An Interview With Glenn Rothfeld, MD

Thyroid function can likewise be monitored by saliva testing. Innovative urinary testing for metabolism can show a variety of nutrient and metabolic problems that can cause symptoms without causing a discrete disease. This type of testing assists me in evaluating the entire Metabolic Matrix function.

Another important factor in thyroid treatment is the increased use of compounding pharmacists. This allows us to create our own type of treatments without being locked into the choices developed by pharmaceutical companies. For instance, one of my current treatments of choice is time-released T3, which is more physiologic than taking a once-a-day synthetic T4. Compounding pharmacists are versed in preparing all sorts of unique natural hormone therapies, including topical, sublingual and injectible forms.

Complementary therapies such as acupuncture are being more accepted by conventional medicine. Being an acupuncturist by training, I incorporate acupuncture into many thyroid treatments. Research has shown that acupuncture can stimulate TSH release. I find acupuncture particularly helpful to control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, although it does not by itself cure the problem.

Finally, I am very excited by the increasing understanding of our human genome. We now know that genes are not a blueprint that is used to create us and then discarded. Rather, our genes are constantly active and controlling all aspects of our metabolism and hormonal function. Minor variations in our individual gene function (called "single nucleotide polymorphisms" or "SNiPS") can cause significant problems in proper body function. By understanding the nutritional and environmental factors influencing those genes, we can begin to truly individualize treatments in a natural and lasting way, rather than picking a symptom or lab test and putting everyone on the same synthetic medication.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on Dr. Rothfeld’s approach, read his book, Thyroid Balance.

CONTACT

Glenn S. Rothfeld, M.D., M.Ac.
Medical Director, WholeHealth New England
180 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 303
Arlington, MA 02474
Phone 781 641-1901
Fax 781 641-3963
Web: www.WholeHealthNE.com

Reprinted by permission. Originally published online