Thyroid Disorders

A Functional Medicine Approach to Thyroid Disorders

Your thyroid gland is located below the Adam’s apple on the front portion of your neck. The function of this gland is to produce thyroid hormone, which helps maintains a number of your bodily functions including the regulation of body energy, metabolism and the body’s utilization of other hormones. We have receptors cells in every cell in the body and with excessive or inadequate amounts of this hormone, it can affect every major organ in the body. As the thyroid gland is a master regulatory gland, controlling the growth and function of many different organs and tissues within the body, signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction may vary from person to person. Typical problems of the thyroid are much more commonly found in women than in men.

Causes - Hypothyrodism

Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid is a condition of the thyroid caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid goitre.

A common cause of Hypothyroidism is Hashimotos thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the thyroid tissue and interferes with the thyroids ability to produce sufficient hormones. Other causes of Hypothyroidism are.

Pituitary Dysfunction caused by high cortisol
Under Conversion of T4 to T3
Elevation of Thyroid-binding globulin (TBG)
Low levels ofTBG caused by high testosterone
Mast cell activation syndrome
Inaccurate testing for hypothyroidisim.

Causes - Hyperthyroidism

The overproduction of hormones by the entire gland is called Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease and is the primary cause of hyperthyroidism. This cause of hyperthyroidism is responsible for approximately 75% of cases and there is often a genetic component to it. Lumps or nodules can also cause hyperthyroidism in the thyroid gland and when they grow, the thyroid secretions in the blood increase.

Another cause is excess amounts of iodine consumption. Iodine in salt helps produce thyroid hormones, and not regulating iodine intake can cause overactivity of the gland.

Other factors include

Smoking
Exposure to environmental pollutants and heavy metals (Mercury or lead poisoning)
Misuse of Thyroid medication
Inaccurate testing for hyperthyroidism

Hypo-thyroidism Symptoms

Hyper-thyroidism symptoms

Thyroid Treatment

At the London Centre for Functional Medicine, our practitioners have an advanced understanding of thyroid conditions. We use labs that run comprehensive thyroid testing to pick up anything that may have been previously missed and not just standard TSH and T4 levels.

We also look at other underlying factors that will contribute to any imbalance causing thyroid dysfunction. This holistic approach is essential to restoring and maintaining your thyroid health. Thyroid issues can be caused by hormone imbalances, undiagnosed viral and bacterial infections, immune system issues, allergies or intolerances, environmental chemicals, stress and nutrient deficiencies.

Our treatment protocols custom fit thyroid treatment protocols to match each patient’s individual needs with the aim to rebalance your thyroid hormones and decrease symptoms associated with thyroid conditions.

Thyroid Approach

Diet and Nutrition Protocols

There are specific diets for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism that we can advise on which can include specifc vitamins and minerals that are essential for normal thyroid hormone production.

Supplement Support

Natural treatments to possibly avoid the use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease the dosages of your conventional medications in order to manage your hypothyroidism symptoms.

Testing

Unfortunately, blood tests for under or over active thyroid don't give us enough information. Our comprehensive private blood testing measures not only the TSH levels but also the T3, reverse T3, T4, and Free T4 to ensure no imbalances are being overlooked.

Our Client's Feedback

    
 
 
        
   Cormac Whelan 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  Rob has helped me through a gut health conditon that no other GP was able or willing to figure out. There was no guess work involved. He got to the root of my issues through knowledge, testing and investigation. I would highly recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine
  
 
       
   Roger Hassan 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  I can’t say enough good things about my experience at the London Centre for Functional Medicine. After 3 years of misdiagnosis and living with IBS I finally felt I was able to heal. I’m truly grateful to Rob for his expertise in SIBO. I have to keep things in check but I feel so much better. I would highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   G Monkee 
 2023-03-22
 
 
  For those seeking an alternative viewpoint to their chronic conditions, I would recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine to others. They were helpful and mindful of my financial restrictions. Thank you.
  
 
       
   Martin Beaumont 
 2023-03-21
 
 
  Working with the London Centre for Functional Medicine team has been a great experience. I have had big improvements with digestion issues and now live pain free! Having the support of Rob was very useful when questions or issues arose during the program and was particularly impressed with not going overboard with the supplement regime. Highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Sean Hayden 
 2023-02-20
 
 
  I'm currently going through treatment with Rob and just wanted to acknowledge the individualised and personalised care that has been provided. From when I started Rob has looked at my health issues without judgement and was able to help me in many areas that weren't optimal.
Notably, Rob has helped me overcome gut issues and other niggling issues that I didn't were related but seemingly are.
Rob is also great at explaining the body systems and related things which has been great. I can highly recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine
  
 
       
   K Kelly 
 2023-02-18
 
 
  "What I appreciate about Rob at the London Centre for Functional Medicine is that he seeks to educate rather than just give supplements and instructions. He makes you understand both the action needed to take as well the underlying physiological processes driving the underlying issues. Highly recommended."
  
 
       
   Aaron Robson 
 2023-02-18
 
 
  If you're dealing with health challenges that conventional medicine hasn't resolved, I strongly suggest you visit the London Centre for Functional Medicine. They make a real effort to comprehend symptoms and worked with me to develop a plan for exploring treatment possibilities. Thanks to my practitioner, I now have answers to health questions that had eluded me for years, and I couldn't be more grateful. My practitioner (rob) uses a data-driven approach to identify the underlying cause. I've already recommended him to friends, and they have had success with his care as well.
  
 
       
   Tracy Thomas 
 2023-02-12
 
 
  Rather than going to a GP when you are sick I entered the Functional Medicine journey before things got out of hand. It’s a route everyone should consider as it does prevent illness and can reverse it! I learned a lot about how my body works and how to become healthier. London CFM walked me through the things I needed to know by educating me about how the digestive system works and healing my SIBO. Thank you!
  
 
       
   Lindsay Jones 
 2023-01-08
 
 
  I sought help from the London Centre for Functional Medicine for a problem I have had for most of my life, terrible digestive issues.
Rob has worked with me to get back normal function of my digestive function. It has taken some time but the result have been great so far.
  
 
       
   T Webster 
 2022-07-16
 
 
  I was originally referred to Mr Staunton by a nutritional therapist who felt that his particular expertise was required for my specific needs. After meeting him and explaining the situation, he conducted some lab tests which had to be shipped to Germany.. In the 3 months that I’ve been treated by Mr Staunton, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my symptoms and I’m feeling optimistic about my continued good health. I highly recommend the Clinic and working with Mr Staunton has been a very professional and pleasant experience. He’s extremely knowledgeable about both nutrition and how the body works.

Why Choose the London Centre for Functional Medicine?

Support

Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.

Experience

We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.

Custom Approach

There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.

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