Thyroid

The Thyroid gland makes Thyroid hormone which sets the metabolic rate (the rate at which energy is used). However, the hypothalamus gland in the brain is the first to set the wheels in motion as it releases a hormone called thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) which tells the pituitary gland to make another hormone, Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, also called thyrotropin) which in turn instructs the Thyroid gland to release more or less Thyroid hormone for circulation throughout the body.

T3 and T4

The active ingredients of Thyroid hormone, T3 (Tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) are both present in the body. T4 is converted to the active form, T3, which is directly responsible for changing the metabolic rate by increasing the number and activity of mitochondria, little cellular inclusions which exist separately, but are found inside cells. Mitochondria burn up the food we eat to form energy and heat, so when they are not working properly, we suffer a reduced body temperature and lack of energy. Cold intolerance and fatigue are two of the most common symptoms doctors use to diagnose low Thyroid.

Measuring Thyroid activity

The "normal" levels of T3, T4, TSH and TRH are not well defined and cover a broad range ... hence it is difficult to draw a conclusion from blood tests as to the Thyroid health of a patient. Drs Arem and Wilson have separately written books on Thyroid and both recommend the recording of body temperature over a week to a month using a mercury thermometer, as one of the best indicators for Thyroid supplementation.If Thyroid is low, your energy is low and your body is less able to deal with other conditions such as chronic stress, poor sleep, colds and other viral and bacterial infections, malnutrition, anaemia, injuries or surgery. Although Iodine deficiency has been touted in the past as an important factor in hypoThyroidism, our present epidemic of Thyroid problems is very unlikely to be due to this.

Testing for Hormone Levels

There are now tests for T3, T4, TRH and TSH. It is essential that all these levels are taken into consideration by your doctor before a complete diagnosis can be made. These tests are all available in Australia.

Oestrogen Dominance

No hormone works in isolation ... they all work in a subtle web of interconnectedness. Oestrogen inhibits Thyroid hormone activity and thus exacerbates Thyroid deficiency. In contrast, Thyroid, Testosterone, and Cortisol are Thyroid allies. Hypothyroidism occurs predominantly in women, especially during the perimenopausal period (around the time of menopause) when Oestrogens dominate and Thyroid is low. Thyroid therapy often restores normal Thyroid activity, perhaps by its anti-oestrogenic actions.

Prescribing for Thyroid Deficiency

Nowadays, it is common to see prescriptions for T3 and T4 on their own as well as in combination (prepared by a Compounding Pharmacy), as well as Desiccated Thyroid Extract USP (prepared from pig Thyroid glands which contain both T3 & T4).To achieve the correct balance for each individual will often take time and so patience is a required ingredient for both the patient and doctor.

References and Recommended Further Reading ...

The Thyroid Solution (Ridha Arem)
Wilson's Syndrome (E. Denis Wilson)
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer (John Lee, David Zava, Virginia Hopkins)