Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from deficiency of thyroid hormone. The severity of symptoms in adults ranges from very mild deficiency states that are barely detectable (subclinical hypothyroidism) to severe deficiency states that are life-threatening (myxedema). A deficiency of thyroid hormone may be due to defective hormone synthesis or lack of stimulation by the pituitary gland.
Signs and Symptoms
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Causes
Iodine deficiency was once the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism. Although today most Americans get plenty (and sometimes too much) of this trace mineral from iodized table salt, there still exists a significant minority who don’t get enough or whose absorption is impaired. Currently, the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body manufactures antibodies that attack thyroid tissue and suppress production of the thyroid hormone. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, inactivity, some medications, and hormonal fluctuations as a result of pregnancy and menopause also have a role to play.
Hypothyroidism is more common in women. The balance of estrogen and progesterone can have an indirect influence on the thyroid gland. Most common is estrogen dominance, where relatively higher estrogen levels suppress thyroid function. This predisposition can occur throughout a woman’s life. Women on synthetic estrogen therapy are particularly susceptible to decreased thyroid function. The effects of stress and the balance of stress hormones are also important in thyroid function. Chronic elevation of the stress hormone cortisol suppresses thyroid function, while low levels of DHEA appear to make one more susceptible to hypothyroidism. Toxic metals, such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and others, can also interfere with thyroid activity.
Diagnosis
Assessing thyroid function is more complex than simply looking at TSH levels and making sure that it falls within the broad range of .3 – 3.0. It is also important to test Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies (Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies). If further information is needed imaging (ultrasound, CT, thyroid scan/uptake) and biopsy are performed.
Many factors affect how your body produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Some factors that cause decreased production of T4 include a deficiency in: Zinc, Copper, Iron, Vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, E and C. So it becomes important to test for these nutrients and supplement with adequate amounts. Furthermore, your body needs to be able to convert T4 to T3, the more active form. The conversion of T4 to T3 requires an enzyme called 5’diodinase. If you cannot convert T4 to T3 adequately, you will have symptoms of low thyroid function.
Elements that affect 5’diodinase production are:
Nutrient deficiencies that cause an inability to convert T4 to T3:
Medications that cause an inability to convert T4 to T3:
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please contact Dr. Linda Gedeon for proper evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for you.
Iodine deficiency was once the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism. Although today most Americans get plenty (and sometimes too much) of this trace mineral from iodized table salt, there still exists a significant minority who don’t get enough or whose absorption is impaired. Currently, the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body manufactures antibodies that attack thyroid tissue and suppress production of the thyroid hormone. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, inactivity, some medications, and hormonal fluctuations as a result of pregnancy and menopause also have a role to play.
Hypothyroidism is more common in women. The balance of estrogen and progesterone can have an indirect influence on the thyroid gland. Most common is estrogen dominance, where relatively higher estrogen levels suppress thyroid function. This predisposition can occur throughout a woman’s life. Women on synthetic estrogen therapy are particularly susceptible to decreased thyroid function. The effects of stress and the balance of stress hormones are also important in thyroid function. Chronic elevation of the stress hormone cortisol suppresses thyroid function, while low levels of DHEA appear to make one more susceptible to hypothyroidism. Toxic metals, such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and others, can also interfere with thyroid activity.
Diagnosis
Assessing thyroid function is more complex than simply looking at TSH levels and making sure that it falls within the broad range of .3 – 3.0. It is also important to test Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies (Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies). If further information is needed imaging (ultrasound, CT, thyroid scan/uptake) and biopsy are performed.
Many factors affect how your body produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Some factors that cause decreased production of T4 include a deficiency in: Zinc, Copper, Iron, Vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, E and C. So it becomes important to test for these nutrients and supplement with adequate amounts. Furthermore, your body needs to be able to convert T4 to T3, the more active form. The conversion of T4 to T3 requires an enzyme called 5’diodinase. If you cannot convert T4 to T3 adequately, you will have symptoms of low thyroid function.
Elements that affect 5’diodinase production are:
- Selenium deficiency
- Stress
- Cadmium, mercury or lead toxicity
- Starvation or low calorie dieting
- Inadequate protein intake
- High carbohydrate diet
- Elevated cortisol
- Decreased kidney or liver function
Nutrient deficiencies that cause an inability to convert T4 to T3:
- Iodine
- Iron
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, D
Medications that cause an inability to convert T4 to T3:
- Beta blockers
- Birth control pills
- Estrogen
- Lithium
- Phenytoin
- Theophylline
- Chemotherapy
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please contact Dr. Linda Gedeon for proper evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for you.
