Thyroid Conditions in Reno, NV
Your thyroid gland controls metabolism, heart rate, energy levels, weight, mood, and more. When it produces too much or too little hormone, the effects ripple throughout your entire body. At Gates Brain Health, Dr. Randall Gates, D.C., Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, investigates the root causes of thyroid dysfunction — not just the lab numbers.
Request an AppointmentHow Your Thyroid Affects Your Health
The thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate nearly every function in the body — including how fast you burn calories, how your heart beats, how your muscles contract, and how your brain and mood function. When thyroid hormone levels are off — either too high or too low — the consequences can be profound and wide-ranging.
Women are significantly more likely than men to develop thyroid disease, particularly after pregnancy or during the transition through menopause.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This slows down many of the body’s functions. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Weight gain despite no change in diet
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Depression and brain fog
- Joint and muscle pain
- Slowed heart rate
- Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Critically, many patients are told their thyroid is “normal” because their TSH falls within the standard reference range, yet autoimmune antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies and Anti-thyroglobulin Antibodies) are never checked. At Gates Brain Health, we look beyond the basics.
Other causes of hypothyroidism include radioiodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, radiation to the head or neck, and surgical thyroid removal.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces more hormone than the body needs, speeding up many bodily functions. Common symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Increased sweating and heat sensitivity
- Tremors
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent bowel movements
- Enlarged thyroid
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition. In Graves’ disease, the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid to produce excess hormones.
The Gut, Brain, and Thyroid Connection
At Gates Brain Health, we understand that thyroid dysfunction rarely exists in isolation. The gut-thyroid axis is a critical concept: poor gut health, dysbiosis, and intestinal permeability (leaky gut) all drive the autoimmune processes that attack the thyroid. Restoring gut health is often a missing piece in thyroid recovery.
Additionally, thyroid dysfunction has significant neurological implications. The brain requires adequate thyroid hormone for optimal function — low or high levels can contribute to brain fog, depression and anxiety, memory loss, and fatigue. Dr. Gates evaluates these neurological connections as part of every thyroid assessment.
For comprehensive thyroid care in Reno, NV , call Gates Brain Health at (775) 507-2000 or schedule a consultation.
Related conditions we treat: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Leaky Gut, Brain Fog, Depression & Anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid Conditions
What are the most common thyroid conditions?
The most common thyroid conditions are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). The leading cause of hypothyroidism in the US is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — an autoimmune condition. The leading cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, also autoimmune in nature. Both conditions cause widespread symptoms that affect metabolism, mood, energy, and organ function.
Why do I still have thyroid symptoms even though my labs are ‘normal’?
Standard thyroid panels often only check TSH and sometimes T4, missing critical markers like Free T3, Reverse T3, and autoimmune antibodies (TPO and Anti-Tg). Many patients feel unwell despite a normal TSH because their autoimmune attack on the thyroid hasn’t been identified, their T3 conversion is impaired, or their cellular response to thyroid hormone is compromised. At Gates Brain Health, we run a thorough thyroid panel to get the complete picture.
What is the connection between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and gut health?
Research shows a strong link between gut dysbiosis, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. When the gut barrier is compromised, immune activation increases and can trigger or worsen autoimmune attacks on the thyroid. Restoring gut health through diet, targeted supplementation, and microbiome support is a foundational part of managing Hashimoto’s at Gates Brain Health.
Can thyroid dysfunction cause neurological symptoms?
Yes. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause significant neurological symptoms. Low thyroid hormone can produce brain fog, memory loss, depression, and nerve pain. High thyroid hormone can cause anxiety, tremors, and cognitive difficulties. Dr. Gates evaluates the neurological impact of thyroid dysfunction as part of his comprehensive assessment.
Are women more at risk for thyroid disease?
Yes. Women are significantly more likely to develop thyroid conditions than men. The risk is particularly elevated during and after pregnancy, and during perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations during these life stages can trigger or worsen autoimmune thyroid conditions. About 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some form of thyroid disorder during their lifetime.
Can thyroid disease be related to other autoimmune conditions?
Absolutely. Autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s frequently co-occur with other autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease. An autoimmune diagnosis in one area should prompt investigation into others. At Gates Brain Health, we assess the full autoimmune landscape to provide comprehensive care.
How does Gates Brain Health approach thyroid treatment?
Dr. Gates takes a comprehensive functional approach: running thorough thyroid and autoimmune panels, assessing gut health, evaluating neurological function, and developing a personalized plan that may include dietary changes, targeted supplementation, gut healing protocols, and neuroplasticity-based therapies. We work collaboratively with your existing healthcare providers to optimize your overall thyroid health. Call us at (775) 507-2000 to get started.