Thyroid & Hashimoto’s
A standard TSH-only test can read ‘normal’ while your symptoms tell a different story. Dr. Gaucher runs the full picture.
Why standard thyroid testing misses the full picture
The standard thyroid panel — TSH alone — can return ‘normal’ while Free T3, Free T4, and antibody levels explain every symptom you're experiencing. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the autoimmune driver of most hypothyroidism, is frequently missed because TSH stays in range while the immune system attacks thyroid tissue.
If indicated, Dr. Gaucher can run a full thyroid panel for a more comprehensive assessment. This may include TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies — to understand the full thyroid picture, not just whether your TSH clears a reference range.
Symptoms that often point to thyroid dysfunction
- Persistent fatigue that sleep doesn't relieve
- Cold intolerance and low body temperature
- Hair thinning or loss
- Brain fog and slow cognition
- Weight gain despite no change in diet or activity
- Depression and low mood
- Constipation and sluggish digestion
- Dry skin and brittle nails
Treatment approach
For Hashimoto's, treatment targets the autoimmune drivers, which may involve investigating gut permeability, reducing inflammatory load, and optimizing nutrients that are essential for thyroid hormone production, conversion, and immune regulation.
For hypothyroidism without autoimmunity, treatment focuses on optimizing T4-to-T3 conversion, addressing nutrient deficiencies, and supporting adrenal function, which directly affects thyroid receptor sensitivity.
Connected conditions
Thyroid dysfunction frequently sits underneath these:
Common questions
Can a naturopath help with Hashimoto's in Victoria, BC?
Yes. Dr. Gaucher assesses a complete thyroid panel including antibodies, then targets the autoimmune drivers of Hashimoto's through dietary triggers, gut health, inflammation, and key nutrients - not thyroid output alone.
My TSH is normal but I still feel terrible. Why?
TSH alone can stay in range while Free T3, Free T4, or antibodies are abnormal. A full panel often reveals what a TSH-only test misses.
What thyroid tests do you run?
TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies, so the full thyroid and autoimmune picture is visible.