Ahn Point Wellness

Products And Services

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

  The adrenal glands, located above the kidney, are responsible for producing hormones that are vital to life. If the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient levels of these hormones, it results in a disorder called adrenal insufficiency. (Primary adrenal insufficiency is known as Addison’s disease.) Adrenal insufficiency can happen to men and women at any age, and its effects can impact the entire body. If you have developed symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, a reliable doctor like Lynne Ahn, MD, can help balance out your hormones and put you back on the path to optimal health. She can create a customized, comprehensive plan that includes supplements to support the adrenal gland, modifications to diet, exercise and sleep, all based around your health and the specifics of your case. Understanding Adrenal Insufficiency The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which is responsible for helping convert food to energy, keeping the immune system’s inflammatory response in check and helping the body respond to stress. It also produces aldosterone, which helps keep blood pressure normal and regulate levels of sodium and potassium. Problems with the adrenal glands can be caused by an autoimmune disease, cancer or infection of the glands or tuberculosis. It can also be caused by a problem with the pituitary gland, as that gland is responsible for telling adrenal glands how to work. Signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include the following: Extreme fatigue Nausea or vomiting Weight loss Decreased appetite Muscle joint pain Depression Darkening of the skin Salt cravings Adrenal insufficiency treatment in Wellesley Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency usually develop slowly, and the signs are easy to miss. Stresses such as an injury or illness can exacerbate symptoms. Treating Adrenal Insufficiency Adrenal insufficiency can be confirmed with a simple blood test. Other tests such as an abdominal CT scan or MRI of the pituitary gland may be recommended depending on the case. Treatment for adrenal insufficiency has traditionally involved replacing hormones the body doesn’t producing naturally. It also may require vitamins and minerals that will help support the adrenal gland to get it working for you again. Dr. Ahn takes a comprehensive look at your unique symptoms, lifestyle and genetics. For example, she will want to learn more about your diet, exercise and sleep habits, as well as any areas of stress or other environmental factors that may affect your life, so that she can identify specific strategies for improvement. With this information, Dr. Ahn can recommend a plan that may include medical therapy, neutraceuticals, dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes. For example, changing your diet to increase consumption of certain foods and decrease consumption of others can be useful. Managing stress by decreasing stress levels may also be useful in cases of adrenal insufficiency. Rest assured that Dr. Ahn’s recommendations will be tailored to you as a unique individual and developed to help put you back on the path to optimal health and excellent quality of life. She will follow up with you routinely to reassess your adrenal hormone levels and make modifications as needed. Call or email our office to request a consultation with her today.

  Link: Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Metabolic & Nutritional Medicine

  Metabolism — the biochemical process through which food is transformed into fuel and energy — is closely intertwined with nutrition. Your body needs a healthy balance of fats, carbohydrates and proteins as well as various micronutrients in order to thrive and avoid disease. Too much of the needed substances, or too little, can lead to a myriad of health problems and illnesses. Metabolic and nutritional medicine is a medical subspecialty that identifies biochemical processes that have broken down in the body and the diseases or illnesses that have occurred as a result. Doctors in this subspecialty, like Boston gastroenterologist Dr. Lynne Ahn, aim to restore optimal health by looking at the patient as a whole, taking into consideration genetics, medical history, lifestyle and environmental factors, rather than just the illness or symptoms at hand. Dr. Ahn is board-certified in gastroenterology and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. She has extensive experience diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. Given this expertise, she brings a unique approach to her patient’s metabolic and gut health. Depending on your unique case, she may prescribe missing or deficient nutrients or hormones, and take into consideration lifestyle or environmental changes that can help restore balance. Vitamin Deficiencies One cause of metabolic disorders is vitamin deficiency, which can occur when you don’t eat enough of a vitamin or your body has trouble absorbing or processing a vitamin. Common vitamin deficiencies include vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and magnesium. Vitamin deficiencies can be addressed by making changes to your diet, supplements, IV therapy, injections and other strategies. Dr. Ahn can determine the best form of treatment through a variety of diagnostic tests and an evaluation of your medical history. Through specific diagnostic testing, Dr. Ahn can measure accurate levels of vitamins and minerals, as well as hormones, to identify where deficiencies may exist and why. From there, Dr. Ahn can recommend the appropriate levels of supplementation and best method for improving better absorption of vitamins and nutrients. Detoxification Programs Your body is exposed to harmful toxins every day. Fortunately, it has several processes to rid itself of naturally-occurring toxins. However, man-made chemicals and toxins may be harder for your body to eliminate. As these chemicals continue to exist in your body, they can cause an array of illnesses and symptoms that affect joint health, hormone balance, weight gain, and even mental function. While medications can treat symptoms, certain medications can introduce more toxins to the body. Detoxification programs, when done safely and under the guidance of a medical professional, can be extremely beneficial. In addition to reducing toxins in the body, detoxification has been proven to improve energy, digestion, mood, weight loss and overall well-being, all of which can improve treatment of chronic illnesses. Detoxifying programs may include a combination of dietary regimens and herbal/nutritional supplementation that support the body’s natural detoxification processes. These programs can be supplemented by IV therapy treatments and homeopathic and naturopathic treatments. Dr. Ahn will help guide you through a program that is right for you. Medical Weight Loss Strategies Nutritional medicine in Wellesley Medically supervised weight loss can involve an array of methods and strategies. Depending on your needs, Dr. Ahn may recommend any of the following: Medically-supervised diet Nutritional counseling Personalized eating plans Personalized exercise regimens Lifestyle and behavioral changes Stress management Successful medical weight loss strategies require precise and personalized planning in order to address your specific needs and goals. Vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and other breakdowns in your body’s metabolic processes that may be preventing weight loss will be identified and addressed. If you would like to learn more about metabolic and nutritional medicine as it pertains to your individual needs, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Lynne Ahn, a board-certified gastroenterologist and anti-aging regenerative medicine physician.

