Your thyroid is a tiny gland in your neck that produces hormones that control many of your bodily functions. If your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, you may produce too many or too few hormones, leading a variety of symptoms. Dr. Melita Tate and the team at Grassroots Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma, takes a holistic approach to care and provides thyroid support to improve health and reduce symptoms. To reduce your cost and improve care, Grassroots Healthcare offers a direct care program for a monthly fee. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online tool to learn more.
Your thyroid is a tiny bow-shaped gland located below the larynx in your neck. This gland produces and secretes thyroid hormones, which are responsible for many bodily functions, including:
You need a good supply of iodine in your diet in order for your thyroid to function properly. Some food sources include milk, black-eyed peas, navy beans, and eggs.
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones. A decrease in hormone production may develop from a number of causes, including an autoimmune condition, use of certain medications, or radiation treatment to the thyroid.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s own immune system attacks your thyroid, decreasing hormone production and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, Dr. Tate can run a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels to see if you’re deficient.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your body produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. Like hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis, which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, can also lead to an increase in hormone production.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
Dr. Tate can diagnose hyperthyroidism after a physical exam and blood test. To confirm a diagnosis, you may need a diagnostic test, such as an ultrasound or a thyroid scan.
At Grassroots Healthcare, Dr. Tate takes a holistic approach to care and treats the whole body, not just the thyroid. When you come in to see her for concerns about your thyroid, she wants to know the underlying cause of your condition so she can provide the most appropriate treatment that not only relieves your symptoms, but improves thyroid health.
For thyroid support, she may recommend nutritional supplements and a diet change. If your thyroid levels are low, she may recommend thyroid medication to restore hormone balance.
For holistic management of your thyroid, call Grassroots Healthcare, or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.
