Thyroid Disorders and Treatment

We are Thyroid Experts and We Can Get Your Thyroid Right.

Our Dynamic Life Health Center in Southlake offers a program that treats thyroid disorders. Our providers have done additional extensive training in the latest advances in diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders, and have seen a lot of success in treating a wide array of thyroid disorders.

Most conventional medicine approaches to thyroid problems are outdated in both their testing and their treatment protocols. As a result, we see many patients who have symptoms of thyroid disorders, but they’ve been told that because their lab results are in the “normal” range, no treatment is necessary. This can create a lot of unneeded frustration for people who really could benefit from proper thyroid treatment.

Another scenario that we often run into is with patients who have been diagnosed with thyroid disorders, but the medication they are on is not alleviating their symptoms. In most of these cases, we can prescribe a more tailored form of thyroid replacement that will relieve those symptoms and in many cases can make a world of difference. 

As I have been coming to see Dr. Berutti for twenty-three years plus, I have come to trust her opinion and methods. I was not in good health when I first came in and met her. Methodically she moved through my different conditions one by one. I can see now what the difference her medicine has made. I am 62 years of age and feeling very strong in all body, mind, and spirit. This is due to her knowledge of medicine. I truly recommend her as the doctor for you.” – Paul R.

We Understand Lab Results

We screen for vitamin and mineral deficiencies which may also be preventing your thyroid from performing optimally. Additionally, we screen for Hashimoto’s, a disease that causes the body to produce antibodies against thyroid hormone production. If one is diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, we search for the underlying or root cause of the disease.

When lab values for thyroid fall within a normal range, it doesn’t mean the levels are optimal for the patient. Normal lab values are set as an average for the population. If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it is important that your doctor replace both T4 and T3. Patients on both therapies have reported improvement in mood, memory, and physical health.

Our testing looks at all aspects of the thyroid gland including TSH levels, Free T3 Hormone, Free T4 Hormone, antibody levels, and Reverse T3 Hormone. We treat Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Disease. Additionally, the time that our providers spend with their patients is much longer than other physicians. This allows better communication between doctor and patient with time to explore what might be contributing to root causes versus just prescribing a pill to treat a symptom.

Call our New Patient Coordinator in Southlake to get all your questions answered.

817-539-6168

Or fill in the inquiry form below and tell us the best way to reach you.

Thyroid Solutions in Southlake, Texas

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck and is sometimes referred to as “The Master Gland.” It is important for your overall health and is responsible for regulating your metabolism; it affects every single cell in your body. It is also responsible for:

• Energy levels
• Temperature control of your body
• Fat breakdown
• Hair growth of the scalp and eyebrows
• Cholesterol levels
• Weight
• Fertility in women
• Mood (decreased thyroid levels can contribute to anxiety and depression)
• Cognitive function

In the conventional medicine world, thyroid testing usually only addresses the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and possibly the T4 hormone levels. This is an outdated system of testing and is inadequate to be able to discover exactly what is occurring within the thyroid gland. T4 is the hormone that is secreted by the thyroid gland into the bloodstream. In order to use that hormone for energy, the cells must be able to convert the T4 hormone into T3 hormone and many people’s bodies are unable to do this. Because the conventional method “standard” is to test TSH levels and T4, this problem with T3 conversion will not show up on their lab work and their thyroid will be treated incorrectly.

Fixing Thyroid Issues Correctly

Typically, patients have prescribed medications that mimic the T4 hormone. This does nothing to address the T3 deficiency so patients will be taking a medication that doesn’t treat their condition. In some cases, instead of the body converting the T4 hormone into T3, it converts it into Reverse T3 which only intensifies the symptoms of Hypothyroidism, especially fatigue and weight gain. Dr. Berutti is well-educated on the up-to-date testing of all aspects of the thyroid gland and the appropriate treatments. Prescribing bioidentical T3 when indicated correctly treats the problem and symptom relief can be felt within just a few weeks, though with thyroid disorders it can take months before all symptoms abate.

Dr. Berutti and Melanie Martin are exceptional providers and having been to see Melanie for my health issues, I can personally recommend both of them as truly competent & knowledgeable medical providers who put their patients’ welfare and health at the top of their list! I’m so impressed with the immediate and helpful care I’ve received and after only a little over a month’s treatment, I feel better than ever! The expertise, professionalism, and care for their patients are unmatched, in my experience as a patient, and I’m so grateful to have found them! Only the best should be considered when it comes to our health and they are committed to providing the best to each and every patient and only recommending them to the best in the field if needed for serious conditions that require more care than they provide at their very capable clinic. Thank you to Dr. Berutti and Melanie Martin! You’ve changed my life as well as other patient’s lives!” –   Rebecca D.

