The thyroid Is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. The thyroid is a part of the endocrine system. It produces hormones which are essential for regulating metabolism. The thyroid gland has many important functions, including regulating body temperature, energy, menstrual cycle, mood, heart rate, etc.
According to the National Institute of Health nearly 5 out of 100 Americans, ages 12 and over suffer from hypothyroidism. Women are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men and the incidence of hypothyroidism increases with age.
Essential vitamins & minerals required for proper thyroid function include:
- Iodine
- Selenium
- Copper
- B vitamins
- Vitamins A, C, D, E
- Zinc
- Iron
- Chromium
- Magnesium
Deficiencies or excesses in these nutrients can negatively impact the thyroid.
Medications that can affect thyroid function include amiodarone, lithium, oral estrogen, birth control pills and beta blockers.
Hypothyroidism is a chronic disease associated with decreases in thyroid hormone: thyroxine (T4) – made in the thyroid gland and triiodothyronine (T3), which works at the tissue level. Because thyroid receptors are located throughout the body, deficiencies in thyroid hormone will lead to a variety of symptoms. Untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism can lead to cardiovascular (elevated cholesterol, congestive heart failure), neurological, and musculoskeletal (fibromyalgia) symptoms and disease which include myxedema and even death.
Causes of hypothyroidism include the following:
- Malfunction in the pituitary gland- this gland secretes Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells the thyroid gland to secrete T4
- Thyroid stimulating hormone is normal but not enough T4 or T3 is being produced
- The receptors on our cells are not responding properly to the thyroid hormone
The above causes of hypothyroidism can be related to autoimmune issues, iodine deficiency, environmental factors (i.e. exposure to heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, chemicals), postpartum thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism treatment, radiation/thyroid surgeries, nutrient deficiencies, medications, excessive fasting/dieting and pituitary disorders.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include, but are not limited to:
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Puffy face, dry skin, and hair
- Hair loss or thinning
- Cold intolerance
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint/muscle pain
- Depression
- Low body temperate
- Slow heart rate
- Loss or thinning of the eyebrows
- Irregular and or heavy menses
- Brain fog
Evaluation
Evaluation for hypothyroidism includes a proper assessment, thyroid function testing and other labs has deemed necessary based on patient presentation. Thyroid function evaluation should include TSH, FT3 – free triiodothyronine, FT4 – free thyroxine, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) & thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies, and reverse T3 – an inactive form of T3. In addition, nutrient deficiencies, and evaluation of cortisol with a 4-point cortisol test should be a part of thyroid evaluation.
Treatment
Typically, treatment of hypothyroidism involves starting T4 replacement only (levothyroxine or Synthroid). However, the integrative or functional medicines approach usually includes both T4 and T3 replacement with medications such as Armor of NP thyroid. In addition, dietary modifications, stress management, adequate sleep, and replacement of nutrient deficiencies are also incorporated into the treatment plan.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid. Autoimmune disease occurs when our own body mounts an immune attack against itself. So, this is an inflammatory issue.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common form of hypothyroidism and affects women more than men. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can also be referred to as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Causes
Many things can contribute to autoimmune disease, including environmental factors, genetics, nutrient deficiencies, gut dysbiosis, acute or chronic infections, food allergies or sensitivities, etc. Autoimmune disease tends to beget autoimmune disease meaning those with other types of autoimmune illnesses such as diabetes type 1, Sjogren’s disease, celiac disease, etc. are at increased risk of developing other autoimmune conditions.
Symptoms
It is possible during the initial stages of thyroid destruction for one to present with symptoms of hyperthyroidism (anxiety, palpitations, sweating, increased appetite, etc.), but once the thyroid is destroyed symptoms will be present as the typical thyroid symptoms, which were discussed earlier.
Evaluation
Evaluation includes a proper assessment, evaluation of thyroid function and other labs deemed necessary based on the assessment of the patient. Testing should include TSH, FT3, FT4, TPO & TG antibodies, reverse T3, nutrient deficiencies, evaluation of cortisol hormone with a four-point saliva test, stool analysis, evaluation for chronic infections, etc.
Treatment
In Integrative / Functional medicine, proper treatment includes:
- Identify and treat the underlying cause (infection, food sensitivities, gut dysbiosis, etc.)
- Detoxification
- Dietary changes (gluten-free diet)
- Stress management
- Proper sleep
- Thyroid replacement if necessary
- Low-dose naltrexone
- Replacement of nutrients
This was a broad overview of hypothyroidism. If you have concerns about your thyroid, contact us for additional information. Please call or text 813-669-3084. We look forward to working with you and improving your overall health.
References
Brownstein, D. (2014). Overcoming thyroid disorders. Michigan: Medical Alternative Press
Dach, J. (2023). Natural thyroid toolkit. Davie, FL: Medical Muse Press
Smith, P. (2010). What you must know about women’s hormones. Garden City Park, New York: Square One Publishers.
