Dr. Allen did her doctoral thesis on thyroid disorders. For her women’s health and pediatrics internship, she did another thesis on autoimmune thyroid problems. She has attended extensive post-doctoral training and read lots of books and research papers; and becoming an expert on thyroid conditions has become her passionate life goal. She especially enjoys helping patients with thyroid challenges in the context of other hormonal function issues. With her previous background in social work, she is adept at dealing with cases where there is depression and/or anxiety or other brain function challenges.
Thyroid diseases that can be treated include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Grave’s Disease, thyroid nodules and cysts, goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism; hypothyroidism with adrenal dysfunction; hypothyroidism in infertility or polycystic ovarian syndrome; thyroid disease with diabetes; postpartum and pregnancy related thyroid problems; perimenopausal and menopausal thyroid problems; childhood thyroid diseases and Wilson’s temperature syndrome. Treatments used include conventional thyroid medications, dessicated thyroid hormones, dessicated thyroid “glandulars”, herbs, vitamins, diet, exercise, homeopathy, physical medicine and lifestyle modifications, and whatever else works!
Thyroid disease can lead to all kinds of health problems such as fatigue, digestive problems, immune system problems, depression, insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, blood pressure problems, PMS, infertility, menstrual disorders, metabolic disorders, hot flashes, headaches, joint and muscle pain; problems with skin, hair and nails; problems with memory and concentration; weight gain or loss; chronic circulation problems, digestion problems, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, allergies; other autoimmune disorders and more, so Dr. Allen has had to work hard to learn about all of these.
Dr. Allen is particularly adept at explaining lab work and the interactions between thyroid and other hormones. She is comfortable with finding ways to help hormones function better when there is no pathology, but the patient just doesn’t feel right. A comprehensive and holistic look at all your hormones and ways to optimize your overall health can help to make you enjoy life a lot more! The treatment of patients with thyroid and other hormonal problems has become the core of Dr. Allen’s practice and she is very grateful for all that she has learned from her patients!