Hypothyroid and Thyroiditis

Common symptoms of Hypothyroidism include fatigue, constipation, muscle pain, slow metabolism, and depression. When you see the doctor for your annual check up, the physician typically orders a marker called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which is secreted by the pituitary gland. This goes up when low levels of T3 (active thyroid hormone) is detected inside the hypothalamus. Typically, the fluid around the hypothalamus contains higher levels of thyroid hormone since it lacks a regulatory protein that is present everywhere else. This results in hypothalamic levels of T3 which is higher than anywhere else in the body.  Therefore, patients who have an under-active thyroid often have normal TSH levels, and the thyroid imbalance goes untreated. If you have symptoms such as fatigue or depression, the symptoms will be treated unless the doctor orders additional thyroid labs which include T3 and T4 (inactive thyroid hormone).

HYPERthyroidism is the diagnoses for an overactive thyroid. TSH will be low in these patients.  Symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, fast heart rate, diarrhea and bulging pupils. Hyperthyroidism is easier to diagnose than hypothyroidism which many times is subclinical (lab values within normal range).

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autioimmune condition of the thyroid, is increasing in prevalence, especially among women over the age of 40. Hashimoto’s is largely undiagnosed and undertreated. Patients may  present with alternating symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The long term chronic outcome is hypothyroidism. The standard treatment for these patients is prescribed T4 (Synthroid or Levothyroxine).  It’s important to note that patients with an underactive thyroid (HYPOthyroidism) and Hashimoto’s have similar symptoms which are common for many other health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Depression, and obesity. Many times the proper diagnoses gets passed over due to lack of comprehensive blood work. Therefore,  the symptoms get treated without addressing the cause.

Conversion of T4 to T3

The thyroid gland produces T4 which is largely inactive. This hormone is transported to the nucleus of every cell in the body. Here it is converted to T3 which is the active thyroid. The transportation process into the nucleus and the conversion to T3 depends on the presence of ATP (cellular energy), trace minerals, and Iodine. Many patients have poor cellular energy and deficient trace minerals due to oxidative stress and malnourisment.  In addition, the presence of heavy metals and leaky gut creates an autoimmune process in the body which can lead to Hashimoto’s disease. (antibodies against the thyroid). Investigation into all causes of an imbalanced immune system must be explored in order to implement the proper treatment strategy.

Treatments for Hypothyroidism

When TSH levels are elevated in a blood test, the conventional treatment is Synthroid or Levoythyroxine which is T4, the inactive hormone. Recall that the inactive T4 is converted to active T3 inside the cells, and this conversion process may be reduced by oxidative stress or a deficiency in certain cofactors. These patients need support in producing the active thyroid (T3). Otherwise, their symptoms of hypothyroidism persist despite taking the prescribed medication for T4.

The answer to this is simple. Request a full thyroid panel and get support for the conversion of T4 to T3. You may also need T3 to be added to your treatment plan.

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