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General Health
What You Need To
Know About Your Thyroid
by LeeAnn Rahn
Do
you feel
fatigued much
of the time?
Are you having a difficult time controlling your weight despite honest
efforts? Are your hands and feet chilly more often than
not? Are you losing your hair? Do you even feel a little
depressed at times? Don't worry, you are not alone.
Thyroid disease can affect your health in ways you may never have
imagined which is one of the reasons it may be frequently overlooked or
misdiagnosed.
Women are far more likely to be affected with Thyroid disorders than
are men, in fact, seven times more likely. A woman's lifetime
chance of being affected by a Thyroid disorder, depending upon the
source, is anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent.[5] If you
think that's startling, some suggest the number of Americans suffering
from Thyroid disorders is close to 27 million with half still
undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.[3, 5] Learning a little bit about
how
your endocrine system works may positively impact your life.
What is the Thyroid
gland
and what is its function?
The Thyroid
gland is a small butterfly shaped gland that wraps around your
windpipe. It is located in the front of the neck just behind the
Adam's apple area. The role of the Thyroid gland is basically
that of a metabolic gatekeeper. The hormones secreted, regulate
the rate of function of almost all tissues in the body.
Even though the Thyroid gland is considered the "master gland of
metabolism," it should not be singled out from the rest of the
endocrine system. Your endocrine system is similar to an assembly
line. If any
gland in the 'assembly line' does not function properly, the end
product may be lacking in quality, quantity, etc. The same holds
true for the environment in which the 'assembly line' resides. If
it is turbulent, void of nutrition, or full of stress, quality control
will again have their hands full.
Though your Thyroid secretes many hormones, the two key hormones
produced are Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). When your
endocrine system is working in tip top form, your Thyroid output will
be approximately 80 percent T4 and 20 percent T3. [5]
When your Thyroid gland combines iodine with the amino acid tyrosine,
the result is T3, with three iodine molecules, and T4, with four iodine
molecules. T3 is more biologically available and much stronger
than the largely inactive T4. But remember, we only get a portion
of T3 directly from our Thyroid gland. The remainder comes from
what is referred to as the "T4 to T3 conversion". [5] This is
another point in the process where your overall health can affect your
thyroid function because the process to convert T4 to T3 does not occur
in
the Thyroid. It depends upon other areas of the body such as the
liver and the hypothalamus. A sluggish liver may possibly lead to
less T3 than is necessary for proper Thyroid function. [5]
I want to take a couple steps back to allow you to see a bigger picture
of the process. "The thyroid is part of a huge feedback process.
The hypothalamus in the brain releases Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone
(TRH). The release of TRH tells the pituitary gland to release
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). This TSH, circulating in your
bloodstream, is what tells the thyroid to make thyroid hormones and
release them into your bloodstream." [5]
Thyroid
Disorders
- Goiter is an extremely enlarged thyroid gland.
- Thyroid Cancer - The most common types respond
very
well to treatment.
- Solitary Thyroid Nodules - "Although as many as
50%
of the population will have a nodule somewhere in their thyroid, the
overwhelming majority of these are benign." [3]
- Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid.
- Hyperthyroidism is caused by over activity of
the
thyroid gland. Generally present symptoms include rapid weight
loss, insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, unusual sweating, tremors,
diarrhea, and fatigue to name a few. Quite often, treatment for
hyperthyroidism will lead to hypothyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism, in simplistic terms, is
basically the
opposite of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an under active
thyroid gland. Of those who suffer from hyperthyroidism and
hypothyroidism, the vast majority suffer from hypothyroidism which is
much more common than most realize. For this reason, we are going
to focus on hypothyroidism for the remainder of the article.
Symptoms
of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms
of hypothyroidism will vary greatly from person to
person. Some will experience
only mild symptoms while
others will experience symptoms of greater severity. The
following list of symptoms
is a long compilation from a variety of sources.
- Fatigue,
exhaustion, frequent napping,
weakness
- Always cold,
especially feet and hands
- Weight gain or
inability to lose weight
despite
honest efforts
- Depression
- Constipation
- Muscle aches,
muscle cramps
- Joint pain
- Thin, brittle
nails
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Difficulty
concentrating, memory problems,
- Irritability
- Decreased
libido(men & women),
erectile
dysfunction in men
- Abnormal/increased
menstrual periods
- Breast milk
formation
- Tendonitis in
arms or legs
- Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome
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- Heart palpitations
- Dry, pale,
coarse, or flaky skin
- Puffy face and
eyes, and sometimes hands
and
feet
- Hair loss
- Dry, coarse,
brittle hair
- Thinning of
eyebrows
- High cholesterol
levels (diet and
medication do
not seem to help)
- Infertility or
miscarriages (unexplained)
- Allergies more
severe
- Abdominal bloating
- Chronic yeast
infections: "Whether
or
not Candida can cause hypothyroidism - as Dr. Crook claims - or whether
thyroid disease can allow Candida to flourish is not clear. But
there are anecdotal claims of a definite relationship." [6]
- Anemia
- Swelling
in your neck
- Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
|
[1,4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 16]
Causes
of Hypothyroidism
Some
of the causes of hypothyroidism are tied to
cell damage within the thyroid.
