cold and sluggish.

A practical tip: thyroid medication is usually taken on an empty stomach, and some foods, coffee, calcium and iron supplements can affect how it is absorbed. Your pharmacist can tell you how to time things for your particular medication.

What happens at a first visit?

We start with an initial assessment. Dalibor asks about your diagnosis, your medication and blood test history, your symptoms, diet, sleep and stress. He then does a TCM assessment, including pulse diagnosis, and explains the plan and cost. Your first visit is an initial examination ($110, about 60 minutes) followed by your first acupuncture treatment ($120).

Acupuncture with sterile, single-use needles is generally low-risk. Tell us about any medications and whether you are pregnant.

Next steps

For the food side, see holistic nutrition. If you are also concerned about metabolism and liver health, our article on fatty liver disease may be useful. The clinic is at 1550 Enterprise Rd in Mississauga, about 20 minutes from Etobicoke. You can call us at 647-342-2281 or book a first visit online.

Common questions

Can acupuncture replace my thyroid medication?

No. Keep taking your thyroid medication as prescribed and keep up your regular blood tests. Acupuncture and herbs are used alongside it, never instead of it.

Can Chinese herbs affect my thyroid tests?

Some herbs and supplements, especially those containing iodine or seaweed, can affect thyroid function. Dalibor takes this into account, and your doctor should know about anything you take.

Why do I still feel tired when my blood tests are normal?

This is common and worth raising with your doctor, since dose, timing, iron, B12, sleep and other conditions can all play a part. TCM may help with how you feel day to day while that is looked at.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Acupuncture works alongside the care you get from your family doctor. If your symptoms are new, severe or getting worse, see your doctor first.