Supporting Thyroid Health with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Supporting Thyroid Health with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, and while it may be tiny, it plays a big role in how your body functions. It produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, energy levels, temperature, heart rate, digestion, and more. When the thyroid is out of balance, it can lead to symptoms that affect nearly every system in the body, including your mood, memory, sleep, skin, muscles, and fertility.
Thyroid disorders are more common than many people realize. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and up to 60% of them are unaware of their condition. Women are disproportionately affected—they’re five to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems, especially during times of hormonal change such as pregnancy or perimenopause.
Conventional medicine approaches thyroid disorders primarily with medication, which is often essential and lifesaving. But medication alone doesn’t always resolve every symptom, and it doesn’t necessarily address the underlying imbalances that caused the thyroid dysfunction in the first place.
That’s where acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help. TCM takes a whole-body approach to thyroid health, supporting the body’s natural regulatory systems and helping to relieve symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and menstrual irregularities. As a complement to standard medical care, TCM can be an effective and supportive part of a thyroid health plan.
What the Thyroid Does and Why It’s Important
Your thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a vital role in keeping your body running smoothly. Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid produces hormones, primarily T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), that influence almost every system in the body.
When the thyroid is functioning properly, it helps regulate:
Metabolism: A healthy thyroid keeps your metabolism steady, helping your body convert food into energy efficiently.
Digestion: Thyroid hormones support the proper movement and function of the digestive tract.
Heart and Circulation: Thyroid function affects heart rate and blood pressure.
Reproductive Health: Balanced thyroid hormones are essential for healthy menstrual cycles, ovulation, and fertility.
Mood and Cognitive Function: Your ability to concentrate, remember things, and regulate your mood all rely on proper thyroid hormone levels.
Body Temperature: The thyroid helps your body stay warm by regulating how it uses energy.
Bone and Muscle Health: Thyroid hormones help maintain strong bones and muscle function.
Even slight imbalances in thyroid hormone levels can have widespread effects. When the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold sensitivity, brain fog, depression, and menstrual irregularities. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and can lead to gradual thyroid decline over time.
“Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in reproductive health for all genders, but they are particularly important for women who are trying to conceive or maintain a healthy pregnancy.”
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms like anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, restlessness, and in some cases, eye issues such as bulging or dryness (especially in Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition).
Maintaining thyroid health is essential not just for energy and metabolism but for overall well-being, including fertility, mood, and quality of life.
Common Thyroid Conditions
Thyroid conditions are extremely common, especially among women, and are often underdiagnosed because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other health issues. Here are the most common thyroid disorders:
1. Hypothyroidism
This occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, weight gain, hair thinning, brain fog, and depression. It can also lead to irregular or heavy menstrual cycles and fertility challenges. The most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid.
2. Hyperthyroidism
In contrast, hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much hormone. This can cause symptoms like anxiety, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, tremors, insomnia, frequent bowel movements, and heat intolerance. A common cause is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that can also affect the eyes and skin.
3. Thyroid Nodules and Goiter
Sometimes the thyroid develops nodules (small lumps), which are usually benign but can occasionally affect hormone production or indicate a more serious issue. A goiter refers to an enlarged thyroid and can occur with either hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
4. Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction
This refers to a condition where thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) may still fall within the normal range, but the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is slightly elevated. Even without obvious symptoms, this can signal that the thyroid is under strain.
For general health, a TSH level up to 4.0 or even 4.5 mIU/L is often considered normal. However, for individuals trying to conceive, especially those undergoing fertility treatment, optimal TSH levels are much more narrowly defined. Most reproductive endocrinologists recommend keeping TSH below 2.5 mIU/L, as higher levels have been associated with reduced chances of conception and an increased risk of miscarriage, even when thyroid hormone levels are technically "normal."
Thyroid Health and Fertility
Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in reproductive health for all genders, but they are particularly important for women who are trying to conceive or maintain a healthy pregnancy.
In women, low thyroid function can disrupt ovulation, cause irregular or absent periods, and increase the risk of miscarriage. Even mild hypothyroidism (or subclinical hypothyroidism) can affect hormone balance and make it harder to conceive. Thyroid disorders are also linked to conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, which can further complicate fertility.
During pregnancy, untreated thyroid imbalances can increase the risk of complications such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, low birth weight, and developmental delays. That’s why screening and managing thyroid health is an important part of preconception and prenatal care.
In men, thyroid dysfunction can affect sperm quality, libido, and hormone balance, though it's less commonly discussed.
For patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatments like IVF or IUI, thyroid health is especially important. Clinics will often monitor TSH levels closely, as even slight elevations can interfere with implantation or embryo development.
How Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Support Thyroid Health
While medication is often important to manage thyroid hormone levels, especially in conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, it doesn’t always resolve symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, or menstrual irregularities. This is where acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can serve as valuable complementary tools.
TCM focuses on restoring balance in the body’s systems and supporting overall function, and modern research is beginning to show how acupuncture may offer measurable benefits for people with thyroid dysfunction.
1. Regulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) Axis
Acupuncture may influence the HPT axis, which controls thyroid hormone production through signals between the brain and the thyroid gland. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help normalize TSH levels by regulating this hormonal feedback loop.
2. Reducing Inflammation in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
In autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease, chronic inflammation can damage the thyroid and disrupt hormone production. Research indicates that acupuncture may reduce levels of inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-alpha, which are elevated in autoimmune thyroid disorders. This anti-inflammatory effect may help slow disease progression and ease symptoms.
3. Supporting Nervous System and Stress Response
Thyroid disorders, especially hyperthyroidism, can overstimulate the nervous system, causing symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations. Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce stress hormone levels, which may help ease these symptoms and support better sleep, mood, and overall resilience.
4. Improving Blood Flow and Microcirculation
Healthy thyroid function relies on good blood supply to the gland itself, as well as to the brain, ovaries, and other hormone-regulated organs. Acupuncture can increase circulation in targeted areas, helping support tissue repair, hormone delivery, and nutrient transport.
5. Addressing Related Symptoms
Beyond thyroid hormone levels, many patients struggle with fatigue, brain fog, constipation, weight changes, menstrual irregularities, or difficulty conceiving. Acupuncture can help regulate digestion, hormone balance, and menstrual cycles, and support energy levels, making it a useful part of a comprehensive thyroid care plan.
Get Expert Support for Your Thyroid Health in Campbell, CA
Thyroid issues can affect everything from energy and mood to fertility and overall well-being. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your thyroid function, acupuncture may be a helpful part of your care plan.
Dr. Cindi Ignatovsky has helped many patients in Campbell and the greater South Bay area manage thyroid-related concerns using personalized, integrative treatment plans. In addition to acupuncture, she offers herbal support, lifestyle guidance, and can order thyroid labs when appropriate. If you’ve already had recent lab work done, you're welcome to bring your results to your visit, they’ll be reviewed as part of your overall treatment plan.
Don’t wait to feel better. Click here to schedule a consultation or call/text 408-761-6251 to get started. •
