Top Thyroid Doctor | Austin, TX

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolic rate of the body, which influences all cellular processes. One in five women and one in ten men suffer from low thyroid function and many remain undiagnosed. This often occurs because practitioners lack a comprehensive understanding of how to evaluate thyroid function with a detailed medical history and extensive thyroid hormone blood work testing. A low functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause a range of symptoms, including weight gain or difficulty losing weight, cold hands and feet, depression, memory issues, low libido, hair loss and fatigue. It is essential to monitor thyroid hormone levels regularly. A complete set of thyroid tests including TSH, Free T3, Reverse T3, Free T4, Total T4, Anti-TPO antibodies, and Anti-Thyroid Globulin antibodies which must be done for a comprehensive blood evaluation of thyroid function.

Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX has a record of successful treatments for thyroid dysfunction using integrative health techniques, being named one of the top 10 best thyroid doctors in the state of Texas. Her approach is successful because of how the thyroid is so interconnected with other systems in the body.

Even more interesting are Dr. Harper’s recent scientific discoveries that every other organ system will have an impact on how the thyroid gland works. This affects how much thyroid hormone is made, if the hormone is converted to its most active forms, and if the body can use it effectively.
Rarely recognized are the effects of reproductive hormones, stress hormone, and nutrition on optimal thyroid function. In addition to in-depth testing of all thyroid hormone levels she combines this testing with other diagnostic and nutritional testing to provide a comprehensive and effective approach.

Compounding of specific amounts of thyroid hormone replacement can be offered through compounding pharmacies to tailor the specific amount of thyroid hormone prescribed for each individual’s need. We customize the amount of T3 and T4 medication required for each individual based on their bloodwork results and often request the medication be sustain released for long acting support throughout the day.
Nutrition is only one part of the picture for achieving optimal health. A fully personalized program for optimal health includes an evaluation of an individual’s hormonal needs throughout all stages of life, especially as we age. Dr. Ruthie Harper offers innovative diagnostic and treatment methods for patients experiencing thyroid issues.

If you live in Central Texas or the greater Austin, TX area, schedule comprehensive thyroid testing with Dr. Ruthie Harper in person. If you live in Texas, outside the Austin area or prefer telemedicine, we offer virtual appointments. We look forward to helping you take the first step to regaining your health, preventing disease, and feeling your best!

Top Thyroid Doctor
Austin, TX

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating the metabolic rate of the body, which influences all cellular processes. One in five women and one in ten men suffer from low thyroid function and many remain undiagnosed. This often occurs because practitioners lack a comprehensive understanding of how to evaluate thyroid function with a detailed medical history and extensive thyroid hormone blood work testing. A low functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause a range of symptoms, including weight gain or difficulty losing weight, cold hands and feet, depression, memory issues, low libido, hair loss and fatigue. It is essential to monitor thyroid hormone levels regularly. A complete set of thyroid tests including TSH, Free T3, Reverse T3, Free T4, Total T4, Anti-TPO antibodies, and Anti-Thyroid Globulin antibodies which must be done for a comprehensive blood evaluation of thyroid function.

Dr. Ruthie Harper in Austin, TX has a record of successful treatments for thyroid dysfunction using integrative health techniques, being named one of the top 10 best thyroid doctors in the state of Texas. Her approach is successful because of how the thyroid is so interconnected with other systems in the body.

Even more interesting are Dr. Harper’s recent scientific discoveries that every other organ system will have an impact on how the thyroid gland works. This affects how much thyroid hormone is made, if the hormone is converted to its most active forms, and if the body can use it effectively.
Rarely recognized are the effects of reproductive hormones, stress hormone, and nutrition on optimal thyroid function. In addition to in-depth testing of all thyroid hormone levels she combines this testing with other diagnostic and nutritional testing to provide a comprehensive and effective approach.

Compounding of specific amounts of thyroid hormone replacement can be offered through compounding pharmacies to tailor the specific amount of thyroid hormone prescribed for each individual’s need. We customize the amount of T3 and T4 medication required for each individual based on their bloodwork results and often request the medication be sustain released for long acting support throughout the day.
Nutrition is only one part of the picture for achieving optimal health. A fully personalized program for optimal health includes an evaluation of an individual’s hormonal needs throughout all stages of life, especially as we age. Dr. Ruthie Harper offers innovative diagnostic and treatment methods for patients experiencing thyroid issues.

If you live in Central Texas or the greater Austin, TX area, schedule comprehensive thyroid testing with Dr. Ruthie Harper in person. If you live in Texas, outside the Austin area or prefer telemedicine, we offer virtual appointments. We look forward to helping you take the first step to regaining your health, preventing disease, and feeling your best!

Thyroid Disease

What does the thyroid do?

This butterfly-shaped organ is located at the front of the neck and secretes thyroid hormones which are used for a wide range of effects in the body, such as:

Maintaining the metabolic rate in the body by influencing appetite and the absorption of substances. This allows for the breakdown of glucose, increases absorption in the gut, and allows for the breakdown of fats.

Influences the cardiovascular system by increasing the rate of the body’s heartbeat, the rate of breathing, and the consumption of oxygen.

What happens if I have thyroid problems?

Thyroid problems can be caused by a wide variety of issues, including genetics, pregnancy, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or an autoimmune attack. An over or under-active thyroid can lead to:

Gaining weight caused by slowing down metabolic rates in your body.

Dry, brittle hair or hair loss of the scalp or all over the body.

Feelings of depression as a result of too little thyroid hormones within your body. It’s believed that this could be caused by altered levels of neurochemicals in the brain.

Change in your period which could mean more intense menstrual periods with heavier flow and stronger cramps, irregular period cycles, and even lighter or absent periods.

An altered sleep schedule resulting in being unable to sleep (hyperthyroidism) or an increased desire to sleep (hypothyroidism).

Types of Thyroid Disease

Thyroid nodules
An abnormal growth called a nodule on the thyroid is common. In fact, half of all people over the age of 60 will have a growth of some kind. Most (90%) of these are benign, however, determining if they are more serious (thyroid cancer) is important.

Hypothyroidism
An under-active thyroid means that the amount of thyroid hormone in the body is not enough. This ultimately causes several of the body’s functions to slow down and cause the patient to feel cold, tired, depressed, constipated, and have dry skin. Treatments usually include taking a medication to regulate levels of thyroid hormone in the body.

Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid can result in too many hormones which could result in feelings of anxiousness, irritability, heart palpitations, losing weight, and having brittle hair. Treatment varies by age so getting a diagnosis is a great first step.

Goiter
An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Having a goiter is a sign that something is causing the organ to grow abnormally.

Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the gland. This can include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, postpartum thyroiditis, or subacute thyroiditis.

Thyroid cancer
A malignant tumor found on the thyroid gland. It’s relatively uncommon compared to other forms of cancer, however, it comes in several types including:

Papillary thyroid cancer
Follicular thyroid cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer
Anaplastic thyroid cancer