Acupuncture Support for Thyroid Health

Thyroid conditions are more widespread than most people realize. Over 20 million Americans are living with some form of thyroid dysfunction, and women are affected far more often than men. In fact, 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder in her lifetime, and many remain undiagnosed.

While not always dangerous in the short term, untreated or poorly managed thyroid disorders can lead to serious complications over time, affecting everything from metabolism and energy to mood, fertility, and heart health.

What Is the Thyroid and What Does It Do?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. Despite its small size, it plays a critical role in regulating many of the body’s core functions.

The thyroid produces hormones, primarily T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), that control metabolism, energy production, body temperature, heart rate, digestion, and more. These hormones influence nearly every organ system in the body, which is why thyroid imbalances can produce such a wide range of symptoms.

A well-functioning thyroid helps you feel energized, think clearly, maintain a stable weight, and keep your reproductive and digestive systems working smoothly. When the gland becomes overactive or underactive, the effects ripple through the entire body.

Who Should Get Their Thyroid Checked?

Thyroid issues can be subtle and are often mistaken for other health concerns or brushed off as stress, aging, or hormonal shifts. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be worth having your thyroid function evaluated:

• Persistent fatigue or sluggishness

• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Hair thinning or dry, brittle skin

• Cold hands and feet or heat intolerance

• Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles

• Fertility challenges, including miscarriage

• Brain fog, poor memory, or trouble concentrating

• Depression, anxiety, or mood swings

• Heart palpitations or restlessness

Even if your lab work falls within the “normal” range, thyroid dysfunction—especially subclinical—can still affect how you feel. Early detection can make a big difference in getting effective care.

Understanding Thyroid Disorders

Most thyroid conditions fall into one of three categories:

1) Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

The thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone to keep the body functioning efficiently. This slows down metabolism and can lead to symptoms such as:

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Constipation

• Cold intolerance

• Depression or brain fog

• Dry skin and hair

• Menstrual irregularities

• Fertility issues, including miscarriage

• Joint or muscle stiffness

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that leads to chronic inflammation and gradual thyroid damage.

2) Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

In this case, the thyroid produces too much hormone, overstimulating the body’s systems. Symptoms may include:

• Anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

• Unexplained weight loss

• Increased bowel movements

• Heat intolerance and excessive sweating

• Tremors

• Menstrual changes

• Eye discomfort and/or bulge (especially in Graves' disease)

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to become overactive.

3) Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction

This condition is especially important for fertility and during pregnancy and is often missed on routine testing. In subclinical cases, thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) may still be within the normal range, but TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is slightly elevated or suppressed, indicating early dysfunction.

People with subclinical hypothyroidism may not have obvious symptoms, but research shows it can still affect fertility, menstrual regularity, and early pregnancy outcomes. While a TSH level up to 4.0 mIU/L is generally considered normal for the broader population, those trying to conceive, naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies, are advised to keep TSH below 2.5 mIU/L. Even slight elevations above this range have been linked to reduced implantation rates and an increased risk of miscarriage.

How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help

While thyroid medication is often necessary, especially in autoimmune and more advanced cases, it doesn’t always resolve the full range of symptoms. Many people continue to experience fatigue, mood changes, poor sleep, or irregular cycles despite being on thyroid medication. That’s where acupuncture and Chinese medicine can play a supportive role.

Modern research suggests that acupuncture may help by:

• Regulating the nervous system, reducing stress, and calming symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations

• Improving blood flow and microcirculation to support thyroid tissue function

• Reducing inflammation, which is key in managing autoimmune thyroid disorders

• Modulating immune activity to support better immune system balance

• Supporting hormone regulation through its effects on the endocrine system

In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas may be used to help reduce inflammation, support digestion, and address symptoms such as fatigue, fluid retention, or heat intolerance. Herbal support is tailored to each individual and can be especially helpful in managing symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease alongside conventional care.

Diet and lifestyle factors also play an important role in thyroid health. Nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and inflammation can all contribute to thyroid dysfunction. A comprehensive care plan may include dietary adjustments and stress management strategies to support long-term hormone balance.

Dr. Cindi Ignatovsky – Thyroid Support in Campbell, CA

Thyroid health isn’t just about the numbers on a lab report—it’s about how you feel every day. If you're dealing with fatigue, mood changes, irregular cycles, fertility challenges, or lingering symptoms even while on thyroid medication, acupuncture may be a valuable addition to your care.

Dr. Cindi works with many patients facing a wide range of thyroid concerns, including Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, hypothyroidism, and subclinical thyroid dysfunction. She offers personalized treatment plans using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle support to help you feel more balanced and resilient.

Dr. Cindi can also order thyroid labs when appropriate or can review any recent labs you've already had done. Her goal is to help you understand what’s happening in your body and offer a clear, supportive path forward.

If you're ready to take control of your thyroid health and start feeling like yourself again, click here to schedule a consultation, or call/text Dr. Cindi at 408-761-6251 to get started. •