If you’re dealing with thyroid issues, you know how tricky it can be to find a plan that actually makes you feel good. So often, people start medication feeling hopeful—ready for more energy, clearer thinking, weight balance, and motivation. But sometimes, those lingering symptoms stick around. The fatigue, brain fog, and low drive can leave you wondering, “Why am I still not feeling better?”

The truth is, it’s not always about doing more—it’s about looking deeper. Sometimes the standard protocol misses pieces of the bigger picture. That’s where a whole-body approach can make such a difference.

Dr. Stefania Tiveron is one of those NDs who takes the time to connect all the dots—thyroid, gut health, stress, nutrients, and overall wellness—so her patients can finally feel and function at their best.

She recently shared a real patient story that highlights this approach, and I think you’ll find it eye-opening. Let’s get into it ↓

From Dr. Stefania…

A 50-year-old female came in with: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and bloating.

She’s on Synthroid, but still struggling.

👉 Her labs told a deeper story:

TSH 8.28 (↑): thyroid still underactive, even on meds.
Free T4 and Free T3 were low-normal. In this case, we caught Free T3 at its peak because medication was taken before the blood draw. Thyroid medication levels naturally rise and fall throughout the day (peaks and troughs). Typically, I prefer to test at the trough—right before the next dose. This lab was drawn under different circumstances.
TPO antibodies high: Hashimoto’s confirmed.
Low Vit D, iron, B12: nutrient roadblocks.
Elevated insulin + cholesterol: thyroid + metabolism connection.

👉 My read:

This isn’t “just hypothyroidism.” It’s an autoimmune process + conversion problem + nutrient gaps + metabolic stress.

⚡ The deeper layer:

Hashimoto’s isn’t only about thyroid hormones.

Nutrients drive hormone conversion and energy metabolism.
The liver converts T4 → T3.
Gut + immune balance regulate inflammation, which can elevate or suppress TSH.
The mitochondria impacts cellular energy availability and Free T3 effectiveness.
Chronic stress & high cortisol suppresses thyroid function (at the level of the brain).

💡 Plan:

NAC + selenium/inositol for liver, thyroid + immune support
Iron, B12, Vit D to replenish nutrient reserves
Anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly nutrition to support a healthy & diverse microbiome
No-snacking + post-meal walks to improve insulin sensitivity
Nervous system care to regulate the stress response system & increase resilience

👩‍⚕️ Thyroid care isn’t about chasing perfect lab numbers

It’s about rebuilding the foundation — gut, nutrients, metabolism, immune health — so your body can actually use those hormones effectively.

👉 That’s the ND difference: connecting dots your labs alone can’t.

This is how naturopathic medicine works: We connect the dots between thyroid, gut, immune, and metabolic health. We don’t just swap meds—we rebuild the foundation.

Taking Action

If you’re reading this and nodding along, you’re not alone. Thyroid issues are complex, and it can feel frustrating when the “standard” approach doesn’t seem to help. That’s why it’s so important to look at the whole picture—your labs, your lifestyle, your nutrient status, and how your body is actually responding.

Here are a few reflection questions to guide your next steps:

Have you noticed lingering symptoms even while on thyroid medication?
Do you feel like your labs don’t tell the full story of how you feel day to day?
Have you ever looked at nutrition, gut health, or stress management as part of your thyroid care?
What support might help you feel more energized, clear-headed, and balanced?

✨ The bottom line: Thyroid health is about more than medication. It’s about rebuilding your foundation so your body can thrive.

→ For a deeper dive, you can read Dr. Stefania Tiveron’s full post (or set up a consultation with her) here: READ NOW.

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