Hypothyroidism (Under-Functioning Thyroid Gland)

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common types of thyroid disorders that we see. The thyroid gland is unable to provide enough hormones to meet the needs of the body. This can drastically slow the metabolism and cause other symptoms including:

• Consistent fatigue
• Weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight
• Hair loss or change in hair texture
• Dry skin
• Cold intolerance
• Joint aches
• Muscle aches and muscle cramps
• Constipation
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Abnormal menstrual cycles/infertility
• Decreased libido

Underactive thyroid conditions have become more and more common, but because many doctors perform limited testing, many times this can go undiagnosed. 

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the body attacking the thyroid gland. It is one of the biggest contributors to Hypothyroidism (a low-functioning thyroid gland) in this country. Initially, Hashimoto’s symptoms can cause swings of both too little thyroid hormone (Hypothyroidism) and too much hormone (Hyperthyroidism). Because the thyroid is constantly under attack, it reaches the point to where it can’t produce enough hormone which can eventually lead to Hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s Disease can be caused by deficiencies in minerals such as iodine, iron, zinc, and selenium. Other things like genetics, poor diet, and inflammation can contribute as well. Those who have other autoimmune disorders are at greater risk too. Unfortunately, many patients who have Hashimoto’s are misdiagnosed as having depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PMS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or even Fibromyalgia.

Thyroid treatment for Hashimoto’s must be done comprehensively to include nutrients such as iodine, selenium, iron, and zinc along with thyroid hormone replacement. Other hormones can be affected by Hashimoto’s such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Gluten, GMO foods, and other inflammatory foods can also worsen and contribute to Hashimoto’s. Because the majority of physicians don’t run a complete thyroid panel test, Hashimoto’s is easily missed as being a cause of Hypothyroidism, and a patient might be diagnosed and treated for Hypothyroidism when Hashimoto’s Disease is what is actually occurring. In order to be correctly identified, a Hashimoto’s blood test should include TPO Peroxidase, Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies and Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. These elevated antibodies would indicate Hashimoto’s diagnosis.

Call our New Patient Coordinator to get all your questions answered. 

817-539-6168

Or fill in the inquiry form below and tell us the best way to reach you.

Starting as a New Patient in Southlake 

When you start with us as a new patient, you will initially need two different appointments, approximately three weeks apart. At the first appointment, your provider will go over your reasons for seeking help, your medical history, your health goals, and all of your symptoms. This appointment will also serve to answer any additional questions you may have. After that first appointment, an individualized lab order will be drawn up based on all of the information gleaned from that first appointment.

Your labs will need to be drawn after your first appointment. The lab panel is quite comprehensive and may include other hormones, including adrenal function, cortisol levels, a complete thyroid panel, as well as vital markers such as A1C, blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney function, and inflammation levels among others. 

Your thyroid hormones can have an effect on your other hormones and in some cases, other hormonal imbalances may occur alongside the thyroid disorder. Your endocrine system contains many hormones and glands that operate synergistically. Dr. Berutti is going to test the right things exactly tailored to your symptoms and needs. Thyroid treatment should always include the big picture. A functional medicine approach such as ours is holistic and looks for the root causes of all symptoms.

Our Program: What to Expect 

At your second appointment, once the lab results are in, your provider will go through those lab results and how these relate to your symptoms. At that time she will prescribe appropriate treatment protocols and will discuss other measures to improve your overall health.

After prescribing your custom treatment protocol, we will want to follow up with you every three months during the first year to check your progress and to make sure that your treatment is working ideally for you.  Once you are established and balanced after the first year, she will want to see you bi-annually. Our program is comprehensive and we understand that it can take some time to get your thyroid function to where you feel good again. Depending on your specific thyroid issue, it can take between 6 months to a year. The reason for this is that everyone reacts differently to medications, and your body is unique. There may be other underlying issues going on that affect your thyroid too. 

After prescribing your custom treatment protocol, we will want to follow up with you every three months during the first year to check your levels and continue to adjust and balance everything as ideally as possible for you.  Once you are established and balanced after the first year, we will want to see you bi-annually.

Call our New Patient Coordinator at 817-539-6168

Or fill in the inquiry form below and tell us the best way to reach you.

Insurance

We can provide you with the paperwork that contains the diagnostic and CPT codes that you can submit for possible reimbursement with your insurance company.

We do encourage you to contact your insurance company prior to your first visit to ask them what benefits they give for seeing an out-of-network provider and for comprehensive lab-work. If for some reason they will not cover lab fees, we can offer our patients a substantial self-pay discount and we will work with you to keep costs within your budget.

You are also able to use Health Saving Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

Contact our New Patient Coordinator for more information

Our New Patient Coordinator is happy to speak with you anytime M-F 9-5. She will take the time to answer your questions and explain our protocols and fees. She will also help you make an informed decision about whether we are the right fit for you. There are no obligations for this complimentary phone consultation. 

Please call to get more information about how our providers can help you with your health goals.

We look forward to the opportunity to restore your health and regain your vitality for life!

Call our New Patient Coordinator to get all your questions answered.

817-539-6168

Or fill in the inquiry form below and tell us the best way to reach you.