Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. An integral part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland produces hormones to regulate your body's metabolism, growth, and development.
Thyroid Health Matters
Sitting at the base of your neck, the butterfly-shaped healthy thyroid gland releases hormones (T4 and T3) that set the pace for every cell in your body. When production swings too low or too high - or when the immune system attacks thyroid tissue - energy, mood, weight, temperature regulation, and fertility all suffer.
At All Naturopath in Surrey Hills, we specialise in identifying the early signs of thyroid health imbalance, pinpointing the root cause, and guiding you back to metabolic harmony.
The Spectrum of Thyroid Disorders
| Hypothyroidism | The gland produces too little hormone. | Fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin, brain-fog. |
| Hashimoto’s Disease (autoimmune hypothyroidism) | Immune antibodies (TPO & TgAb) slowly destroy thyroid cells. | Same as above plus neck fullness, fluctuating labs. |
| Hyperthyroidism | The gland produces too much hormone. | Weight loss, racing heart, heat intolerance, tremor. |
| Graves’ Disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism) | TRAb antibodies overstimulate the gland. | TRAb antibodies overstimulate the gland. |
| Thyroiditis (sub-acute, postpartum, silent) | Inflammation causes a hormone “dump,” then possible burnout. | Sore neck, transient hyper → hypo phase. |
| Nodules and Goitre | Growths or enlargement alter function or appearance. | Visible swelling, tight throat, variable labs. |
Is Your Thyroid Gland Calling for Help?
- Persistent fatigue - even after 8 hours’ sleep
- Insomnia
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Hair thinning or loss of the outer eyebrow
- Palpitations, anxiety or hand tremors
- Irregular periods or fertility struggles
- Constipation or chronic loose stools
- Feeling too cold - or overheated - when others feel fine
- Enlarged thyroid or goitre
- Muscle weakness
- Impaired memory
- Racing heart
Thyroid Health and the Root Causes of Imbalance
The leading causes of thyroid health problems are autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease, iodine deficiency, and thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid). Other causes include damage from medical treatments like radiation or surgery, certain medications, and, in rare cases, congenital disabilities present from birth.
Autoimmune Diseases
Hashimoto's Disease: The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Graves' Disease: The immune system causes the thyroid to become overactive (hyperthyroidism).
These conditions have genetic links, and a family history can increase your risk.
Thyroiditis
This is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by autoimmune diseases, infections, or trauma.
Inflammation can lead to a temporary or long-term underactive or overactive thyroid.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is essential for the thyroid to produce hormones.
A lack of iodine in the diet can lead to an underactive thyroid and an enlarged thyroid gland called a goitre.
Other Causes
Radiation Therapy: Past radiation treatment to the neck area can damage the thyroid and lead to problems later in life.
Medications: Certain drugs, such as amiodarone (a heart medication) and lithium, can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Surgery: If the thyroid gland is removed or damaged during surgery, it can cause hypothyroidism.
Congenital Disabilities: Some babies are born with a congenital problem affecting their thyroid gland from birth.
Pituitary Gland Issues: Problems with the pituitary gland, which signals the thyroid to produce hormones, can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
Comprehensive Testing at All Naturopath
When you first present to All Naturopath with concerns about your thyroid health, we conduct comprehensive testing to guide the most appropriate and evidence-informed treatment. This will include, but is not limited to:
Full Thyroid Health Panel
A full thyroid panel is a comprehensive blood test that measures thyroid hormones and antibodies to get a complete picture of thyroid function and check for autoimmune diseases:
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): It's produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid. High levels can indicate an underactive thyroid, while low levels can signal an overactive one.
FT4 (Free Thyroxine): This measures the amount of thyroxine hormone that is freely circulating and available to the body's tissues. High levels can suggest hyperthyroidism, and low levels may indicate hypothyroidism.
FT3 (Free Triiodothyronine): This measures the amount of the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine that is freely available to tissues.
rT3 (Reverse T3): This measures an inactive form of T3. High levels compared to FT3 may indicate that thyroid hormone is not being converted or utilised properly.
