Thyroid Part III: Approach

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Introduction

By correcting the underling issues, many of which are mentioned in the previous two articles, Thyroid function should begin to stabilize. Here we will look at how to approach the Thyroid and make sense of

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Supply Chain

There are many cofactors that are involved in the process and creation of Thyroid Hormone that are absolutely needed along the line of production. These cofactors include Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc, Iodine, B2, B3, and B6 (P-5-P). This is where nutrition comes into play and supplements may be needed if diet is not satisfactory or if the problem has persisted for a long period of time. There are also supportive supplements that can help promote the normalization of the Thyroid by providing building blocks for production, providing immune support, or helping with stress. These include Ashwagandha, Carnitine, Glutathione, Manganese, Parotid tissue, Progesterone, L-Tyrosine, Fats, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D.

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Blood Work

In order to analyze the Thyroid, there is often a sole reliance on blood tests to determine a diagnosis. If TSH levels are high, the thought is that the Thyroid cannot keep up with the demand of the body’s need for more Thyroid Hormone. Often times one of either TSH or T3 levels are not measured and Hormone Replacement Therapy is given without consideration as to where in the assembly line a malfunction has occurred. This only masks the problem, and while the patient may feel better, it does not get to the root cause of the issue. Often times when TSH levels are high, T4 levels will also be high. This can only mean that adequate T4 is being produced. But then why is the body and Hypothalamus still asking the Thyroid to produce more T4 Thyroid Hormone by releasing TSH through the Pituitary? This must mean that there is an inadequate production of T3, and as we discussed previously, the formation of T3 is the ultimate goal as it is the active form of Thyroid Hormone. In this case, Deiodination dysfunction may be the problem, and we must find out why T4 is not being converted into T3. The main Offenders to consider would be Cortisol, Insulin, Autoimmune issues, and Liver dysfunction. This is why it is incredibly important to measure all levels of Thyroid function and to use blood work in conjunction results found in a clinical setting.

A different scenario may arise where TSH levels are now low. The thought now is that there is too much Thyroid Hormone being produced and that the course of action would be to reduce the activity of the Thyroid. The diagnosis may even be listed as Grave’s Disease. T4 levels may be analyzed to confirm they are high but T3 levels may not be taken into consideration as a piece of the puzzle. If it were, it would determine that T3 levels are low as well. In reality the patient has the same problem as the first patient, there is excess T4 waiting to be converted into T3, but the body is unable to do so. Different patient, different blood results, same problem. This time the Hypothalamus has actually shut down activity of the Thyroid like it was supposed to due to the negative feedback loop. Patients can have any number of blood results, and while the problem can occur in the conversion of T4 to T3, it can also occur at any point in the cycle. This includes a deficiency of the building blocks (cofactors) to form Thyroid Hormone such as Tyrosine, Iodine, Selenium, or Zinc.

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Conclusion

Thyroid conditions can be quite complicated as they often require time and patience for things to settle into place. Individuals may have been suffering from a condition for long periods of time without being aware of it. The Endocrine system is one of the most convoluted systems in the body as all hormones affect each other on some level. Healing the Thyroid is a balancing act where you cannot pull too hard from one direction without affecting the entire system. It must also be noted that every individual is different. While one individual may feel great on an nutritional supplement or herb, another may feel worse. Never use a shotgun approach when it comes to supplements and make sure to get the correct information from a professional before making important decisions. Reach out to an experienced healthcare provider today to get started.