Naturopathic Thyroid and Autoimmune Care in Massachusetts
Support for women living with Hashimoto's, other thyroid concerns and autoimmune conditions, alongside the medical care you already have. From Dr. Amber Vance, ND, in Belmont.
Living With Thyroid or Autoimmune Symptoms
Many women with thyroid or autoimmune conditions have dealt with symptoms for years. Some have a diagnosis and a prescription but still don't feel like themselves. Others still have symptoms despite normal thyroid blood tests, which can mean something beyond the thyroid is involved.
In my practice, I look at nutrition, sleep, stress and the other everyday factors that affect how you feel, while your doctor manages the condition itself.
Hashimoto's, Autoimmunity, and Your Thyroid
In an autoimmune condition, the immune system attacks the body's own tissue. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid, and blood tests often show antibodies against it. Over time, the thyroid can make less hormone than the body needs, a condition called hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US, and it's more common in women. Diagnosis draws on your history and an examination along with blood tests such as TSH, free T4 and thyroid antibodies. Not everyone with Hashimoto's develops an underactive thyroid, but when it does happen, the standard treatment is prescription thyroid hormone, managed by your medical doctor.
Symptoms Linked to Thyroid and Autoimmune Conditions
These symptoms overlap with many other conditions. A diagnosis depends on your history, an examination and condition-specific testing, carried out by your primary care clinician or specialist.
Underactive Thyroid Symptoms
Tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain, dry skin, constipation and thinning hair.
Autoimmune Symptoms
Autoimmune conditions vary widely, but ongoing tiredness, joint pain and body aches are common complaints.
How My Care Fits With Your Medical Team
Thyroid and autoimmune conditions are diagnosed and medically treated by your primary care clinician or a relevant specialist, such as an endocrinologist or rheumatologist. My work as a naturopath sits alongside theirs.
● Your current doctors stay in charge of your diagnosis and prescriptions.
● I don't prescribe thyroid medication, and I won't ask you to stop anything you've been prescribed.
● You're welcome to bring recent lab results from your other clinicians.
● With your permission, I'm happy to share notes with them, so everyone works from the same information.
The Naturopathic Side of Thyroid Care
I focus on factors you can influence day to day. Conditions like Hashimoto's are usually managed over the long term, so the goal is to help you feel better, not to promise a cure.
A review of your symptoms, health history and any labs you already have
Further lab testing when it's clinically appropriate
Nutrition changes based on your symptoms and history, rather than one fixed diet
Support for sleep and stress, both of which can affect how you feel
Follow-up visits to see how you're doing and adjust the plan
Managing Autoimmune Conditions Long Term
With an autoimmune condition, care is about improving your health over time. I address the contributors to inflammation you can change, support immune regulation and work on easing your symptoms, all to help you maintain your long-term health and quality of life.
Nutrition
Food choices based on your history, and making sure your body gets the nutrients it needs.
Sleep
Steps to improve how well you sleep.
Gut Health
Support for digestion and gut health as part of your plan.
Fatigue and Energy
Work on the ongoing tiredness that often comes with autoimmune conditions.
Stress and Nervous System
Ways to manage stress and help regulate your nervous system.
Prevention and Monitoring
Regular follow-ups to monitor your health, with an eye on long-term prevention.
Already Seeing a Specialist?
A free 15-minute discovery call is a chance to talk about how naturopathic care could fit with your current treatment.
Booking From Anywhere in Massachusetts
First Visit
Preferably in person at my Belmont office
Follow-Ups
In person, or by telehealth while you're in Massachusetts
Patients can book from anywhere in the state, including Belmont, Lexington, Arlington, Boston, Medford, Bedford, Lowell, Peabody, Worcester, Milford, Norwood and Natick.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Naturopathic care can provide support with nutrition, sleep, stress and how you feel day to day. It doesn't replace the medical treatment your doctor manages.
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No. Don't change any prescribed medication without talking to the clinician who prescribed it.
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Not necessarily. Evidence doesn't support going gluten-free as a rule for everyone with Hashimoto's. If celiac disease is a possibility, get tested before cutting out gluten, because removing it first can affect the results. Any other food changes are based on your own history.
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When it's clinically appropriate, yes. Naturopathic doctors in Massachusetts can order lab tests, and you're also welcome to bring recent results from your other clinicians.
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I work with women who have autoimmune diagnoses, including Hashimoto's and psoriasis. If you have a different autoimmune condition, a discovery call is the quickest way to find out whether I can help. Your primary care clinician or specialist stays in charge of diagnosis and medical treatment.
Add Support to the Care You Already Have
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through your situation and what naturopathic care could add.