  Link: Metabolic & Nutritional Medicine

• Sexual Dysfunction Treatment

  Your sexuality is an important piece of who you are, and sexual wellness is a part of your overall well-being. If something interferes with your sex life, it can affect your happiness, self-esteem, relationship and quality of life. Dr. Lynne Ahn understands how very personal sexual dysfunction issues are, and she treats them with the sensitivity and respect that they demand. Her goal is to help every patient recapture the satisfying sex life they deserve, regardless of age. Sexual Dysfunction Problems Affecting Men Low Sex Drive Hormonal imbalance is often to blame for low libido in men. With age, testosterone levels can fall, estrogen levels can rise or both can occur simultaneously. Some men also experience elevated prolactin levels, a hormone that kills the desire for sex. When a man’s hormones are thrown off, his urge to have sex isn’t quite what it used to be. Erectile Dysfunction Some men have the desire to have sex, but erectile dysfunction interferes with their sexual satisfaction. Erectile dysfunction may occur due to low testosterone, elevated estrogen, underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) or certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, blood pressure medications). Sexual Dysfunction Problems Affecting Women Low Sex Drive Erectile dysfunction treatment in Wellesley A low libido is often the result of hormonal imbalances that occur during menopause and perimenopause. As estrogen, progesterone and testosterone (and sometimes thyroid) levels drop, the desire for sex can, too. Hormone imbalance can also cause other symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, depression and insomnia, which rob a woman of her sexual urges. Vaginal Dryness Around menopause, natural vaginal lubrication starts to dwindle, making intercourse unpleasant and even painful. This occurs mostly due to a drop in estrogen levels, but testosterone can also play a role in the problem. In addition to painful intercourse, vaginal dryness can cause other symptoms such as itching and burning, increased risk of infection and urinary incontinence. Sexual Dysfunction Treatment Options Personalized to Your Needs Dr. Ahn understands that every patient is unique and believes that you deserve a treatment plan individualized to your own needs and goals. After conducting a thorough evaluation of your hormone levels, other key vitals, overall health, behavioral and lifestyle habits, Dr. Ahn can lay out the available treatment options and customize a plan to help you get back to the satisfying sex life you enjoyed when you were younger. Your personalized plan could include hormone replacement therapy, diet and lifestyle changes, stress management and counseling. Once you have started on your journey to sexual wellness, Dr. Ahn will check in with you regularly to assess your progress and make any tweaks or modifications as needed. Contact Dr. Ahn Today If you are experiencing unfavorable changes in your sex life, you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve — talk to a compassionate professional who cares. Dr. Ahn invites you to schedule a one-on-one consultation in our Wellesley office. Call or email us today to request an appointment.

  Link: Sexual Dysfunction Treatment

• Stress Management

  Everyone occasionally feels stressed due to work, family, finances or life changes. But as we age, we tend to find that stress affects us differently and our ability to cope with stress ebbs. Periods of prolonged stress can take a toll on your body in more ways than you can imagine. Ongoing and chronic stress can cause or worsen serious health problems including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke and depression. Certain responses to stress (e.g., drinking or using drugs) can also be harmful to your health. Learning how to properly manage stress, particularly with the help of a professional like Dr Lynne Ahn, can make a significant difference in your health, happiness and quality of life. Furthermore, identifying and addressing physical impacts that stress can have on your health (e.g., blood pressure problems, immune system, sleep disturbances, weight gain) can be life-saving. What Stress Does to Your Body Research indicates that stress can cause or contribute to the following: Physical symptoms like headaches and upset stomach High blood pressure Difficulty sleeping and insomnia Sexual dysfunction Weight gain Cognitive problems such as memory or concentration impairment Emotional problems including depression, anxiety and panic attacks The way you handle stress may also be problematic, particularly if you turn to smoking, alcohol, drugs, overeating, gambling, overspending or other risky behaviors. Stress Management Techniques If you find yourself frequently stressed, you have probably tried common stress reduction techniques like yoga, long walks, meditation or journaling. But for lasting relief, you need the help of Dr. Ahn. She will help you understand why you react to stressful or potentially stressful events. And, she will help you learn to respond to stress in healthier ways. Dr. Ahn can help you explore strategies which may help you cope with your stress. These include practicing relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation, massage therapy) and adjusting lifestyle habits to eat better, exercise regularly and get more sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy to identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts, is also a valuable skill in stress management. Sometimes medication is prescribed, too. Stress management techniques in Wellesley Of course, Dr. Ahn’s goal is to not only improve your body’s response to stress and ability to cope with stress, but also to help you experience a reduction in any related medical or psychological symptoms. The technique or set of techniques Dr. Ahn will recommend to manage your stress will depend on your symptoms, health, lifestyle and goals. Stress is very personal, and Dr. Ahn tailors her recommendations and approach to your individual needs. Speak with Dr. Ahn Today Are life’s stresses (or the ways in which you respond to stress) affecting your physical or psychological health or quality of life? If so, you may benefit from a consultation with Lynne Ahn, MD. After garnering an understanding of your triggers, coping strategies, health and lifestyle, Dr. Ahn can put together a plan to make positive changes in your life. Call or email our office today to request an appointment with Dr. Ahn.

  Link: Stress Management

• Treatment for Sleep Disorders

  Not getting enough sleep affects not only your mood but your overall physical and psychological health, safety and ultimate quality of life. A lack of restful, restorative sleep can impact hormones and immune system function, as well as increase the risk of serious, life-threatening diseases. Sleep disorders deserve to be taken seriously with the help of a healthcare provider like Lynne Ahn, MD. With her experience in functional and integrative medicine, Dr. Ahn can evaluate your symptoms as well as your general health and lifestyle to identify the source(s) of the problem and recommend customized solutions. Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Disorders Excessive daytime sleepiness Difficulty falling asleep Falling asleep while driving or at other inappropriate times Unusual pattern of breathing during sleep Unusual movements during sleep Common Sleep Disorders Insomnia The most common sleep complaint, insomnia, is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. It can cause excessive fatigue during the day, cognitive impairment (e.g., problems with memory or concentration), moodiness, irritability and other symptoms. It is often caused or worsened by other factors, such as stress, physical or mental illness or the use of certain medications. Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops repeatedly throughout the night. In the most common type of sleep apnea, the airway becomes physically blocked, limiting the amount of air that reaches the lungs and causing temporary pauses in breathing. As the brain senses the pause in breathing, it signals the body to wake up. This pattern can happen up to several hundred times in a night. Sleep apnea has many serious long-term consequences, including an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Restless Leg Syndrome Restless leg syndrome causes the irresistible urge to move the legs while trying to fall asleep. As a result, it can be difficult to get comfortable enough to get a good night’s rest. Narcolepsy Treatment for sleep disorders in Wellesley Narcolepsy causes uncontrollable sleepiness and sleep attacks, in which one suddenly falls asleep in the middle of the day. Sometimes these sleep attacks can occur during activities such as eating, walking or driving. Treatments for Sleep Disorders Dr. Ahn will take the time to listen to you describe your symptoms and their effects on your life. Once she has an understanding of what you are going through, as well as your medical history, genetics and lifestyle, she can tailor a health care plan to your needs. Dr. Ahn can help you pay better attention to your diet, exercise routine, sources of stress and other factors in your life that can affect your sleep. She can explain “sleep hygiene” or things you can do to naturally increase the quality and quantity of sleep you get every night. Depending on your specific diagnosis, treatment modalities could include the use of certain sleep appliances, medication, supplements, meditation or other types of therapy. You do not have to settle for sleepless nights and sleepy days. For more information about sleep disorders and treatments, please request a consultation with Dr. Ahn today.

  Link: Treatment for Sleep Disorders

• Integrative Gastroenterology

  A healthy digestive system is critical to overall health and wellness. As a gastroenterologist and a practitioner of integrative medicine, Dr. Lynne Ahn is perfectly poised to offer a full range of digestive care. She will help you to proactively manage and maintain your digestive health instead of simply treating disease. Gastrointestinal Conditions Treated Many patients have sought out Dr. Ahn’s unique expertise in the following conditions: Abdominal pain Diarrhea Nausea Constipation Irritable bowel syndrome Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease Gastrointestinal bleeding Leaky gut Hemorrhoids Gastrointestinal Services Offered Dr. Ahn believes in patient-centered care. She understands that although you may be experiencing symptoms similar to other patients, you are completely unique. She will take the time to do a full medical work-up with appropriate diagnostic tests before recommending a treatment plan tailored to your specific circumstances and needs. Available diagnostic and treatment services include the following: Endoscopy An endoscopy is an examination of the upper digestive tract. It is performed to investigate possible causes of conditions and problems with the digestive system, such as ulcers, abnormal growths, inflammation and acid reflux. During an endoscopy, a long, flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted down the throat and into the esophagus. The tube has a small camera on the end that projects images onto a monitor in the exam room so Dr. Ahn can see the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine. She can take biopsies of any abnormal tissue. Endoscopies are safe and common, and are performed at either a hospital or endoscopy center. You will receive mild sedation so you do not feel or remember anything from the procedure. The exam takes approximately 15 minutes. You will have to have someone drive you home from the procedure since you are sedated at the time of the exam. After your procedure, Dr. Ahn will review the results of your endoscopy with you. Depending on what she finds during the exam, she can determine whether treatment is needed. Colonoscopy Gastrointestinal treatment in Wellesley A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and end of the small intestine. It is performed to investigate possible causes of abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, blood in the stool and/or other digestive symptoms. A colonoscopy can also be performed to look for polyps in the colon and screen for colon cancer. A colonoscopy is similar to an endoscopy, except that the thin, flexible tube is inserted through the anus and guided through the colon. Dr. Ahn looks at the images from inside the colon to inspect it for abnormalities. If she discovers abnormal tissue or polyps, the tissue can be removed during the colonoscopy. Biopsies can also be taken. The process is very safe and complications are rare. You will receive mild sedation so you do not feel or remember anything from the procedure. The exam takes approximately 30 minutes. Dr. Ahn will review the results of your colonoscopy with you. Depending on the reason for the colonoscopy and the findings, she can determine whether any treatment is needed. Hemorrhoids and Banding of Internal Hemorrhoids: Common but uncomfortable, hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside and/or outside the anus. Normally the first line of defense against hemorrhoids are at-home remedies such as eating a high-fiber diet or applying topical creams to the area. Over the counter creams generally do not work long term. If you are experiencing problems with hemorrhoids, you should have them evaluated to determine the best treatment option for you. A prescription medication or compounded cream may be needed to treat the hemorrhoids. You also may have an anal fissure or anal spasm, which is only going to compound the problem. If these fail to work, an in-office procedure called hemorrhoid banding can help treat the hemorrhoids. During the procedure, tiny rubber bands are tied around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow. The treatment takes only a few minutes and is performed in the office. There is no pain, only a “fullness” in the rectum that may last hours to days. There is no downtime. If you are experiencing any digestive symptoms and want to discuss them with a leading Boston gastroenterologist, Dr. Ahn invites you to schedule a consultation today. Call or email our office to request an appointment.

  Link: Integrative Gastroenterology

• IV Therapy

  Boost your wellness with IV vitamin infusions at Ahn Point Wellness in Wellesley. From immunity and beauty to hydration and energy, our treatments support your health with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Book your infusion today! Vitamin Infusions Ahn Point Immune A mixture of electrolytes, antioxidants including glutathione, and vitamins B and C to help boost your immune system. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is well known for its positive impact on the immune system. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage, helps promote brain health, collagen formation, and iron absorption; it may also improve blood pressure and reduce cancer risk. Ahn Point Beauty A mixture of electrolytes, glutathione, and B vitamins, including biotin. Biotin (B7) is essential for converting food into energy, with a special focus on promoting healthy skin, hair, nails, and eyes. Ahn Point Wellness A mixture of electrolytes, glutathione, and B vitamins including vitamin B12. B12 converts food into energy; B12 also plays a role in blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, nerve function, cognitive function, and promotes healthy skin and eyes. Ahn Point Wellness + A mixture of electrolytes, vitamins, glutathione and minerals with included magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese. This powerful IV treatment is an amazing way to promote overall health and well-being. NAD+ We are excited to offer Niagen+ IV infusions at Ahn Point Wellness. NRC (nicotinamide riboside chloride) is the precursor, or building block, of NAD. NAD is critical for cellular metabolism and cellular health. NAD mainly acts as an electron carrier during cellular metabolic reactions, which in turn facilitates energy metabolism, DNA repair, gene expression, and cellular communication. NAD levels decline when we age and with extrinsic stressors. The patented Niagen+ NRC has been shown to increase NAD levels by up to 30% with a fast, comfortable infusion! Available for Intramuscular Injection Biotin Glutathione Mineral Blend Vitamin D3 Vitamin C Vitamin B12 Vita-Complex NAD + A Deeper Look at Your Treatment All of our IV therapy treatments contain normal saline, Vita-Complex, and glutathione. Normal saline: The base of the IV is a mixture of water and electrolytes. The electrolytes help push water into your cells, increasing absorption and hydrating you more completely. Vita-Complex: Contains B vitamins that are essential for converting food into energy. A deficiency in any of the B vitamins may have a negative impact on the energy conversion pathway. While all B vitamins have the same goal of energy conversion, some vary in responsibility: Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing their burden of oxidative stress and cellular damage. Common disease processes that are thought to be related to chronic oxidative stress include: Thiamine (B1) promotes a healthy nervous system. Riboflavin (B2) is important for maintaining healthy skin, GI tract, blood cell, and brain function. Niacin (B3) may help lower cholesterol and maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. Pantothenic acid (B5) helps produce red blood cells and stress-related and sex-related hormones. Pyridoxine (B6) supports a healthy immune system, blood sugar regulation, and brain development. Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing their burden of oxidative stress and cellular damage. Common disease processes that are thought to be related to chronic oxidative stress include: Cataracts Macular degeneration Diabetic retinopathy Glaucoma Cancer Wrinkles Premature aging Cardiovascular disease Glutathione is also responsible for repairing damaged cells, detoxification, and making chemicals and proteins.

  Link: IV Therapy

• Aesthetics

  Refresh your look with Botox, fillers, PRP, and more at Ahn Point Wellness in Wellesley. Natural results, minimal downtime. Book today! Botox Botox Botox is a neuromodulator that is used to temporarily improve the look of wrinkles made from repeated facial expressions. Botox is used primarily for relaxing the muscles of the forehead, frown lines, and around the eyes, leaving you looking likeyou, with fewer wrinkles. The Botox procedure is very quick and well tolerated, with results lasting 3-4 months. Dysport Dysport Dysport is a neuromodulator that is used to temporarily improve the look of wrinkles made from repeated facial expressions. Dysport is used primarily in the upper face relaxing the muscles of the forehead, frown lines, and around the eyes. Dysport tends to start working within 2-3 days, with results lasting up to 5 months. Dermal Filler At Ahn Point Wellness we use hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler from trusted brands such as Juvéderm and Restylane, which are backed by years of clinical studies and patient satisfaction. Dermal fillers can be used to treat many different concerns, with common treatment areas including lips, cheeks, marionette lines, jawline, chin, nasolabial folds, and under eyes. The filler type and brand are chosen based on your particular anatomy and goals. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) PRP is a treatment made for you, by you! We draw your blood, extract the PRP, and use it as an injectable to stimulate collagen in the desired treatment area. Some common concerns that can be addressed by PRP include under-eye hollowing, discoloration, creepiness, and hair thinning. This natural treatment is used across a variety of different specialties including orthopedics due to its reliable ability to stimulate the body to repair itself. Sculptra Skinvive Sculptra is a biostimulator made from poly-L- lactic acid which is used to stimulate collagen. Sculptra is injected into the face to smooth wrinkles, improve skin laxity and facial contours. Sculptra is thought of as a “natural filler”, we think of Sculptra as giving your face back what it may have lost during the aging process. Treatment frequency depends on your anatomy and goals! Skinvive Skinvive is widely known as “an injectable moisturizer”. Skinvive is injected into your skin to promote hydration from the inside out. This treatment is quick and well tolerated, leaving you with a lasting glow for up to 6 months. Emsculpt Emsculpt is a machine that uses High- Intensity Focused Electro-Magnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate muscle contraction and reduce fat simultaneously in the treatment area with no downtime. One 30-minute Emsculpt session is equivalent to 20,000 crunches or squats! Emsculpt is commonly used to enhance the abdomen, glutes, calves, and arms.

  Link: Aesthetics

• Treatment of Thyroid Disorders

  The thyroid plays one of the body’s most important roles. This small, butterfly-shaped gland, located at the base of the front of the neck, is responsible for producing the crucial thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid hormones are secreted into the blood and carried to the body’s cells, controlling metabolism and other vital functions and processes. A properly functioning thyroid gland is essential to overall health. Extremely well-versed in metabolic medicine, Dr. Lynne Ahn has helped countless patients overcome thyroid problems to regain overall wellness and a better quality of life. If you suspect that your thyroid function is compromised, Dr. Ahn can discuss your symptoms with you, order a full medical work-up and diagnose the problem. Based on the information gathered during the diagnostic phase, Dr. Ahn will create a treatment plan specifically for you. The details of this plan will be tailored to the type and severity of your condition. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition in which an underactive thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning normally. When the body’s cells don’t get enough thyroid hormones, the body uses energy slower than it should and processes start to slow down. Common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include the following: Weight gain Hair loss Chronic fatigue Dry skin Constipation Cold hands and feet Poor memory Sensitivity to cold Most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s. Other causes include inflammation of the thyroid gland, thyroid surgery, radiation, medications and over-response to hyperthyroidism treatment. The amount of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream is controlled by the pituitary gland in the center of the skull below the brain. If it senses a lack of thyroid hormones, it adjusts its own hormone, called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), that tells the thyroid to produce more hormone. If the pituitary gland senses a high level of thyroid hormones, it secretes lower levels of TSH. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test to measure the levels of thyroid hormone as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); a high level of TSH indicates the pituitary gland is trying to stimulate the thyroid gland such that it produces more thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism Treatment for thyroid disorders in Wellesley Hyperthyroidism occurs when an overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. When the body’s cells get too much thyroid hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include the following: Weight loss Rapid or irregular heartbeat Muscle weakness or tremors Irritability, anxiety or nervousness Vision problems Sensitivity to heat Trouble sleeping More frequent bowel movements Hyperthyroidism can be caused by an autoimmune disease known as Graves’ disease, as well as inflammation of the thyroid or nodules or lumps on the gland. Like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism is diagnosed with laboratory tests to measure the amount of thyroid hormone and TSH in the blood. Overcoming Thyroid Disease with Dr. Ahn Once Dr. Ahn has gained an understanding of your symptoms and analyzed the results of any blood work or other labs, she can put together a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan to help you restore optimal thyroid function. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of thyroid hormone. There are synthetic medications, such as levothyroxine. But there are also natural forms of thyroid medications that can be used (NP Thyroid, Armour and Nature Thyroid). Treatment for hyperthyroidism can include the use of an antithyroid drug like methimazole that blocks the thyroid gland from producing new thyroid hormone. As an advocate of integrated health care, Dr. Ahn will also recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, supplements and other therapies. There is no universal best approach — her recommendations will be completely customized to you and your unique body. Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Ahn Today It takes time to overcome thyroid disease, alleviate symptoms and get back to a better quality of life. The sooner you address your symptoms with Dr. Ahn, the sooner you can reclaim better health and wellness. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahn today to discuss your case.

  Link: Treatment of Thyroid Disorders