Hashimoto’s & hypothyroidism care

Yes. Dr. Madeira is a licensed naturopathic doctor who works with adults with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and other thyroid disorders, focusing on what may be driving the autoimmune process as well as how your thyroid is functioning. When thyroid hormone medication is appropriate, he discusses options within his state scope of practice or coordinates with your other doctors.

TSH is a useful screening test, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. A fuller thyroid evaluation can include total and free T4, total and free T3, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies (TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies), interpreted alongside your symptoms and history.

Not exactly. Hypothyroidism means an underactive thyroid. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US, but you can have Hashimoto’s antibodies before thyroid function drops, and hypothyroidism can have other causes.

Hashimoto’s is a chronic autoimmune condition. The goal of care is to support thyroid function, address factors that can aggravate autoimmunity, and help you feel and function well over the long term.

Contributors can include genetics, stress, nutrient status, gut health, infections, and environmental exposures such as mold toxins and heavy metals. An individual assessment looks for the factors most relevant to you.

Yes. Dr. Madeira sees adults by secure video or phone who live in Arizona, Montana or Washington and are in one of those states during their visits, and labs can be completed locally.

Some diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory diets and the paleo diet, can help people with Hashimoto’s identify and remove food triggers. No single diet works for everyone, so the best approach is personalized. People with Hashimoto’s are more likely to have celiac disease, so testing may be worth discussing. Large amounts of iodine, such as from supplements or kelp, can affect thyroid function, so talk with your doctor first.