Thyroid Health: A new perspective for diagnosis and treatment
Imagine waking up every morning feeling fatigued, even after a full night’s rest. Your skin feels dry, your hair thinning, and you can’t shake the fogginess from your mind. For many, these seemingly unrelated symptoms can be traced back to a single, often-overlooked source: the thyroid. In 2025, as more people become aware of the impact of thyroid health on their overall well-being, the importance of understanding and addressing thyroid imbalances has never been greater. With proper testing, optimization, and support, achieving thyroid balance is within reach.
Understanding Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid imbalance typically manifests in two forms: hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), with the majority of cases being autoimmune in nature as either Hashimoto’s (hypothyroid) or Grave’s (hyperthyroid). Hypothyroidism is the most common, affecting an estimated 5% of adults, with a higher prevalence in women. This condition results in slowed metabolism, often causing fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and memory issues. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, which is less common, affecting <1% of the population, can lead to an accelerated metabolism, resulting in symptoms like rapid weight loss, anxiety, irritability, and heart palpitations. Research from the American Thyroid Association reports that women are five to eight times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition.
Beyond the standard symptoms, imbalanced thyroid hormones can have widespread effects on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and even fertility, making thyroid health a critical area for overall wellness.
The Benefits of Optimizing Thyroid Health
Optimizing thyroid function is essential for a balanced metabolism, energy regulation, mental clarity, and emotional stability. Once they optimize their thyroid levels and follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, many people notice significant improvements in their mood, energy levels, and ability to maintain a healthy weight. A 2024 study on thyroid optimization showed that patients who reached balanced hormone levels reported a 60% improvement in energy and focus, and up to 50% noted enhanced emotional stability.
Proper thyroid function also supports cardiovascular health and helps manage cholesterol levels, as the thyroid hormones play a direct role in maintaining the body’s lipid balance. For those experiencing subclinical hypothyroidism (significant symptoms without a TSH above the high end of the range and therefore not recognized as thyroid related, even a slight adjustment to bring the thyroid into balance can make a profound difference. The incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism in the general population is 3-8.5% with a higher rate closer to 20% in post-menopausal women.
How to Test for Thyroid Imbalance
Testing for thyroid imbalance in 2025 has become more advanced, allowing for a detailed analysis beyond the standard TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test. Prior to the 1970s and the push to use the new TSH test to diagnose and manage thyroid issues, physicians prescribed porcine, “Armour “ Thyroid, to relieve symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, weight gain and hair loss. The dose is adjusted to achieve the desired results without developing signs and symptoms of overmedication. While TSH levels are a key marker for untreated thyroid function, additional tests like Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG) provide a more comprehensive view of thyroid health. Many practitioners now consider these broader panels essential for identifying subtle imbalances that may not be detected by TSH alone, which is not the best marker for thyroid function and management once on medication.
At Besana Wellness, we emphasize thorough thyroid testing to provide our patients with a holistic picture of their thyroid health. By analyzing multiple thyroid markers, we can identify imbalances early on and design an individualized plan to bring thyroid levels back to optimal range.
Treatment Options for Thyroid Imbalance
Treating thyroid imbalance typically starts with lifestyle changes, nutritional support and may require medication as well. For hypothyroidism, synthetic and/or natural thyroid hormone replacement can restore hormone levels, while hyperthyroidism may require treatments to manage hormone production. Additionally, emerging research has shown that certain nutrients—such as selenium, zinc, and iodine—play an essential role in thyroid health and may aid in maintaining balanced hormone production.
Patients are often surprised to learn that thyroid health is also closely linked to gut health. Around 20% of thyroid hormone conversion occurs in the gut and a leaky gut contributes to thyroid autoimmune conditions, Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Diseases, so maintaining a balanced microbiome can support optimal thyroid function. This connection has led to an increase in holistic treatment plans that incorporate dietary modifications, probiotics, and stress management.
Lifestyle modifications, such as reducing exposure to environmental toxins, especially fluoride and chlorine in our tap water, limiting processed foods and managing stress, also support thyroid health. In fact, studies have shown that chronic stress can disrupt the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, leading to suboptimal thyroid function. By addressing stress through practices like mindfulness, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, individuals can further support thyroid balance.
How Besana Health and Wellness Can Help
At Besana Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to thyroid health. We go beyond standard testing and address the unique needs of each patient, focusing on achieving balance through advanced testing, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support. Our goal is to empower patients with the knowledge and resources they need to maintain optimal thyroid health, helping them achieve renewed energy, clarity, and overall well-being.
Understanding and optimizing your thyroid health is essential for living with vitality and balance. By recognizing the signs of imbalance, pursuing thorough testing, and working with trusted providers, you can take control of your thyroid health and enhance your overall quality of life. Are you ready to explore how thyroid optimization can transform your health?
