Thyroid Telemedicine

Is your hair falling out, and you’re unsure why? Is insomnia creeping into your day? You may want to have your thyroid checked.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in your neck that regulates numerous types of hormones, including metabolism, energy, and sexual function. If left untreated, thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to a goiter in your neck.

Functional telemedicine doctor Dr. Borenstein has over two decades of experience uncovering the root cause of symptoms, which might be misdiagnosed as other conditions. He will perform numerous tests (beyond the typical TSH test) to determine your optimal thyroid hormone levels and recommend protocols to help you become symptom-free.

If you’re looking for a thyroid specialist, Manhattan Integrative Medicine is the place to call. To schedule your Thyroid Telemedicine Consultation with one of the best thyroid doctors reachable in Florida and New York, call ☎ (212) 262-2412 or contact us here.

Thyroid Imbalance Symptoms

Signs that your thyroid gland isn’t making enough or too much hormone include:

• irritability
• anxiety
• feeling too hot or cold
• hair loss
• dry, brittle nails
• numb hands
• weight gain
• brain fog
• memory impairment
• fatigue
• depression
• insomnia
• constipation
• water retention
• neck nodules (lumps)
• joint pain or stiffness
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• abnormal periods
• frequent infections
• high cholesterol

Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that doesn’t make enough hormones. Often caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or the surgical removal of the thyroid, symptoms include weight gain, coldness, high cholesterol, and joint pain or stiffness.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Causes include Thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, and symptoms can include weight loss, irritability, sweating.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders

Before performing any tests, Dr. Borenstein will perform a physical exam that reviews your general health, medical history, symptoms, stress level, and lifestyle.

Dr. Borenstein will then perform the following thyroid hormone blood tests:

• TSH test – analyzes Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, which triggers hormone release
• free T3 – measures the active form of thyroid hormone (T3)
• free T4 – measures the inactive form of thyroid hormone (T4)
• reverse T3 – made from T4, RT3 is inactive T3 whose levels can rise in unusual situations
• anti-TPO – detects peroxidase antibodies that attack the thyroid gland
• antiTGAb – an antibody that attacks the thyroid-hormone storage form called thyroglobulin

Other tests that Dr. Borenstein may perform include those to detect:

• nutrient deficiencies (such as vitamin D3, magnesium, and iron)
• gluten or dairy sensitivities
• leaky gut syndrome
• Epstein-Barr virus
• human herpes virus
• genetic defects in methylation enzymes (MTHFR)

Your insulin, cortisol, and leptin levels will also be measured to help determine if these hormones need to be rebalanced to help resolve weight gain.

Holistic Thyroid Imbalance Treatments

There are numerous protocols available to address your thyroid issues. If Dr. Borenstein finds another condition during your diagnosis, he will address it too – such as Valtrex for viral infections.

Thyroid Optimization Therapy

Non-invasive protocols used to replace your thyroid hormone supply include:

• Natural desiccated thyroid – a prescribed, FDA-regulated drug extracted from a pig’s dried thyroid; contains T3 and T4
• Cytomel® T3 – also known as liothyronine, this also provides you with T3; it’s the strongest of the thyroid medications
• Compound sustained-release T3 – used for goiter prevention and treatment
• Levothyroxine – synthetic T4, found in as Armour®, Westhroid®, and Tirosint®

Supplements

You may also receive the following supplements to complement your hormone replacement:

• zinc – helps to control the function of insulin and thyroid; keeps your intestinal wall strong
• aloe – helps to subside inflammation and lowers acid reflux
• probiotics – provide good gut bacteria and helps remove bad gut bacteria
• betaine HCL – helps your gut in numerous ways, including raising stomach acid levels and aiding in nutrient absorption

Digestive enzymes like protease, lipase, and amylase help the gut break down dairy, proteins, and more.

Low Dose Naltrexone

This protocol helps your immune function by reducing thyroid antibodies. You may be given Low Dose Naltrexone if you don’t respond to the other supplements, and you should only take it for as long as needed.

The Autoimmune Protocol Diet

This diet removes inflammatory foods from your plate, addressing inflammation and leaky gut. Foods to limit or remove are numerous and include processed foods and:

• alternative sweeteners
• alcoholic beverages
• cumin
• chocolate
• canola and vegetable oils
• seeds
• nuts
• eggs
• legumes
• potatoes
• nightshade vegetables like tomatoes
• grains

Other substances to remove include emulsifiers, gum, and NSAID painkillers.

Foods to focus on instead include:

• coconut oil
• sprouted beans
• yogurt
• sauerkraut
• antioxidant-rich fruits
• wild-caught fish

Dr. Borenstein will work with you to decide which foods to add or remove.

Request Your Telemedicine Appointment

Call Dr. Borenstein at ☎ (212) 262-2412 or contact us here to schedule your Thyroid Telemedicine Appointment today. You can also contact us by mailing your questions to 7901 4th St N, STE 300, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.

We provide Thyroid telemedicine appointments to the entire state of Florida including: Miami, Aventura, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Tampa, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Sarasota, and Fort Myers.