thyroid explained.

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great article explains

Posted by: " Joan nyc/phx.az. " joan85032@... joan85032

Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:15 pm (PST)

Thyroid

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Behind adrenal dysfunction, hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is likely to

be the most under-diagnosed condition in the United States. Recent

literature indicates that as much as 10% of the population of the US

may be hypothyroid. Of these, 80% are women. It is estimated that 26%

of menopausal women are hypothyroid. This begs the question; is there

a correlation between decreased sex hormone production and thyroid

hormone function. The answer is yes.

There is overwhelming evidence to show that a condition called

estrogen dominance, low progesterone/ estradiol ratio, causes

decreased thyroid hormone activity. In addition, abnormal cortisol

production can also affect the functionality of thyroid hormones. In

order to fully understand hypothyroidism, we must first look at the

production of thyroid hormone.

Stimulation of the thyroid gland, located in the neck, occurs due to

the progressional release of hormones from the hypothalamus and the

pituitary. Thyroid releasing hormone (TSH) released from the

pituitary activates the thyroid gland. In response the thyroid

releases T4 and T3. T4 accounts for 80% of the hormone released by

the gland and T3 comprises the other 20%. The difference between T4

and T3 is the number of iodine molecules attached to the main

chemical structure. T4 has four iodine molecules while T3 has three.

This small change in chemical structure defines the activity of these

hormones. T4 is an inactive thyroid hormone and T3 is active.

Conversion of T4 to T3, which occurs in the peripheral tissue, allows

for proper hormone activity.

Hormone imbalance, especially progesterone deficiency, stress,

mineral deficiency, and supplementation with Synthroid® can decrease

the conversion of T4 to T3 and promote conversion of T4 to Reverse T3

(RT3), a mirror image molecule with no activity. Accumulation of RT3

can prevent T3 from activating cellular receptors and thus create a

hypothyroid state. Hypothyroidism, as the result of low T3 or

elevated RT3 cannot be diagnosed from blood testing TSH levels. T3

and/or Reverse T3 levels must be drawn.

Testing for hypothyroidism has become very controversial over the

last several years. Traditionally, levels of TSH have been used to

diagnose hypothyroidism. Now, more modern testing avenues are

available, but many physicians are unaware of these tests or have

been told that testing these levels has no value. A list of thyroid

tests and information about each test follows.

TSH– direct measure of TSH levels. A high level indicated low

thyroid. Only measures pituitary production of TSH. Has no direct

impact on T3 (active hormone) levels. TSH normal values were

originally set at ~1.0 to 5.5, a rather large range. Many patients

who fell into the " normal " range continue to experience hypothyroid

symptoms, but do not receive treatment. Recently, the " normal range "

was adjusted to 1.0 to 2.5. Anything above 3.0 is highly suspect for

hypothyroidism. Be aware that many labs continue to use the older,

wider range.

Free T4-a measure of free, unbound hormone in the blood. Has no

correlation to T3 levels, only reflects T4 release from the thyroid

gland.

Free T3– A measure of free, unbound hormone in the blood. This is the

only direct measure of active thyroid hormone available. T3 levels

are often abnormal when TSH and Free T4 levels are normal, thus

testing T3 can diagnose hypothyroidism otherwise missed by TSH and

Free T4 levels.

Reverse T3– A measure of the inactive isomer of T3. This is usually

only measured when all of the above tests are normal or T3 levels are

low with T3 supplementation, and hypothyroid symptoms are present.

Indicates improper conversion of T4.

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody and Antithyroglobulin Antibody Tests–

Most hypothyroidism is the result of autoimmune response to the

thyroid. While the thyroid is not directly attacked by the body,

antibodies are produced in response to cellular damage from,

typically, a viral infection. (Called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis)

Body Temperature Testing– One of the most useful measures of thyroid

activity. The thyroid gland controls metabolism. Metabolism generates

heat. Therefore, a measure of body temperature is a direct measure of

metabolism in the body. Temperatures can be obtained orally or

axillary (under the arm, must add 1 degree) Body temperatures

averaging below 97.5 degrees is a positive sign of hypothyroidism.

Supplementation with sustained release T3 or a combination of T4/T3

is preferred over supplementation with T4 alone. Many patients will

develop hyperthyroid symptoms as the result of T3 supplementation

that is not extended release. Supplementation with Zinc and Selenium

and herbals, as well as balancing hormone levels and reducing stress

can further augment treatment.

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