Understanding Hashimoto’s and Thyroid Health: A Functional Medicine Approach in Overland Park, KS

If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, brain fog, or mood changes, you may have a thyroid condition that’s been overlooked — or not fully understood. At JOCO Integrative Medicine in Overland Park, KS, we take a deeper look at your thyroid and your overall health to uncover the root causes of your symptoms, not just treat the surface-level lab numbers.

What Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition — meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks your own thyroid gland. Over time, this can cause inflammation and gradual destruction of thyroid tissue, leading to low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism).

Many people with Hashimoto’s go years without a proper diagnosis. They’re often told their thyroid levels are “normal,” even though they feel anything but. That’s because traditional testing often misses the full picture.

Why Just Checking TSH Isn’t Enough

Most conventional providers only test TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) — and sometimes T4 (thyroxine) — to assess thyroid health. While these are important, they don’t tell the whole story.

At JOCO Integrative Medicine, we use comprehensive thyroid panels that include:

TSH: Measures how hard your brain is working to signal the thyroid.

Free T4: The amount of inactive thyroid hormone available.

Free T3: The active form of thyroid hormone that actually affects metabolism and energy.

Reverse T3: Helps assess if your body is converting T4 properly or blocking T3 activity.

Thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG antibodies): Identify autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s.

Without checking antibodies or free hormone levels, it’s easy to miss early Hashimoto’s or thyroid hormone conversion problems.

Our Holistic Approach to Hashimoto’s in Overland Park

Hashimoto’s isn’t just a thyroid problem — it’s an immune system problem with underlying triggers. Simply replacing thyroid hormone (like levothyroxine) may bring TSH into range, but it doesn’t stop the autoimmune attack that causes further thyroid damage.

At JOCO Integrative Medicine, we take a root-cause approach to healing:

Advanced lab testing to uncover hidden inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and gut imbalances.

Nutrition and lifestyle optimization to reduce immune activation and support thyroid repair.

Targeted supplements to balance hormones, improve energy, and support detoxification.

Personalized thyroid management using both natural and medical options when appropriate.

This holistic approach allows us to not only improve your numbers — but to help you feel better from the inside out.

Common Root Causes We Address

Gut health issues like leaky gut or dysbiosis

Nutrient deficiencies (selenium, zinc, vitamin D, B12, iron)

Chronic stress and adrenal dysfunction

Environmental toxins and heavy metals

Gluten sensitivity and food intolerances

Hormonal imbalances

Each of these can drive or worsen Hashimoto’s — and most are rarely discussed in traditional care.

Take Control of Your Thyroid Health

If you’ve been told “your labs are normal” but still struggle with low thyroid symptoms, it’s time to take a deeper look. Our Thyroid Reset Program helps uncover the root causes of your Hashimoto’s and guides you with a personalized, functional medicine plan designed for real healing.

You deserve answers — and a provider who looks beyond the TSH.

---

🌿 Ready to start your thyroid healing journey?