Many health professionals are saying that hypothyroidism is under-diagnosed. Many people may have it and not know even with having undergone a standard thyroid blood test. If you are trying to lose weight and nothing is happening, it may be your thyroid that is causing a low metabolism and preventing you from shedding a single kilo.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. These hormones include thyroxine T4 and triiodothyronine T3
In clinical testing the blood levels show there are high levels of TSH Thyrotropin stimulating hormone and low levels of T3 and T4.
What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
Low levels of thyroid hormone can affect us on many levels and produce an array of signs and symptoms.
The main symptoms are:
- low metabolism
- dry skin
- fatigue
- reproductive changes
- digestive upset
- nervous problems
- skeletal and muscular problems
What causes Hypothyroidism?
It is thought that hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency in iodine. Please note, this does not include thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's and Goitre.
The secretion of thyroid hormones is regulated by the level of iodine available. The synthesis of thyroid hormones is reliant on the presence of both iodine and tyrosine.
I've Had a Blood Test but It Came Back Normal. Why?
A very large proportion of thyroid hormone is secreted as T4 and converted into the biologically active T3 in certain tissue. When having a blood test, you are only having the T4 tested. Suggest to your doctor to test the T3 levels. You could have low T3 levels but the test will come back normal for T4.
What Else Contributes to Low Thyroid Function?
The liver is a very important organ to consider when looking at hypothyroidism. The liver is partly responsible for peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones. A liver dysfunction may interrupt the conversion of T4 to T3. The liver needs sulfur containing amino acids for healthy liver metabolism.
These amino acids include cysteine, taurine and methionine.
There are also some exogenous factors that may affect the production of thyroid hormones. BPA (Bis-phenol) which is a compound used in plastic materials has been shown to inhibit thyroid receptor-mediated transcription.
Cadmium and lead can also alter the metabolism of hormones. This is another good reason to look after the liver as it is the liver's responsibility to detoxify these harmful chemicals. Antioxidants will help the liver.
How Can I Test Myself for Hypothyroidism?
There is an easy to 'do-at-home' indicator test to determine whether you may be low in thyroid hormones.
How Can I Increase My Own Thyroid Hormones Naturally?
By taking an iodine supplement you will be stimulating the production of thyroid hormones. Many soils in certain countries have been analysed and have low readings of iodine and selenium.
Ordinarily, these minerals should be passed on in our foods but the levels are insufficient.
As mentioned before, you should also take an antioxidant daily with some amino acids to support the liver.
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