Thyroid

Functional Medicine Thyroid Doctor in Royal Oak, Mi

Let’s Work Together to Address Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, and More

Living with thyroid issues can feel like a rollercoaster ride you never signed up for. So many people wake up each day feeling exhausted, uncomfortable, and sick. These symptoms indicate that something is out of balance in your body, and sometimes these symptoms are related to thyroid issues.


Functional medicine offers hope and comprehensive solutions for those struggling with thyroid issues. At Elle MD in Royal Oak, Dr. Erin and Dr. Maricela work with you to address the root causes of your symptoms. Thyroid conditions aren’t easy to resolve, but we can do it with expert guidance, education, and encouragement.

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What’s So Important about the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of your neck, plays a pivotal role in your body’s endocrine system. It’s like the master control center for your metabolism, influencing virtually every cell, organ, and function in your body. Its primary job is to regulate your metabolism – the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. This tiny gland does so by producing and releasing thyroid hormones, mainly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), into the bloodstream.

  • Metabolism

    These hormones travel through your blood to reach every cell in the body, helping to control the speed at which your body’s processes work, known as the metabolic rate. For instance, they dictate how fast or slow your heart beats, how quickly you burn calories, and how promptly you can replace dying cells. Essentially, thyroid hormones are crucial for maintaining your body’s energy balance, ensuring that everything runs at just the right pace.

  • Temperature Regulation and Heart Rate

    Beyond metabolism, the thyroid gland influences several vital bodily functions. It plays a significant role in regulating your body’s temperature, ensuring you stay warm enough and can cool down when necessary. It also impacts heart rate, influencing how fast or slow your heart pumps blood throughout your body. This is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to various tissues and organs, and it can make life more bearable in the cold winters and hot summers of Royal Oak, Michigan.

  • Digestion

    Moreover, the thyroid has a hand in controlling your digestive process, affecting how quickly or slowly food moves through your digestive tract. This can impact nutrient absorption and how rapidly waste is eliminated from your body. Additionally, thyroid hormones are essential for brain development and function, particularly during infancy and childhood. They help regulate brain and nervous system activity, affecting cognitive functions, mood, and emotions.

  • Bone Health and Muscle Movement

    The thyroid also plays a role in bone health, helping to regulate the turnover of bone tissue. Proper thyroid function ensures a balance between bone formation and bone breakdown, which is vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones throughout your life. Furthermore, it influences muscle control and strength, affecting how muscles contract and relax, which is crucial for movement and stability.

Six Sneaky Symptoms of Thyroid Issues

We can talk about the science all day, but what you really want to know is how functional medicine can relieve your symptoms. Living with thyroid issues can be a drag, and if you experience the following issues, then you should look into thyroid care in Royal Oak.

1. Unexplained Weight Changes


Whether it’s weight gain or loss, when your diet and exercise haven’t changed, your thyroid could be the culprit.


2. Fatigue


Feeling perpetually tired, regardless of how much you sleep, is a hallmark symptom of thyroid issues.


3. Mood Swings


Experiencing unexplained anxiety, depression, or mood fluctuations can be related to thyroid health.


4. Hair and Skin Changes


Thinning hair, dry skin, and brittle nails are often signs of thyroid issues.

5. Temperature Sensitivity


Feeling unusually cold or hot could indicate thyroid dysfunction.

6. Menstrual Irregularities


For women, changes in menstrual cycles or symptoms can be linked to thyroid health.

We Take a Holistic Approach over One-Size-Fits-All Medications

Treating thyroid issues isn’t always as simple as taking a pill. While medication plays a crucial role, especially in balancing hormone levels, a holistic approach can offer more sustainable results. This includes dietary changes to support thyroid health, lifestyle modifications to reduce stress, supplements to correct nutrient deficiencies, and strategies to improve gut health. 


Functional medicine excels in creating personalized plans that address all aspects of your well-being. When it comes to thyroid health, we may focus on any of the following:

Hormone Balance


This evaluates not just thyroid hormones but also their interplay with other hormonal systems in the body.


Immune System Regulation

Many thyroid issues, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are autoimmune in nature. Functional medicine aims to tame the immune system’s overactivity.


Gut Health


There’s a strong link between your gut health and your thyroid. A functional approach often involves nurturing your gut microbiome.


Nutritional Support


Identifying nutritional deficiencies and supporting your diet with the right vitamins and minerals can significantly impact thyroid health.

Stress Management


Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your thyroid. Functional medicine incorporates stress-reduction techniques and lifestyle changes.

Toxin Reduction


Reducing exposure to environmental toxins is another key aspect, as certain chemicals can disrupt thyroid function.

Join the Elle MD Family: Your Partner in Health

At Elle MD, we understand the intricacies of thyroid health and the frustration of not feeling heard. We believe you deserve a healthcare partner who goes beyond the surface to find the root cause of your issues, whether they’re thyroid-related or not. Our team is dedicated to working with you, crafting a personalized care plan that addresses your unique needs and health goals.


We invite you to schedule an appointment with us. Together, we can embark on a journey toward restoring your health and vitality. With Elle MD, you’re not just another patient; you’re part of a team committed to supporting you every step of the way.

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