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Thyroid Disease Specialist

Pohala Clinic PC Our Services Thyroid Disease

Pohala Clinic PC

Family Medicine & Integrative Wellness Clinic located in Portland, OR

A butterfly-shaped organ at the front of your throat, the thyroid governs your metabolism, body temperature, nail and skin health, and a variety of other functions. When your thyroid is out of balance, pumping out too much or too little hormone, you need support from a specialist like Julie Foster, FNP, MSN, of Pohala Clinic PC in Portland, Oregon. If you have symptoms that suggest a thyroid condition, call the office or book an appointment online to learn your therapy options.

Thyroid Disease Q & A

Why should I be concerned about my thyroid?

When your thyroid gland is healthy, it’s barely noticeable visually or through palpation. Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolic rate and maintain heart function. They also keep digestion running smoothly and help maintain a normal menstrual cycle. The hormones are also essential for brain development, mood maintenance, energy and sleep regulation, bone health, and muscle control.

When your thyroid isn’t working as it should, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms. If it produces too much thyroid hormone, you have hyperthyroidism, while too little thyroid hormone means you have hypothyroidism.

At Pohala Clinic PC, the practitioners use a whole-body approach to treat your thyroid condition. They combine lifestyle changes, nutrition therapy, and other cutting-edge treatments to balance your thyroid hormone and resolve symptoms as well as prevent long-term complications.

What is Hashimoto’s disease?

An autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s disease occurs when your body creates antibodies that attack your thyroid gland and cause thyroid hormone production to decrease. Hashimoto’s disease is common, but why some people develop it isn’t clearly understood. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s include:

  • Extreme fatigue and sluggishness
  • Dry skin
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle aches and stiffness
  • Hair loss and brittle nails


At first, you may not notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism as they appear so gradually. Gone unregulated, however, you may suffer obesity, infertility, and heart problems.

Julie and the practitioners at Pohala Clinic PC can help you regulate your thyroid hormone if you have Hashimoto’s disease. This may include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, herbal and other supplements, and bioidentical hormone therapy. You may also benefit from conventional medical pharmaceutical therapy, too.

What is hyperthyroidism?

Usually, hyperthyroidism is due to an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease. It causes your thyroid to become enlarged and produce too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism causes symptoms like:

  • Weight loss
  • Tremors and anxiety
  • Chest pain and heart palpitations
  • Insomnia
  • Bulging eyes
  • Irregular periods
  • Sweating and intolerance to heat


If you have hyperthyroidism, your condition requires proper treatment to prevent complications. The team at Pohala Clinic PC can help ease the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and offer medical support. If you need surgery for an erratic thyroid, the team provides quality references.

For a thorough analysis of your thyroid health, contact Pohala Clinic PC. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

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