Over 20 million Americans are affected by Thyroid Disorders, and more than half are unaware that they have a Thyroid problem because it frequently goes undiagnosed… until it gets severe.

The Thyroid is responsible for creating two hormones: T3 and T4. The more biologically active hormone, T3, is a critical component in cellular function; in fact, 80% of T4 is converted to T3 in the peripheral tissues of the body. The T4 hormone acts as a precursor to the more active T3 hormone. Often, one of the main problems in Thyroid disorders is trouble with the T4 to T3 conversion in the tissues. This results in a deficiency of T3, which disrupts the body’s ability to regulate metabolism properly.  The Thyroid controls our metabolism – it is the “gas pedal” of the body. Thyroid hormones have a direct effect on most organs, including the heart, which beats faster and harder under the influence of increased Thyroid hormones. This is often a major contributing factor to the heart problems that accompany chronic Thyroid problems in many women.

Common Examples of Thyroid Symptoms include:

Hypothyroid (Low Function):

• Chronic Fatigue
• Irritability between meals
• Depression/lack of motivation
• Constipation/Bloating
• Weight gain
• Cold hands/feet
• Morning headaches
• Hair loss
• Dry Skin

Hyperthyroid (High Function):

• Heart Palpitations
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Increased Pulsed Rate
• Insomnia
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Nervous/Emotional
• Brain fog

** Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid and can cause both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms. 

Dr. Michael Veselak is Board Certified in Integrative Medicine and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, allowing him to thoroughly evaluate his patients neurologically and metabolically, both of which play an important role in Thyroid care. Using a functional medicine approach, Dr. Veselak will properly identify the root cause of the Thyroid problem and treat accordingly, giving you the most comprehensive answers to your Thyroid questions.

Many patients who suffer from Thyroid disease are told that they have Hypothyroidism and need a thyroid replacement. Most commonly, these patients received this diagnosis because of an elevated TSH level. Unfortunately, the correct testing is rarely done to find out the underlying cause of why the patient has low thyroid function.  Many times, women will experience all of the symptoms of Hypothyroid, but when their lab tests show a normal TSH level, they are told everything is fine. However, this is not always the case. In fact, there are many reasons why this can occur. If you want relief from the fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, lack of motivation, joint pain, and the myriad of other symptoms that accompany Thyroid disease, the bottom line remains the same: you must discover the underlying factors affecting the production and utilization of the Thyroid hormones!

Many practitioners who claim to treat Thyroid disease direct their treatment at replacing Thyroid hormones. However, to accurately address these symptoms, it is important to evaluate the patient from a metabolic standpoint as well as their underlying genetics. Methylation is crucial to the adequate delivery of the Thyroid hormones to the cells. Dr. Michael Veselak will analyze several genes in the body, including the MTHR gene, to optimize the health and function of the body. The way in which methylation affects brain health and neurotransmitters is equally important when addressing a Thyroid patient. It is common for patients with a Thyroid disorder to experience neurological symptoms because a disruption in Thyroid function can negatively impact the health of the brain. This results in certain areas of the brain beginning to over-fire. Therefore, it is important to optimize brain function when restoring health to a patient with Thyroid symptoms.

Examples of Neurologic Symptoms that Develop in Thyroid Patients include:

• Chronic Fatigue
• Light/Sound Sensitivity
• Vertigo/Balance Disorders
• Decreased Libido
• Depression
• Headaches
• Heart Palpitations
• Anxiety
• Increased Sweating
• Insomnia
• Nerve Pain

Along with advanced laboratory testing, metabolic and neurological examinations, and dietary and lifestyle changes, Dr. Michael Veselak also utilizes advanced technology to support the reduction of inflammation in the Thyroid. Cold Laser therapy, oxygen therapy, whole body vibration therapy, eye lights therapy and neurofeedback are a few examples of the revolutionary treatments Dr. Veselak incorporates into his treatments.