The thyroid is actually a little gland that lies in the neck regarding the degree of the Adam’s apple and weighs roughly one ounce. It produces thyroid hormone and calcitonin. The parathyroid glands are very tiny and lie on the outside portion from the thyroid gland and secrete parathyroid hormone. We’ll be focusing on thyroid hormone.
The thyroid gland is stimulated to make thyroid hormone by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which can be made in the pituitary gland located in the brain. The pituitary is controlled by the hypothalamus within the brain which monitors the level of circulating thyroid hormone. Iodine need to enter the thyroid gland via a transport program that’s repaired using the intake of vitamin C. There is certainly typically about 20-30 mg of iodine in the physique and 75 percent of it’s stored in the thyroid. Additionally to iodine, magnesium, zinc, copper, and vitamins B2, B3, and B6 are required for thyroid hormone production.
The thyroid gland produces two thyroid hormones: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). Ninety-five percent of thyroid hormone made is T4 and 5 % is T3. T3 is the active type of thyroid hormone which can be created as a result of a single iodine getting cleaved from T4. T4 is inactive so the majority of thyroid hormone produced is really inactive. The numbers “3” and “4” indicate the number of iodines. This is key in understanding optimal thyroid function. Both T4 and T3 are bound to proteins inside the blood till they reach your cells and grow to be unbound to function their magic on metabolism.
Most of the T4 is converted into T3 within the liver. Approximately sixty % from the T4 is converted into T3, twenty % is converted into an inactive type of thyroid hormone known as reverse T3 (irreversible), and the remaining twenty percent is converted into T3S (T3 sulfate) and T3AC (triiodothyroacetic acid).
Reverse T3 may be problematic; even though it is inactive, it will nevertheless bind to T3 receptors and block T3 from binding and operating its magic on metabolism. Also much or also small cortisol that is made by the adrenal glands will increase circulating levels of reverse T3. This mechanism is because of suppressed liver detoxification and clearance of reverse T3 from excess cortisol production. Anxiety can not merely result in signs of hypothyroidism nevertheless it will also impair the liver’s ability to detoxify. Cortisol may also suppress TSH production resulting in low thyroid function. Immune program activation, high adrenaline, excess free radicals, aging, fasting, tension, prolonged illness, and diabetes will also drive the inactivation of T3 to reverse T3.
T3 and reverse T3 also can be inactivated by conversion into a hormone identified as T2. Elevated insulin levels due to a diet program high in refined carbohydrates will also improve reverse T3 levels. Toxic metals which includes mercury, cadmium and lead will also increase reverse T3 production. T3S and T3AC are inactive until they may be catalyzed by an enzyme inside the GI tract known as sulfatase. This enzyme is dependent on healthful gut bacteria. We will go over in a later chapter the significance of a healthy digestive tract since it relates to twenty percent of active thyroid hormone.
Thyroid hormone’s principal part is to handle metabolism (power production) inside the cell. Our cells contain tiny factories referred to as mitochondria that generate energy from fat, sugar and protein. Thyroid hormone controls the function of the mitochondria which determines how much power is created. Symptoms of low thyroid function are associated to a lower in energy production including:
Fatigue
Weight gain/inability to drop weight
Constipation
Dry/itchy skin
Dry brittle hair and nails
Depression
Headaches
Overly sensitive to cold
Cold/numb hands and feet
Muscle cramps
Depressed immune system-can’t recover from infections
Slow wound healing
Unrefreshing sleep
Digestive problems due to low stomach acid
Hair falls out
Water retention
Lateral third of eyebrow thinning
TSH
Conventional medicine relies primarily around the TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone blood test to measure thyroid function. TSH just isn’t a thyroid hormone. TSH is made by the pituitary based on how much thyroid hormone is circulating inside the bloodstream. As thyroid hormone levels drop, TSH production will improve to stimulate the thyroid to create more hormone. If thyroid hormone increases, then TSH production will reduce since the thyroid is making plenty of hormone. The TSH alone just isn’t sufficient to assess thyroid function since it doesn’t take into consideration the conversion of thyroid hormone into its active type which occurs within the liver, kidneys and lungs. The TSH test also does not take into account thyroid hormone receptor resistance. Thyroid hormone receptors can become resistant to thyroid hormone as a result of thyroid-disrupting chemical exposure major to normal blood tests but improvement of low thyroid symptoms. Cortisol created during tension by the adrenal gland also can inhibit TSH production further throwing off the accuracy of the test. When the TSH is elevated, the conventional physician will prescribe synthetic T4 and this can typically reduce TSH in to the “normal” range. This strategy does not take into account peripheral thyroid hormone conversion or receptor binding. If the body is compromised in its capability to activate thyroid hormone into T3, then taking T4 will outcome within a failure of treatment. When the adrenal glands are out of balance, then probably thyroid hormone function will also be out of balance. Additionally, if thyroid hormone receptors are desensitized, this strategy will fail as well.
