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Thyroid Specialist

Family Acupuncture and Wellness

Acupuncturists & Functional Medicine Specialists located in Portsmouth, NH

Since the thyroid regulates several of your body’s core processes, a single problem with it causes a domino effect. As a Functional Medicine practitioner, Adam Learner, LAc has extensive expertise treating thyroid dysfunctions at Family Acupuncture & Wellness in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Thyroid related issues are some of the most frustrating, misdiagnosed, and mismanaged conditions that we see. He uses a thorough laboratory workup to evaluate all of the factors that might be impacting the thyroid, and then uses lab-based diet, lifestyle, and nutritional therapies, herbal medicine, and other therapies to help patients address the root causes of their thyroid issues. If you have symptoms of a thyroid disorder, contact the clinic online or over the phone for a health consultation.

Thyroid

What disorders affect the thyroid?

The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland in your neck that regulates many of your body’s processes. Some of the problems that affect the thyroid include:

  • Goiter: enlargement of the thyroid
  • Thyroid nodules: lumps on the thyroid
  • Hypothyroidism: the thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones
  • Hyperthyroidism: the gland makes too much thyroid hormone
  • Chronic thyroiditis, or Hashimoto's disease: inflammation of the thyroid

How do you diagnose thyroid problems?

The thyroid produces two hormones, T3 and T4, which your blood delivers to every bodily tissue. The pituitary gland also produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which controls how the thyroid works.

While many practitioners solely test TSH levels for signs of thyroid issues, Adam looks beyond those levels for other indicators of thyroid disease, including:

  • Gut issues and infections
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Toxicity
  • Stress hormone dysfunction
  • Immune system disorders


Adam understands that many thyroid problems don’t start in the thyroid, and he abides by the principle of “test, don’t guess.” By using lab tests, Adam can identify factors that could be contributing to your condition.

How do you treat the thyroid?

Adam takes a comprehensive, highly customized approach to thyroid treatment. He focuses on improving your long-term health, and he may incorporate Functional Medicine, Chinese medicine, and acupuncture into your treatment plan to achieve that goal.

Before your lab results even come in, he starts with a personalized detoxification program to optimize liver function, reduce inflammation, and restore gut health. The detox plan also helps identify any gut or liver issues that may contribute to your thyroid problems.

Once he gets your test results, Adam customizes a wellness plan to restore health, including:

  • Food recommendations
  • Nutritional requirements
  • Nutraceutical protocol
  • Online education and classes
  • Other relevant solutions


Adam spends a lot of time and attention with each person he treats, answering questions and providing thorough explanations. He provides one-on-one continued care to ensure treatment effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

If you have complex symptoms that make you suspect a thyroid issue, call or click to set up a personal consultation with Adam.