About this condition
Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid — is one of the most commonly missed diagnoses in Canada, particularly in women. Standard TSH testing alone misses subclinical hypothyroidism and the autoimmune component (Hashimoto's) that underlies the majority of cases. Naturopathic doctors use comprehensive thyroid testing and treat both dimensions.
What a naturopathic doctor can do
- Full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies)
- Hashimoto's identification and autoimmune management
- Selenium — reduces TPO antibodies in Hashimoto's
- Iodine, zinc, and iron optimization for thyroid hormone production
- Gluten-free trial for Hashimoto's patients
- Adrenal support — thyroid and adrenal dysfunction frequently coexist
- Gut healing for autoimmune thyroid disease
Related conditions treated
Common questions
Hypothyroidism is the state of having an underactive thyroid. Hashimoto's is the autoimmune condition that causes most cases of hypothyroidism. You can have Hashimoto's with normal thyroid function — and treating the autoimmune component early can prevent progression to overt hypothyroidism.
For overt hypothyroidism, thyroid medication is usually necessary. For subclinical hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's with normal thyroid function, naturopathic interventions may be sufficient to prevent progression. This is assessed individually.
Gliadin shares a molecular structure similar to thyroid tissue. In people with Hashimoto's, gluten consumption can cross-react with thyroid antibodies, worsening autoimmune activity. The evidence supports a gluten-free trial for Hashimoto's patients.