Nutrimed Labs: What is Hypothyroidism?

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism, normally defined as a TSH level elevated above the reference range with usual low T4, probably affects hundreds of thousands of people without ever being diagnosed. Clinical signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include the following (1,2,3):

Low body temperature, Dry skin/hair, Inappropriate weight gain,, Brittle nails, Insomnia and/or narcolepsy, Poor short-term memory and concentration,, Fatigue, Headaches and migraines, Premenstrual syndrome and related problems, Menstrual irregularities, Depression, Hair loss (including outer third of eyebrows), Low motivation and ambition, Cold hands and feet,, Fluid retention, Dizziness or lightheadedness, Irritability, Easy bruising, Skin problems/infections/acne, Infertility, Dry eyes/blurred vision, Heat and/or cold intolerance, Low blood pressure, Elevated cholesterol, Digestive problems (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, acid indigestion, constipation, etc.), Poor coordination, Diminished sex drive, Reduced or excessive sweating, Frequent colds/sore throats, Asthma/allergies, Slow healing, Exaggerated post-prandial response, Itchiness, Food cravings, Recurrent infections, Food intolerances, Increased susceptibility to substance abuse, Anxiety/panic attacks, Yellow-orange coloration on skin (particularly palms), Yellow bumps on eyelids, Slow speech, Myxedema (drooping, swollen eyes).

THE PROBLEM
With so many different symptoms and so many different organ systems potentially affected by thyroid system dysfunction, one might think that a diagnosis would be easy. However, in spite of the available blood tests for thyroid/pituitary/liver/adrenal function, the diagnosis is often missed.(1,2) Complicating the problem is the fact that these symptoms may present themselves while all the usual blood tests appear to be normal. Unfortunately, when the blood work does not reveal the cause of the problem, many doctors are prone to refer these patients to a psychologist because they "cannot find anything wrong" with these suffering patients.(1)

Obviously, the hypothyroid patient will not suffer with all of the forementioned symptoms simultaneously. But when he/she exhibits a number of these symptoms, in spite of unrevealing blood tests, perhaps it is time to look further.

HORMONE THERAPY
Low body temperature seems to underlie many of the symptoms. Broda O. Barnes, MD, did the first studies correlating hypothyroidism to low body temperature. He found that having the patient take his/her axillary temperature for several mornings before getting out of bed could help document the trend correlating with the symptoms.(2,3) An axillary temperature of 96.6 degrees F. indicated a hypothyroid state even when the blood tests did not show irregularities.(3) Treating the patient with thyroid hormone seemed to relieve him/her of the often debilitating state.(2)

E. Denis Wilson, MD, in his book "Wilson's Syndrome", found that many of his patients often respond best to proper T3 (liothryonine) therapy. His theory states that there is a difference between thyroid gland dysfunction and thyroid system dysfunction. Although the TSH and T4 levels may be within the normal range, the important thing is not how much hormone is in the blood, but how effectively the T3 hormone is affecting the cells. At the present time, no tests can test the cellular function.(1) Therefore, he often diagnoses hypothyroidism by observing the patient's symptoms. Often T3 (liothryonine) therapy will alleviate or eliminate many symptoms even those previously attributed to other causes. Ray Peat, PhD, has also researched the effect of other hormones on the thyroid system. Progesterone and pregnenolone tend to activate thyroid activity, while estrogen opposes thyroid hormone formation.(4) Therefore, the physician needs to consider the effect of hormone replacement therapy when treating a patient for hypothyroidism.

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
Less severe cases may also respond to nutritional therapy in that the glandular systems can be supported, thereby strengthening the whole body. A thorough understanding of the intricate interrelationships between body systems can provide the foundation for a sound nutritional program. Physicians can and should avail themselves of every possible resource that might improve the health of their patients.A comprehensive approach will address the entire problem, not just the symptoms. Nutrition for the thyroid should include support for the adrenals, the piutuitary and the spleen as well. The feedback systems among these glands determines the levels of circulating hormones in the body.(1) Because of the functional interrelationships between these organs, a deficiency in any nutrient can adversely affect thyroid function. The idea should be to promote growth, balance and repair of the thyroid and related organs.

In addition to a well-balanced multiple vitamin/mineral supplement, normalization of the thyroid system often responds beautifully to a multi-glandular approach without the use of T4. (thyroxine). The physician must realize that, because of the hormonal feedback systems, T4 medication may actually induce a "welfare state" upon the thyroid gland. This means that supplying the body with its T4 hormone from without will cause the thyroid gland to cease making it on its own.

Therefore, it may be wise to first try a thyroxine-free glandular. This will tend to normalize the thyroid whether it is hypo- or hyper-functioning.

Supplements which stress the thyroid and adrenals, such as guarana and excessive caffeine, should be avoided.The hypothyroid patient also needs to pay particular attention to diet. Include molasses, egg yolks, parsley, apricots, dates, prunes, fish, chicken and raw milk and cheeses which can supply nutrients necessary for proper thyroid function.(3) Goitrogenic vegetables from the cabbage family, on the other hand, should be limited or completely avoided: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, mustard greens, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, rutabagas, horseradish, radish and white mustard.(3,5) These goitrogens have been demonstrated to decrease throid hormone production as effectively as anti-thyroid drugs such as thiouracil. (5) Reduced consumption of these antioxidant-rich food sources may indicate a need for additional antioxidant supplementation.

REFERENCES

1. Wilson, E. Denis, MD. Wilson's Syndrome: The Miracle of Feelinq Well (2nd ed.).Orlando: Cornerstone Publishing Company, 1991.
2. Barnes, Broda, MD. Hypothyroidism: Unsuspected Illness. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., 1976.
3. Batch, James F., MD and Phyllis A. Batch, CNC. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City, NY: Avery Publishing Group, Inc., 1990, 213-214.
4. Peats Ray, PhD. "Thyroid: Misconceptions", Townsend Letter for Doctors, #124, Nov., 1993, 1120-1122.
5. Goodhart, Robert S., MD, and Maurice E. Shils, MD. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1978, 406, 473.