From AdvantAge Integrative Medicine
Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid hormones have many actions in the body. They have direct effects on many body systems including the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and immune systems.
There are two major thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 is the “active” thyroid hormone and is widely distributed throughout the body. T4 is the most abundant thyroid hormone in the body, but it must be broken down to T3 to become active.
Thyroid hormone deficiency can occur at any stage of life for a variety of reasons; thyroid hormones can also decrease naturally with age.
Thyroid hormones have many beneficial affects on the body, listed below are a few of the major actions:
*Increased blood flow, metabolism, speed of thinking, intestinal motility, HDL (good) cholesterol and immune defenses.
*Decreased diastolic blood pressure, “waste products” of the cells, fluid accumulation and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Signs and symptoms of Low Thyroid Hormone (Hypothyroidism)
There are multiple physical and mental effects that may happen if the thyroid hormone levels are low, listed below are some common signs:
Physical:
• Fatigue, especially in the morning,
• Weight gain and trouble losing weight
• Swelling or “puffiness” due to a condition of low thyroid hormone called “myoxedema”
• Intolerance to heat and cold, poor circulation
• Dry, thinning hair, dry skin, brittle nails
• Constipation, abdominal bloating, poor appetite
• Headaches, ringing in the ear
• Muscle aches and joint stiffness
Mental:
• Depression
• Sleepiness, excessive snoring
• Slow thinking
• Poor memory and concentration
• Lack of interest in activities
Treatment
Requirements for monitoring thyroid therapy:
• Baseline and periodic blood tests including, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, T3 and T4 levels. Other blood levels related to thyroid hormones if needed such as thyroid antibodies or thyroglobulin.
• Thyroid ultrasound in some cases
Medication:
• Armour Thyroid – Includes a balance of T3 and T4 made naturally from animals. This form of thyroid replacement is easily tolerated and provides a consistent 24-hour blood level.
• Synthetic T4 – Must be broken down in the body to T3 to become active, it often stays in the form of T4, which reduces its therapeutic effect. (e.g. Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroxine)
• Synthetic T3 – This is the “active” thyroid hormone but synthetic T3 can result in a high morning/ low evening blood level. (e.g. Cytomel)
Signs and Symptoms of Too Much Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
Common Complaints:
• Nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and a inner feeling of “trembling”.
• Early morning waking and sleep disturbances.
• Fast heart rate and heart palpitations.
• Excessive weight loss despite normal calorie intake.
• Excessive hunger and thirst.
• Excessive sweating or feeling “overheated.”
Risks, Contrindications and Benefits of Treatment
Risks:
• Osteoporosis or thinning of bones
• Over-stimulation of the heart
Contraindications:
• Presence of other uncorrected hormone deficiencies such as a cortisol deficiency.
• Recent myocardial infarction or uncontrolled heart disease. Treatment can still be helpful but extra caution must be used when starting thyroid hormone replacement.
• Treatment of “normal” thyroid hormone levels.
Benefits:
• Progressive improvement or resolution of experienced symptoms of hypothyroidism.
• Improved immune system function can help prevent infections and certain types of cancer.
• Better quality of life, especially when treatment is combined with proper nutrition and regular exercise.
How to Boost Your Thyroid Treatment
What to Do:
• Eat balanced meals and proper amount of calories (1,500 to 2,000 per day).
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and modest amounts of protein (meat, eggs, fish, poultry).
• Eat organic foods, foods rich in iron (red meat) and foods rich in iodine (seafood, seaweed).
• Sleep sufficiently.
What to Avoid:
• Avoid low-calorie, low-fat diets, fasting or skipping meals.
• Limit alcohol, vinegar and caffeinated drinks.
• Avoid excessive animal protein (meat, poultry, eggs) and limit intake of dairy products (milk, cheese).
• Avoid sleep deprivation and limit stress as much as possible.