You’ll discover that most medical physicians do not spend a lot time reading the peer-reviewed medical literature which offers us with useful data on TSH levels. A great study was published by Obal and Krueger (2001)on sleep deprivation and thyroid hormone production. The researchers concluded: “When sleep deprivation is maintained for weeks, the plasma concentrations of T4 and especially T3 decline but TSH remains normal.”6 Do physicians ask you about your sleep patterns? Maybe this might be the cause for the abnormal TSH. I’ve seen numerous patients who also suffer from insomnia and sleep difficulties and present with low thyroid symptoms and abnormal TSH levels. Does this imply they should have thyroid hormone dumped into their bodies? Unfortunately, this happens to many people. I usually take into account each and every patient’s sleep pattern and correct it as a part of our remedy program. Several times, sleep patterns are abnormal because of blood sugar and adrenal gland imbalances. Keep in mind, you are not a lab test but a beautiful, complex getting exactly where every thing is connected as 1.
Testing & Diagnosis
Blood tests alone cannot often adequately diagnose thyroid hormone imbalance. It is estimated that about forty % from the U.S. population suffers from some kind of thyroid imbalance as opposed to the current conventional figure of ten percent. This really is due to the inadequacies from the TSH test. Furthermore to blood testing, I review a thorough case history and a variety of detailed health questionnaires and also perform a comprehensive physical examination for clues to thyroid hormone imbalance. Basal body temperature testing is used by many practitioners to evaluate thyroid function but this will not solely indicate a thyroid imbalance. There are numerous other factors that can cause a low basal body temperature such as adrenal fatigue, leaky gut, impaired liver detoxification and malnutrition. I use the basal physique temperature simply as one a lot more diagnostic tool to evaluate the overall picture of a patient. Another sign that may indicate low thyroid function is thinning of the lateral one-third from the eyebrow.
The following thyroid tests can provide much more information about your thyroid. Use this as a guide when you get the results of your blood tests:
TSH (Thyrotropin) – Thyroid-stimulating hormone is made by the pituitary to stimulate the thyroid to make hormone. The ideal range is 1.8-3.0. Traditional medicine uses a significantly broader range of 0.5-5.5. This variety misses several hypothyroid sufferers such as those with a TSH between 3.0-5.5.
Total Thyroxine (T4) – This test measures the quantity of T4 (thyroxine) that’s each bound to protein and unbound.
Free of charge Thyroxine Index – This really is calculated by multiplying the TT4 by the T3 uptake. The outcome gives you the level of unbound T4 or Totally free T4.
Totally free Thyroxine (Totally free T4) – This measures the level of unbound or free of charge T4 which is the most active kind. Free T4 is not affected by medications or other factors that affect protein bound thyroxine (TT4).
T3 Uptake – A measurement in the amount of available binding sites for free T3 on thyroxine-binding proteins. Elevated testosterone will decrease the number of binding sites and result in a low T4 and high T3 uptake. Excess estrogen from hormone replacement or birth control pills will boost binding sites and can cause high T4 and low T3 uptake.
Free Triiodothyronine (Free of charge T3) – This really is a measure of totally free T3 levels or unbound T3. This can be the best test if your natural doctor wants to see the level of available active thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.
Reverse T3 (rT3) – This is a measurement in the amount of T3 that has been inactivated.
Thyroid Antibodies – Thyroid peroxidase, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin and antithyroglobulin elevations indicate autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease. Thyroglobulin and calcitonin are primarily used in the diagnosis of more serious thyroid diseases such as cancer.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications do not take into account underlying physiological imbalances and may lead to dependence on the medication. The following drugs are prescribed by physicians to treat the thyroid:
Synthroid – Synthetic thyroxine (T4). Synthroid may be the most popular prescription drug for hypothyroidism. Synthroid is in the top 5 most commonly prescribed drugs in the US. Synthroid could be converted incorrectly into inactive reverse T3 resulting in no symptom improvement. Synthroid depletes calcium for bones and may not provide improvement for sufferers who have compromised conversion pathways of T4 into T3 or any of the other imbalances described in this book.