Adrenal Assessment
Salivary Cortisol: Measures the "free," biologically active form of cortisol, which is more relevant for understanding HPA axis function. It's also less invasive and can be used to create a diurnal rhythm curve that shows how cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day and night.
Uninary Cortisol: Measures total cortisol excretion over a 24-hour period.
Antibody Tests
TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) Antibodies: These antibodies attack the thyroid gland, often leading to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which causes an underactive thyroid.
TG (Thyroglobulin) Antibodies: These antibodies also target thyroid tissue, and high levels can indicate an autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto's or Graves' disease.
TSI (Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin): This antibody can mimic TSH, leading to an overactive thyroid (Graves' disease).
Inflammation and Gut Markers
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP): A blood test that measures inflammation in the body. Elevated levels suggest inflammation, which can be acute, chronic or due to infection.
Zonulin: A protein that regulates the tight junctions between cells in the intestinal lining. Elevated levels of this protein are suggestive of increased intestinal permeability or "leaky gut".
Microbiome Profiling: A stool sample that analyses the various types, density and balance of microorganisms in the gut. An imbalance (dysbiosis) is linked to immune system dysregulation, increased intestinal permeability, and inflammation.
Nutrient Status
Urinary Iodine/Creatinine Ratio: A biomarker of iodine intake and thyroid function.
Serum Iodine: To monitor iodine exposure and evaluate thyroid function.
Selenium: Plays a crucial role in thyroid hormone metabolism and protection from oxidative damage.
Vitamin D: Important for thyroid function and immune system regulation.
Ferritin: Essential for the production of thyroid hormones, with deficiencies linked to hypothyroidism.
Zinc: Required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Magnesium: Involved in many of the body's metabolic processes, including those related to the thyroid.
Ultrasound
Nodules: It can detect nodules too small to be felt and differentiate between solid nodules and fluid-filled cysts.
Blood Flow: It can evaluate nodular vascularity, which can help assess malignancy risk.
Goitre Size: It measures the overall size of the thyroid gland, including the two lobes and the isthmus connecting them, to determine whether the thyroid gland is enlarged (goitre).
Nutrient Status
Our Treatment Framework
Food-First Medicine
Anti-inflammatory Plate: Colourful vegetables, omega-3-rich fish and extra-virgin olive oil.
Targeted Iodine: Enough iodine for thyroid hormone synthesis; however, never in excess (we avoid high-dose kelp).
Gluten-light Trial: Often lowers TPO antibodies in Hashimoto’s cases.
Blood-sugar Balance: Consuming protein at each meal stabilises interactions between TSH and cortisol.
Collaborative Care
We liaise with your GP or endocrinologist to integrate laboratory monitoring, prescription medication (such as thyroxine or carbimazole) and imaging. Our goal is to complement, not replace, conventional treatment, ensuring optimal patient care at every step.
Evidence-Based Herbs and Nutrients
Hypothyroid Support: Bladderwrack (controlled iodine), ashwagandha, selenium-methionine, myo-inositol.
Hyperthyroid Modulation: Bugleweed, lemon balm, motherwort, L-carnitine.
Immune Recalibration: Vitamin D3/K2, zinc picolinate, curcumin, quercetin.
Lifestyle and Mind-Body Care
Stress-reduction Practices: Such as yoga, breath-work, and guided CBT-i (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) to calm the HPA axis.
Smart Exercise Programming: Gentle, low-impact cardio like walking, swimming, and cycling when hypo-metabolic, and cooling low-intensity deep breathing and static stretches when hyper-metabolic.
Sleep Hygiene and Blue-light Management: Helps to reinforce natural hormonal rhythms and avoid overstimulation.
Ready to Rebalance your Thyroid?
For over 20 years, respected naturopath Angela La Leggia - affectionately known as “the thyroid lady” - has led the natural-medicine field.
She investigates your thyroid through a functional, root-cause lens, fusing the latest research with your lived experience to craft evidence-based protocols.
At All Naturopath, your goals inform every decision, ensuring truly patient-centred care. Angela starts with “food-first” medicine, then layers in targeted herbs and nutrition, coordinating seamlessly with your GP and specialist to diagnose, treat and support optimal thyroid health.
Call us today on 0402 926 675 for an appointment!