Struggling with Fatigue, Weight Gain, or Brain Fog? It Could Be Your Thyroid

Are you feeling constantly tired, struggling to lose weight no matter what you do, or dealing with brain fog and mood swings? Do you experience hair thinning, brittle nails, digestive issues, or cold hands and feet? These are all signs that your thyroid—a small but powerful gland in your neck—may not be functioning properly.

Many people suffer from undiagnosed or mismanaged thyroid conditions, leading to symptoms that affect energy levels, metabolism, and overall well-being. If you’ve been told your lab tests are “normal” but still feel off, a deeper functional medicine approach may be the key to finding real answers.

Common Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid conditions can manifest in different ways, depending on whether your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).

Signs of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Chronic fatigue and sluggishness
Unexplained weight gain despite diet and exercise
Brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating
Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
Dry skin, hair thinning, and brittle nails
Cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold temperatures
Constipation and slow digestion
Low libido and hormonal imbalances

Signs of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Unexplained weight loss despite normal eating
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Feeling jittery, anxious, or restless
Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
Muscle weakness and tremors
Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to dig deeper and identify the root cause of your thyroid dysfunction.

Why Standard Thyroid Testing Often Falls Short

Many people with thyroid symptoms are told their TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) levels are “normal,” leaving them frustrated with unresolved symptoms. Unfortunately, traditional testing often misses deeper thyroid imbalances.

Comprehensive Thyroid Testing in Functional Medicine

A functional medicine approach includes more than just TSH. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we conduct advanced lab testing to get a full picture of your thyroid health, including:

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) – Measures how well your thyroid responds to brain signals.
Free T3 and Free T4 – The active thyroid hormones responsible for metabolism and energy.
Reverse T3 (rT3) – Can indicate stress-related thyroid dysfunction.
Thyroid Antibodies (TPO, TgAb, TRAb) – Tests for autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Disease.
Iodine, Selenium, and Zinc Levels – Key nutrients essential for thyroid function.
Adrenal and Cortisol Testing – Chronic stress impacts thyroid function.
Gut Microbiome and Food Sensitivity Testing – Autoimmune thyroid conditions often start in the gut.

By analyzing these key markers, we can uncover hidden imbalances and design a personalized plan to restore thyroid function naturally.

Functional Medicine vs. Standard Thyroid Treatment

Conventional Approach to Thyroid Health

Traditional medicine typically follows this model:

Check TSH – If high, prescribe levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism.
Minimal investigation into root causes – No deeper testing or holistic evaluation.
Symptom-focused treatment – Medications may improve lab numbers, but symptoms often persist.

While medication can be helpful for some, it does not address the underlying factors that may be driving thyroid dysfunction.

The Functional Medicine Approach

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, Dr. Shannon O’Keefe takes a whole-body approach to thyroid health by investigating:

Nutritional Deficiencies – Low iodine, selenium, iron, and vitamin D impact thyroid hormone production.
Gut Health & Autoimmune Triggers – A leaky gut can trigger Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Disease.
Chronic Stress & Adrenal Imbalances – High cortisol can block thyroid hormone conversion.
Environmental Toxins & Heavy Metals – Fluoride, bromine, and mercury can suppress thyroid function.

By addressing these root causes, we create a customized treatment plan to restore thyroid balance naturally.

Personalized Thyroid Treatment: What to Expect

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we offer a science-based, patient-centered approach, including:

Nutritional Support – Anti-inflammatory, thyroid-supporting diets rich in selenium, iodine, and zinc.
Targeted Supplements – Professional-grade nutrients to enhance thyroid hormone production.
Gut Healing Protocols – Addressing leaky gut, food sensitivities, and microbiome imbalances.
Adrenal Support & Stress Reduction – Lifestyle and natural therapies to balance cortisol.
Detoxification Strategies – Removing toxins that interfere with thyroid function.

Meet Dr. Shannon O’Keefe: Thyroid & Functional Medicine Expert

Dr. Shannon O’Keefe, DC, DCBCN, is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Diplomate of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition. She specializes in functional medicine, clinical nutrition, and complex chronic conditions, including thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and hormone imbalances.

With years of experience helping patients uncover and treat the root causes of thyroid dysfunction, Dr. O’Keefe provides comprehensive, personalized care that goes beyond symptom management.

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, she works with patients struggling with thyroid issues, guiding them through advanced testing, holistic treatment plans, and long-term solutions for lasting health improvements.

Take the First Step Toward Better Thyroid Health

If you’re experiencing fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, hair loss, or other thyroid-related symptoms, it’s time to dig deeper. Don’t settle for “normal” lab results when you still feel unwell.