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland - the most
common
is
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis where the body creates antibodies to attack the
thyroid.
- Exposure to radiation, especially in the nasal
and
neck areas.
- Treatment for hyperthyroidism, nodules, and
goiter
may damage the thyroid gland as well.
Other causes include:
- Improperly functioning or damage to other
glands and
organs that work hand in hand with the thyroid such as the liver,
pituitary, and hypothalamus.
- Birth defects
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
- Family history of thyroid disorders
- Use of Lithium
- Dietary iodine deficiency or over consumption
- Over consumption of soy products
- Poor nutrition
Hypothyroidism
Risk Factors
- Women over 50 or men over 60 years of age
- Near menopause or menopausal *
- Female gender
- Pregnancy (during or after) *
- Thyroid or immune system disorders are present
in
your
family tree
- Obesity
- Thyroid damage due to surgery or neck X-rays
- Smoking
- Exposure to drugs such as Lithium or
chemicals such as fluoride and ammonium perchlorate (both can be found
in water).
- Diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
Fibromyalgia, or
Carpal Tunnel
- Stress
*Studies
suggest
fluctuating hormones may play a role in hypothyroidism risk. [5, 11]
All
right, let's
say your
are cold almost all of the time, even when everyone else is
comfortable, your hair is dry, coarse, and falling out, and you are
always exhausted. Let's also throw in the fact that your uncle
has insulin dependent diabetes and your mother has rheumatoid arthritis
(both immune system disorders). This clearly points to
hypothyroidism, correct? Absolutely not. Yes, it is
possible you have an under active thyroid but it is also possible you
are just dealing with symptoms of another ailment. Your symptoms
may come from something as simple as basic aging or working too many
hours. It could also be caused by cortisol (excess hormone is
produced in response to stress), by stress on your adrenal gland, or
insulin resistance. [1] This is why it is very important to be
tested.
Thyroid
Testing
Thyroid
Testing has come
under fire as well as some of the doctors analyzing the results.
Many experts now days do not believe the standard TSH and T4 testing
adequately predict hypothyroidism. "Remember that these levels
can vary considerably from individual to individual and what is
'normal' for one person is not necessarily normal for another.
Doctors must be sensitive to the correlation between symptoms and TSH
and T4 levels in the individual. Because the 'normal' range
varies from person to person, some people may have hypothyroidism or
hyperthyroidism (and their symptoms), while blood tests show that their
TSH and T4 levels are normal." [12] Unless you seek out (or get a
referral) to a doctor who specializes in thyroid or endocrine disorders
or one with a good understanding of and positive track record in
diagnosing hypothyroidism you may just be sent home with a prescription
for more sleep, more exercise, or pills for depression. Some may
get the PMS or menopause brush off.
The
two most common Thyroid screening tests are the TSH and T4**.
- TSH is a measurement of Thyroid Stimulating
Hormone
coming from the Pituitary gland
- 'Normal' range: 0.5 to 5.0 or 0.3 to 3.0
depending
upon the laboratory
- T4 is a measurement of Total Thyroxine
- 'Normal' range: 4.5 to 12.5
Other tests that may
and should be run include**:
- Total T3
- 'Normal' range: 80 to 220
- Free T4
- 'Normal' range: 0.7 to 2.0
- Free T3
- 'Normal' range: 2.3 to 4.2
** All test ranges
are approximate and may vary depending upon the
laboratory used.
[14]
If
all of the above
tests
results come back 'normal' but you have symptoms and believe you
may have a thyroid problem, please request the following tests.
- Antibodies test - If your antibodies are
elevated,
your may be in the process of developing an auto immune thyroid
disorder.
- Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment also called a
Great Smokies Diagnostic. You may actually want to request this
test up
front.
Hypothyroidism
Self-Testing
Do
it yourself testing is a great
place to start but please seek medical attention should you need
it. Self testing is by no means a substitute for detailed medical
testing.
- Temperature: For this test you will be
taking
your basal body temperature three to five days in a row with an 'old
fashioned' thermometer.
- Place a thermometer, shaken down below 95
degrees,
by your bedside. Shaking it down when you wake up will be too
much activity and will cause an inaccurate basal body temperature
reading.
- When you wake up in the morning, place the
thermometer in your armpit with no clothing between the thermometer and
your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Lay still and relax.
