Thyroid Function

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck, yet it exerts a wide influence over metabolism, energy production, temperature regulation, and hormonal balance. When thyroid hormones are out of sync—too high, too low, or improperly converted—multiple systems throughout the body can be disrupted.
At Intercoastal Health, our functional medicine practitioner evaluates the full spectrum of thyroid function, identifying imbalances early, uncovering root causes, and implementing lifestyle-based and biomarker-driven strategies to restore optimal thyroid health.

What Is Thyroid Dysfunction?

Thyroid dysfunction encompasses any abnormality in how the thyroid produces and regulates hormones. Key conditions include:

• Primary Hypothyroidism (underactive gland)
  
• Hyperactive Thyroid (excessive hormone production)
  
• Thyroiditis (gland inflammation)
  
• Thyroid nodules or cancer
  
• Thyroid Conversion Syndrome (impaired T4→T3 conversion)
  
  

Each disruption carries unique risks, but all can profoundly affect energy, mood, and overall well-being.

Key Thyroid Hormones and Their Roles

Understanding thyroid health begins with the hormones themselves:

• Thyroxine (T4): The primary, largely inactive hormone secreted by the thyroid.
  
• Triiodothyronine (T3): The active form that binds to cellular receptors to regulate metabolism.
  
• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Released by the pituitary, it directs the thyroid to produce T4 and T3.
  
• Reverse T3 (rT3): An inactive isomer that may rise in stress, blocking T3 receptors.
  
  

A comprehensive functional panel measures not only TSH, but also Free T4, Free T3, rT3, and thyroid antibodies to reveal subtle imbalances.

Recognizing Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance

Hypothyroid Symptoms

• Fatigue and sluggishness
  
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  
• Cold intolerance
  
• Constipation
  
• Depression or mood disturbances
  
• Dry skin and brittle nails
  
• Hair thinning (including outer brows)
  
• Slow heart rate
  
• Puffiness around the eyes
  
  

Hyperthyroid Symptoms

• Anxiety, restlessness
  
• Unintentional weight loss
  
• Heat intolerance and sweating
  
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  
• Tremors and muscle weakness
  
• Insomnia
  
• Frequent bowel movements
  
• Goiter or gland enlargement
  
  

Thyroiditis & Nodules

• Transient hyper- followed by hypothyroid phases
  
• Neck pain or tenderness
  
• Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness in large nodules
  
  

Functional Medicine Evaluation of Thyroid Health

Rather than relying solely on TSH, we assess a full thyroid panel to capture conversion dynamics, immune status, and receptor sensitivity:

We may also order imaging (thyroid ultrasound or fine-needle biopsy) when nodules or structural changes are suspected.

Root Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction

A functional medicine approach digs into upstream contributors rather than simply treating downstream symptoms:

1. Autoimmunity
   
   • Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease disrupt normal hormone production.
     
2. Iodine Imbalance
   
   • Both deficiency (goiter risk) and excess (triggering dysfunction) can occur.
     
3. Environmental Toxins
   
   • BPA, phthalates, heavy metals impede hormone pathways.
     
4. Chronic Stress & Adrenal Strain
   
   • Elevated cortisol alters conversion and receptor sensitivity.
     
5. Nutrient Deficiencies
   
   • Selenium, zinc, iron, vitamin D, and tyrosine are critical cofactors.
     
6. Gut & Liver Health
   
   • Inflammation, dysbiosis, or hepatic impairment hinders hormone conversion and clearance.
     
     

Functional Medicine Treatment Strategy

1. Targeted Nutrition

• Anti-inflammatory whole-food diet rich in leafy greens, wild-caught fish, and healthy fats.
  
• Gluten and dairy elimination for autoimmune cases.
  
• Supplementation with selenium (200 mcg/day), zinc, iron, vitamin D, and tyrosine as indicated.
  

2. Hormonal Axis Support

• Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola) to balance the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.
  
• Assess and support adrenal health to improve T4→T3 conversion.
  

3. Medication Management

• Hypothyroid: Levothyroxine (T4), liothyronine (T3), or natural desiccated thyroid.
  
• Hyperthyroid: Antithyroid agents, beta-blockers, or referral for radioiodine/surgery.
  
• Dosing is individualized, with ongoing lab monitoring and symptom tracking.
  

4. Detoxification & Gut Repair

• Support liver detox pathways (milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine) to optimize conversion.
  
• Heal gut integrity (probiotics, glutamine, avoidance of inflammatory foods).
  

5. Lifestyle Optimization

• Stress reduction (mindfulness, yoga, breathwork) to lower cortisol.
  
• Regular exercise tailored to energy levels.
  
• Sleep hygiene to regulate hormone rhythms.
  
  

Monitoring and Preventing Complications

Regular retesting every 8–12 weeks ensures that interventions are effective and safe. Untreated thyroid dysfunction can lead to:

• Cardiovascular Disease: Arrhythmias, high cholesterol, hypertension
  
• Bone Loss: Osteoporosis risk with hypo- or hyperthyroidism
  
• Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, cognitive decline
  
• Reproductive Issues: Infertility, menstrual irregularities
• Life-Threatening Crises: Myxedema coma or thyroid storm

Further Reading

• Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, et al. “Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism.” Thyroid. 2014;24(12):1670–1751.
  
• Ross DS, Burch HB, Cooper DS, et al. “2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis.” Thyroid. 2016;26(10):1343–1421.
  
• Pearce EN, Brabant G, Duntas LH, et al. “2013 ETA Guideline: Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism.” Eur Thyroid J. 2013;2(4):215–228.
  
• Hoang TD, Olsen CH, Mai VQ, et al. “Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease.” JAMA. 2019;322(9):875–884.
  
  

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine nurse practitioner in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances driving thyroid disorders. By integrating evidence-based therapies with IV Therapy and Regenerative Medicine services—where hormone optimization and tissue support are paramount—we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework to rebuild metabolic resilience and optimize wellness. Call (904) 799-2531 or schedule online to request your personalized thyroid health assessment.