Levoxyl – Synthetic thyroxine (T4).
Levothroid – Synthetic thyroxine (T4).
Levothyroxine – Synthetic thyroxine (T4).
Thyrolar – Synthetic T4 and T3.
Cytomel – Synthetic T3. Many side effects including hyperthyroid symptoms.
Armour Thyroid, Nature Thyroid, Westhroid – Natural thyroid hormone from desiccated pig thyroid tissue. Contains approximately 38 micrograms/grain of T4 and 9 micrograms of T3/grain also as other cofactors for thyroid hormone production. Nature Thyroid is really a better choice than Armour simply because it will not include corn and other binders.
Many alternative-minded medical doctors prescribe Armour and other natural desiccated pig thyroid tissue. This really is a better option in some cases than merely prescribing synthetic T4 (Synthroid) since these natural agents also include T3. The problem with Armour is that it contains corn and other fillers which could be a problem for those with specific sensitivities. Nature Thyroid is the best choice because it does not include corn or fillers. But the author will not agree with this therapy method because even though it’s a better option, it still does not take into account the underlying causes of why the thyroid is out of balance in the first place. These natural prescriptions nonetheless only replace thyroid hormone and require dependence on the doctor for Tiroide depressione continued prescriptions and office visits. I have seen several, numerous sufferers who are on such natural prescriptions who nonetheless have numerous symptoms and have been taking the prescription for a long period of time. Even if someone responds to a prescription such as Armour thyroid, she must be rigorously evaluated for underlying physiological imbalances.
Another issue with such therapy methods is suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid feedback mechanisms. Whenever you take a hormone that is created within the body, this tells the brain that it no longer needs to stimulate hormone production since it is constantly being ingested. When male bodybuilders take testosterone, their testicles shrink because there is certainly no longer a need for them to create testosterone. Taking thyroid hormone for long periods of time will suppress natural production which may or may not return after discontinuing the medication. It’s strongly encouraged that you do every little thing possible to normalize thyroid function before going on medication of any kind. Americans typically want a quick fix, a magic pill that will instantly give relief. Many people get this instant relief from medication but the long-term effects of dependency and suppression of natural hormone production may not be worth it. Patients who have had their thyroid removed or partially removed may require prescription thyroid hormone. If the gland is not present then thyroid hormone must be replaced. In this case, prescriptions such as Armour and Nature Thyroid are the better choice.
Conversion of T4 into T3
T3 is significantly much more active than T4 and is responsible for most of the actions of thyroid hormone on the cell. Some people cannot convert T4 into T3 as efficiently as others. In addition, there are many factors that could be inhibiting this process.
Selenium, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and B12 deficiencies can lead to poor conversion. The medications listed above affect thyroid hormone conversion too as production and receptor binding. As individuals get older, they shed their ability to convert thyroid hormone which may be because of decreased vitamin and mineral absorption. This can be due to a loss of intestinal barrier function where all of your nutrition is absorbed. This barrier loses its function as we age so supplementation is absolutely necessary. Excess estrogen from xenoestrogens within the environment, birth handle pills and hormone replacement can lead to low thyroid symptoms. Estrogen increases the protein that binds to thyroid hormone leaving excess thyroid hormone bound to protein which can be inactive till it becomes unbound. Cortisol created by the adrenal gland is really a major factor in converting thyroid hormone. Too a lot cortisol can inhibit the activation of thyroid hormone and as well tiny cortisol yields the same result. Exhausted adrenals will result in low thyroid symptoms as a result of the lack of cortisol production. Insulin is actually a hormone released by the pancreas to handle blood sugar elevations after consumption of carbohydrates and can inhibit hormone conversion too. Soy products have been shown to inhibit the conversion of thyroid hormone. This only goes for soy products that are non-fermented. Fermented soy products such as miso and tempeh are okay.
Vitamin C has been shown to enhance the conversion of thyroid hormone. Radiation, chemotherapy, growth hormone deficiency, and cigarette smoke have also been shown to decrease thyroid hormone conversion.