Ottawa thyroid doctor, Kandis Lock, N.D. provides treatment for thyroid disorders using naturopathic medicine including natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and NDT in Ontario.
The endocrine system is a complex web of hormones and the glands that produce them. An essential part of that system is the thyroid, a butterfly shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck. The primary functions of thyroid hormones are to help the body use energy effectively in order to keep your body warm and ensure regular and proper function of your muscles, brain, heart and other organs. When this little gland does its job well, you’d never even think of it. However, when normal thyroid function is disrupted, it can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms in your body.
Because the thyroid hormone controls so many different systems and processes in your body, when it isn’t functioning correctly the resulting symptoms can be severe and widespread. Thyroid disorders come in two forms. When your thyroid does not produce enough T3 and T4 for healthy function, the resulting condition is call hypothyroidism. When the thyroid produces too much T3 and T4, the resulting condition is called hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid expert, Kandis Lock, N.D. helps Ottawa patients achieve thyroid balance using naturopathic medicine. Call (613) 738-4779 to schedule your thyroid consultation today!
The Role Of Your Thyroid
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism can mimic those of other health conditions, like joint and muscle pain, irregular menstruation, and weight gain. So, a diagnosis cannot rely on symptoms alone. Because of this, Kandis Lock, N.D. will perform a blood test. This measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T-4 within the blood. If the results show an elevated level of TSH with an insufficient level of T-4–Hypothyroidism is diagnosed.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. This results from an excess production of T-4 and T-3 which speeds up the body’s metabolism. An overactive thyroid can cause symptoms like weight loss, hand tremors, and irregular heartbeat. Like Hypothyroidism, Kandis Lock, N.D. will perform a blood test in addition to a physical exam. If the results show excessive T-4 levels with insufficient TSH levels, Dr. Kandis Lock may perform further testing to diagnose why your thyroid is overactive. Additional tests to determine the cause of Hyperthyroidism include radioiodine scans with uptake tests and a thyroid ultrasound.
Healing Your Thyroid With BHRT
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can help bring your endocrine system back into balance and relieve your thyroid of the pressure being placed on it. BHRT helps alleviate your imbalances with bioidentical hormones–which are an exact chemical match to those produced by your body.
Progesterone deficiency or estrogen dominance is common in people with thyroid disorders. Supplementing your body with bioidentical progesterone may help bring your body back into balance.
Other hormone-related conditions may be affecting your endocrine system and thyroid. Kandis Lock, N.D. will help you find the underlying cause of your symptoms and together, we will customize a treatment plan for your specific needs.
Hypothyroidism and NDT
What is NDT?
Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) is a medication for hypothyroidism derived from dried and powdered pig thyroid glands, containing natural forms of essential thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Additionally, it contains other important thyroid elements like T1, T2, and calcitonin. NDT is available with a prescription, and it has been around since the late 1800s, making it the oldest form of thyroid hormone replacement.
Despite the emergence of synthetic alternatives over time, NDT remains a significant treatment option for managing hypothyroidism. Sourced from pig thyroid glands, which closely resemble those in humans, NDT is considered a natural treatment option for those who may not be able to or want to use synthetic hormone replacement therapies.