How One Woman Overcame Undiagnosed Thyroid Issues—and Now Helps Others

Ashley Cruz Arata, a certified Integrative Health Practitioner, was once dismissed by doctors despite suffering from weight gain, joint pain and fatigue. Her lab results appeared normal, yet her symptoms persisted. Today, she helps women over 35 tackle hormone and thyroid imbalances through a more holistic approach. Arata’s own struggles began when conventional thyroid tests failed to detect her underlying issues. Standard checks often only measure two markers, leaving many women undiagnosed. She now recommends a broader set of labs, including free T3, reverse T3, TPO antibodies, cortisol and sex hormones, for a fuller picture.

Her advice includes simple daily habits to support thyroid and cortisol health. Drinking warm water with lemon each morning and avoiding screens before bed can make a difference. She also suggests the 'protein-before-coffee' habit to stabilise energy levels throughout the day.

Some common practices, however, may do more harm than good. Intermittent fasting and excessive cardio can worsen thyroid dysfunction. Stress management is another key factor, as chronic stress disrupts hormone balance and overall well-being. Arata also warns that thyroid medication alone may not resolve all thyroid-related problems. Arata offers a free guide, Normal Isn’t Optimal: The Essential Hormone Lab Guide, to help women interpret their results more effectively. Her work aims to provide practical tools for those struggling with hormone and thyroid imbalances. The guide is part of her effort to empower women to take control of their health.