- Record your temperature
- At the end of the three or five days, average
the
temperature readings by adding all of the temperatures together and
then divide by the total number of days you took your temperature.
- Please note: Women should avoid the
first
week of their menstrual cycle(during menstruation) and a few days
mid cycle while they are ovulating.
- Results: Your average temperature
should be
above 97.5 degrees (defined range varies from 97.4 to 97.6 depending
upon the expert). If your temperature is lower, you may be
suffering from hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism.
- Iodine Test: This test seems to have a
wider
range of result definitions and even some who say the test really is
not applicable due to the evaporation factor of iodine. I will
let you decide for yourself.
- Do not perform this test more than once in a
24
hour period.
- For this test you will need to purchase a
small
bottle of Tincture of Iodine, 2% solution. It comes in a very
small bottle and costs $1 to $2 at a discount store.
- Draw a 2" circle on the soft skin on your
stomach,
near your belly button or on your inner thigh.
- Check every 1/2 hour or so and record how
long it
takes the iodine stain to completely disappear.
- Results: The jury seems to be out
on
exactly how long the iodine should take to disappear. Some say in
no
less than 24 hours others say less. One source says if it is
absorbed in less than 4 hours you may have an iodine deficiency at the
very least.
When
you do the
self tests above, you need to consider the 'big picture'. Look at
how many symptoms you have, how long you have had them, and how severe
they are. Assess your risk factors, and review your diet.
Women require more iodine than men and may need double or triple the
amount when under stress. Unfortunately, the foods we eat contain
less and less iodine as the years progress. "For example, back in
1940, the typical American diet contained about 800 micrograms of
iodine. By 1995, that amount plunged to just 135
micrograms. That's an 83% decline." [15]
Treatment
Options for Hypothyroidism
Multiple
treatment
options exist for
hypothyroidism though
many doctors may
only inform you of
one. 'Take one pill a day and your problem is solved!'
Sounds great but, how can a 'one
size
fits all ' program properly
treat a disorder whose afflicted have
such a wide range of symptoms and test results.
Earlier you read
how even those with normal test readings can have hypothyroidism.
Basically the point I want to make is to ensure you have a good
understanding of hypothyroidism, its symptoms, and some of the
treatment options available before you speak to your doctor. When
you do speak to your doctor, do not be afraid to discuss your
options. If you would like to begin with a nutritional or herbal
option first, make it known. Please always be up-front and frank
with your doctor though.
Below are some of your options:
- Synthetic T4 - The
most
popular treatment method is synthetic T4 (Levothyroid, Levoxyl,
Synthroid). Unfortunately, it is not quite
as simple as many doctors would have you believe. Prescribing the
proper dosage levels can be quite tricky sometimes. Luckily for
some, the synthetic T4 works perfectly fine. Others find minimal
relief of symptoms and sometimes feel a little like guinea pigs.
If you choose the synthetic T4 treatment option, please make sure you
are working with a practitioner or endocrinologist with a proven track
record of success.
- T3 - Some people
with
hypothyroidism are not in need of additional T4. Their bodies
struggle with the "T4 to T3 conversion" process. Few
doctors will prescribe T3 to their patients. Many
doctors do not believe in using T3 because it is much more difficult to
pinpoint the correct dosage than with T4.
- Armour Thyroid -
Prior
to the 1970's, desiccated pig thyroid (Armour Thyroid) was the
treatment of choice because it provided both T3 and T4. Once the
synthetic T4 was made available, doctors abandoned the natural form and
jumped on the 'lab created' bandwagon believing it had to be a better
product. Armour Thyroid is still available today and apparently
provides good results for many.
- Nutrition -
According to
many alternative health practitioners, poor nutrition may actually be
the leading cause of today's widespread thyroid problems. It is a
known fact that the foods we eat no longer contain anywhere near the
amount of nutrients they did in the past. Alternative health
practitioners believe proper nutrition, which in today's environment
requires supplementation, may reverse hypothyroid symptoms or at least
stop further progression of the disorder. Supplements such as
Progressive Health's Thyax may be taken to support healthy thyroid
activity. Supplements of any kind should never be substituted for
healthy eating habits though. If you would like to increase your
daily iodine intake, try adding the following to your diet: the herb kelp, sea vegetables, sea food and fish, eggs,
dairy products, onions,
radishes, and watercress. Foods you may want to remove from your
diet, at least temporarily, include cabbage, peanuts, Brussels sprouts,
cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, kale, and soy flour. These foods
contain very important components for immune system health but they
also suppress thyroid function.
- Reduce Soy
Consumption -
You may want to reduce soy consumption to a minimum until more is
learned about soy isoflavones and their possible connection to
worsening thyroid problems.
- Stress Reduction -
Chronic stress plays a very serious role in hypothyroidism.
Continued stress invokes additional cortisol production which then
causes the body to create more RT3 (Reverse T3, which is inactive)
instead of active T3 in efforts to conserve energy for stress.
Unfortunately, the non-functional RT3 looks just like active T3 in
blood tests. You can treat a stress induced T3 deficit with T3
but it is best to directly treat the stress and excess cortisol
production. If you suffer from chronic
stress, you need to implement a stress management plan. In
addition, unresolved emotional issues, nutrition, as well as a dose of
self care all need to be addressed. Herbal products, such as Prime
One, may aid in your stress reduction efforts.
- Acupuncture and
Reflexology - both practices involve stimulating anatomic reflex points
in the body to treat ailments.
- Homeopathic
Remedies,
Chinese Medicine, and Herbs - Many people respond very well with these
types of treatments.
- Avoid Fluoride,
Chlorine, and
Ammonium Perchlorate - Make sure your water is purified but avoid
distilled water.
- Stop Smoking -
Smoking can worsen hypothyroid symptoms and can even damage the thyroid
gland.
[1, 7, 12, 15, 17]
Now
what do I do?
My
advise is to take a look at your 'big picture'. What symptoms
do you have and to what degree of severity? What risk factors do
you have? What were the results of your self tests?
Depending upon your answers, you may only choose to improve your
nutrition. (Make sure you get enough iodine, the amino acid
tyrosine, zinc, selenium, and folic acid in your diet or via
supplements.) Some of you may choose to see your doctor to
have additional tests run. Then, others of you, may have
perfectly operating endocrine systems and may not need to currently
implement any
changes. What ever you decide, even if you do absolutely nothing
but read this article, I hope it makes a lasting impression and you
think about your thyroid health the next time you send your daughter to
get your sweater because you're cold.
References:
1.
"Hypothyroidism in Perimenopause and Menopause ", Marcy
Holmes, www.womentowomen.com
2.
"Puberty & Thyroid", PFPC, 2000,
www.bruha.com/science/html/puberty.html
3.
"Your Thyroid", www.endocrineweb.com/thyroid.html
4.
"Hypothyroidism, Too Little Thyroid Hormone", November
2003, www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html
5.
"Basic Information on Hypothyroidism, Hyperhtyroidism,
Nodules, Cancer", Mary Shomon,
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/a/thyroid101.htm
6.
"Candidiasis (Yeast Overgrowth) and Thyroid Disease", PFPC,
Mary Shomon, http://thyroid.about.com/cs/relatedconditions/a/candida.htm
7.
"Thyroid Disease 101: Basie Information on Hypothyroidism,
Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Goiter, and Thyroid Cancer Part
4: When Symptoms Won't o Away, Preventing Thyroid Disease", Mary
J. Shomon,
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basicinformation/1/aathyroid101_d.htm
8.
"Thyroid Disease 101: Basic Information on Hypothyroisism,
Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Goiter, and Thyroid Cancer Part 2:
Hypothyroidism", Mary J Shomon,
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basicinformation/1/aathyroid101_b.htm
9.
"The High Cholesterol Thyroid Connection, Undiagnosed Thyroid
Disease May Be the Reason for Your High Cholesterol", Mary Shomon,
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/symptomsproblems/a/cholesterol.htm
10.
"The High Cholesterol Thyroid Connection, Undiagnosed Thyroid
Disease May Be the Reason for Your High Cholesterol, About
Cholesterol", Mary Shomon,
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/symptomsproblems/a/cholesterol_2.htm
11.
"Thyroid Disorders & Treatmenst, Overview",
AllThyroid.org, www.tsh.org/disorders/index.html
12.
"Do At Home Thyroid Test", www.healthynewage.com/339161.html
13.
"Hypothyroidism, Overview", A.D.A.M., Inc.,
http://health.yahoo.com/health/ency/adam/000353/overview
14.
"How to Tell If You are Hypothyroid",
http://thyroid.about.com/library/howto/hthypothyroidism.htm
15.
"How to Self-Test for an Iodine Deficiency", Alternative
Medicine Angel, http://substance.altmedangel.com/iodine.htm
16.
"Thyroid Self-Testing by Basal Temperature", originated by
Dr. Broda Barnes, www.alternate-health.com/thyroid.html
17.
"Thyroid Handout/Self Test", June 2000, Georgiana Duncan,
www.nspforum.com/faq/bbs.cgi?read=588
18.
"Thyroid", www.health911.com/remedies/rem_thyr.htm
19.
"Hypothyroidism", www.royalrife.com/hypothyroid/html
20.
"Thyroid Hormones, Symptoms, and Treatment of
Hypothyroidism", September 2004, Alisa Cornille and Paul Hueseman,
Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education,
www.project-aware.org/Spotlight/thyroid.html
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