Thyroid Issues? Tests and Natural Solutions You Are Missing

If you’ve been told your thyroid labs are “normal” but you still feel exhausted, foggy, and off—you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from undiagnosed or poorly managed thyroid disorders. Often, they’re only given a fraction of the testing and support they truly need.

At Harmony Health Clinic in Naples, FL, we take a root-cause approach to thyroid health—because healing is about more than just a prescription. In this post, we’ll break down the types of thyroid conditions, solutions, overlooked causes, solutions, critical tests that go beyond TSH, and how nutrition, vitamins, and adrenal health play a powerful role in restoring balance.

Understanding Thyroid Disorders: The Key Players

Let’s start with the basics. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that regulates metabolism, energy, mood, and body temperature. When it’s out of sync, your whole body feels it.

Hypothyroidism

When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms often include:

• Fatigue

• Cold intolerance

• Weight gain

• Depression

• Dry skin

• Constipation

Hyperthyroidism

When your thyroid is overactive, leading to:

• Anxiety

• Rapid heartbeat

• Weight loss

• Heat intolerance

• Insomnia

• Tremors

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

An autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks the thyroid, eventually causing hypothyroidism. Often misdiagnosed or undetected.

Graves’ Disease

Another autoimmune disorder—but this time it causes hyperthyroidism. It’s often associated with bulging eyes, anxiety, and heart palpitations.

Common Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction (You Probably Haven’t Heard Enough About)

While genetics can play a role, many environmental and lifestyle factors disrupt the thyroid. Top disruptors include:

• Hormonal birth control (can suppress thyroid function and alter liver detox pathways)

• Chronic stress (adrenal overload affects thyroid hormone conversion)

• Nutrient deficiencies (iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, B vitamins)

• Toxin exposure (like fluoride, BPA, heavy metals)

• Gluten sensitivity or leaky gut

• Chronic infections (EBV, mold toxicity)

What Tests Should You Actually Be Running?

If your doctor only tested your TSH and said everything looks fine… they’re missing the full picture.

A complete thyroid panel includes:

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

• Free T4 (inactive thyroid hormone)

• Free T3 (active thyroid hormone—often overlooked!)

• Reverse T3 (blocks Free T3 and is elevated in stress/chronic illness)

• Thyroglobulin Antibodies

• Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies – to assess for autoimmune thyroid conditions

But don’t stop there. The thyroid doesn’t operate in a vacuum—it’s deeply connected to adrenal health and nutrient status.

Additional Labs That Matter:

• Adrenal markers: Cortisol (saliva or serum), DHEA-S, Pregnenolone

• Vitamins/Minerals: Iodine, Selenium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Iron/Ferritin

• Inflammation and gut health labs: Especially important if autoimmune causes are suspected

When Medication Helps—and When It May Not Be Necessary

Here’s the truth: not everyone with thyroid symptoms needs medication. Many people experience symptoms because their body isn’t converting hormones properly or because their adrenals are under-functioning. That’s why we look at the full system.

Sometimes, correcting nutrient deficiencies and supporting the adrenals is enough. Other times, a small dose of natural thyroid (like NP Thyroid or Armour) makes a big difference—but we work to minimize the dose and stabilize your system.

This isn’t one-size-fits-all medicine. That’s why our functional approach is tailored to you.

Natural Ways to Support the Thyroid

In many cases, we can improve thyroid health naturally by addressing nutrient needs and using gentle herbal support.

Common Herbal Supplements:

• Ashwagandha – supports both adrenal and thyroid balance

• Rhodiola – helps with fatigue and stress resilience

• Bladderwrack – a natural source of iodine

• Schisandra – antioxidant and adaptogenic

• Guggul – may enhance thyroid function and lipid metabolism

  
  

⚠ Always consult with your functional medicine provider before starting herbal supplements—some herbs can overstimulate or interfere with medications.

Foods That Nourish a Struggling Thyroid

What you eat can either burden or bless your thyroid. These foods are supportive:

• Wild-caught fish (selenium + omega-3s)

• Eggs (iodine + choline)

• Sea vegetables like kelp or nori (iodine)

• Brazil nuts (rich in selenium—just 1-2 per day!)

• Liver or grass-fed beef (vitamin A, iron, B vitamins)

• Leafy greens (magnesium, folate)

Every thyroid case is unique—so work with a functional medicine provider to develop a personalized nutrition plan that’s right for your body.

Healing your thyroid isn’t about chasing symptoms—it’s about finding what’s throwing your system out of balance and supporting it at the root.

Take Control of Your Thyroid Test Solutions?

If you're tired of being dismissed or feeling like something’s “off” with no answers—it's time for a new approach. Book a consultation with our functional medicine team today!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional.