Which is the Best Type of Doctor to See for Your Thyroid? (Endos vs Holistic vs PCP vs Ob/Gyn)
Which is the best type of doctor to see if you have a thyroid problem? It's a question that many thyroid patients ask. Why? Because so many thyroid patients don't feel like their regular doctors are either helping them or listening to them when they talk about how they feel.
With that in mind, let's talk about the various types of doctors that you CAN see if you have a thyroid problem.
You can place them into 2 large groups. Conventional doctors and holistic doctors. As a brief spoiler, it's often the case that thyroid patients will feel much better when seeing holistic doctors over conventional doctors but this isn't always true (for reasons discussed in the video).
When looking for a doctor to treat your thyroid, I recommend sticking to MDs and/or DOs or practitioners that prescribe thyroid medication. This will make it easier for you to get what you need.
Conventional doctors include:
Family practice and PCPs - Family practice doctors can be good but they are often very busy and have a lot to keep in mind so they may not be up to date on the research.
Endocrinologists - Endos may be one of the worst types of doctors to see because they are often very set in their ways.
General surgeons - Avoid if possible.
Oncologists - Avoid if possible.
Ob/GYN - Can actually be better than endos and PCP's in the right setting. They may be more inclined to provide T3 medications for fertility purposes.
NP and PAs - Similar to PCP's and family practice doctors but your mileage may vary. If you can find a good NP or PA then stick with them!
Alternative doctors and holistic doctors:
Look for MDs and DO’s that specialize in integrative medicine, functional medicine, or anti-aging medicine - These specialties tend to be the most open-minded when it comes to using alternative thyroid medications and comprehensive lab testing.
Doctors that specialize in bioidentical hormone management - Doctors that specialize in bio-identical hormone management can also be great options.
Naturopaths - Naturopaths, if they can prescribe medication, are also worth exploring if you can find one near you.
Chiropractors - Some chiropractors are very knowledgeable in thyroid health but they can't prescribe medications.
Health coaches - Health coaches are great for helping to optimize diet and other lifestyle factors which can influence your thyroid.
What type of doctor are you currently seeing?
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
With that in mind, let's talk about the various types of doctors that you CAN see if you have a thyroid problem.
You can place them into 2 large groups. Conventional doctors and holistic doctors. As a brief spoiler, it's often the case that thyroid patients will feel much better when seeing holistic doctors over conventional doctors but this isn't always true (for reasons discussed in the video).
When looking for a doctor to treat your thyroid, I recommend sticking to MDs and/or DOs or practitioners that prescribe thyroid medication. This will make it easier for you to get what you need.
Conventional doctors include:
Family practice and PCPs - Family practice doctors can be good but they are often very busy and have a lot to keep in mind so they may not be up to date on the research.
Endocrinologists - Endos may be one of the worst types of doctors to see because they are often very set in their ways.
General surgeons - Avoid if possible.
Oncologists - Avoid if possible.
Ob/GYN - Can actually be better than endos and PCP's in the right setting. They may be more inclined to provide T3 medications for fertility purposes.
NP and PAs - Similar to PCP's and family practice doctors but your mileage may vary. If you can find a good NP or PA then stick with them!
Alternative doctors and holistic doctors:
Look for MDs and DO’s that specialize in integrative medicine, functional medicine, or anti-aging medicine - These specialties tend to be the most open-minded when it comes to using alternative thyroid medications and comprehensive lab testing.
Doctors that specialize in bioidentical hormone management - Doctors that specialize in bio-identical hormone management can also be great options.
Naturopaths - Naturopaths, if they can prescribe medication, are also worth exploring if you can find one near you.
Chiropractors - Some chiropractors are very knowledgeable in thyroid health but they can't prescribe medications.
Health coaches - Health coaches are great for helping to optimize diet and other lifestyle factors which can influence your thyroid.
What type of doctor are you currently seeing?
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: https://www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
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