Hypothyroidism is more common than one might expect. Currently, hypothyroidism is the most common pathological condition related to a hormone deficiency. It is estimated that 3-5% of the entire population suffers from some form of this condition. Getting to the root of this deficiency is critical as many conditions can arise if hypothyroidism is not definitively diagnosed. Today, medical treatments for hypothyroidism are geared towards hormone replacement.
Although chances are you will eventually require replacement hormone medications, this does not mean that you should neglect the fact that your thyroid gland has nutritional needs of its own. Thyax has been developed for this purpose. Thyax supplies the body with the nutrients needed by the pituitary gland to activate the production of sufficient amounts of circulating thyroid hormone, thereby allowing for normal functioning of the thyroid to take place.
The Thyroid Gland:
This gland is located in the lower part of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It wraps around the trachea (windpipe) and its shape resembles that of a butterfly, consisting of two wings called lobes. The lobes are attached to the isthmus, or the middle part of the thyroid gland.
There is a chain of command in thyroid hormone stimulation, as the thyroid does not function independently. Thyroid’s hormonal production is regulated by the pituitary gland in the brain. And the pituitary is regulated by the hypothalamus. First, the hypothalamus releases a hormone called thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), which then signals the pituitary to release thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. Lastly, TSH signals the thyroid to release thyroid hormones. This process is depicted below:
Hypothalamus – TRH
Pituitary- TSH
Thyroid- T4 and T3
Hypothyroidism; Defined
Hypothyroidism is the term used to describe any state in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of the two most important thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones are critical for processes relating to growth, development, and a variety of cellular mediated processes. As well, all aspects of metabolism, such as heartbeat and the burning of calories, are regulated by the thyroid hormones. A low secretion often equates to widespread physiological consequences, impacting the body’s many systems.
Types and Causes of Hypothyroidism:
The cause of hypothyroidism is the result of several factors, including underlying conditions. These include;
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and is categorized as an inherited condition. Hashimoto’s results from an underlying autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks thyroid tissues. This condition usually presents with an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter, and inhibits the production of thyroid hormones.
Lymphocytic Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is thought to be caused by a type of white blood cell known as a lympocyte. This condition initially manifests with a hyperthyroid phase where excessive hormones leak out of the damaged and inflamed gland. This phase is followed by hypothyroid phase, usually lasting for up to eight months. Although many individuals diagnosed with this condition will return to a normal, functional state of thyroid production, there is chance of a remaining deficiency.
Severe Iodine Deficiency Hypothyroidism: This results from a dietary deficiency of iodine. Severe hypothyroidism resulting from iodine deficiencies are primarily seen in underdeveloped countries. Hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency is so prevalent, in fact, that an estimated 5-15% of the entire population in lesser developed countries (e.g. Chile and India) suffer from this condition. This condition is extremely rare in the U.S., due to the inclusion of iodine in table salt and bread products.
Pituitary or Hypothalamic disease: Pituitary disease is also referred to as “secondary hypothyroidism.” Hypothalamic disease is defined as “tertiary hypothyroidism.” These two conditions result from the inability of either the pituitary gland or hypothalamus to signal the thyroid for hormone production. Even if the thyroid gland itself is normal, a decreased level of circulating T3 or T4 may still occur as a result of these underlying diseases.
Medications: Common medications used to treat hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) can actually cause hypothyroidism. Psychiatric medications, like lithium, may also diminish thyroid hormone production. The administration of other drugs that contain large amounts of iodine can also lead to extremely low levels of thyroid hormone within the blood.
Destruction of the Thyroid: Thyroid destruction typically results from radioactive iodine treatments, radiation therapy, or surgical procedure. For instance, Grave’s disease patients (caused by hyperthyroidism) may receive radioactive iodine therapy, resulting in the destruction or impairment of some, or even all of existing thyroid tissue. Removal of the thyroid gland during surgery is also accompanied with hypothyroidism.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism often take years to surface, and are solely dependent upon the severity of hormone deficiency. Moreover, detecting hypothyroidism in infants, children, and teens can prove even more challenging. Classic symptoms include lethargy and extreme fatigue. However, a greater decline in metabolism usually presents more obvious signs and symptoms of the disease, and may include;
• Pale, dry skin
• Hoarse voice
• Elevated blood cholesterol levels
• Muscle aches and joint stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Heavy menses in females
• Increased sensitivity to climate change; particularly the cold
• Constipation
• Depression
Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually become worse if not accurately diagnosed. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and forgetfulness are classic symptoms which can result if not treated correctly. Additionally, advanced hypothyroidism, or myxedema, can be life-threatening. Although this condition remains extremely rare, persons with intense drowsiness, intolerance to cold, profound lethargy, and periods of unconsciousness warrant immediate medical intervention.
Are you at risk?
Anyone can develop hypothyroidism. However, women older than 40 years of age have the greatest chance for onset. Generally, for both sexes, risk factors do increase as our metabolic rates continually decline with age. Other potential risk factors and at-risk populations include; having a close relative with an autoimmune disease, diabetics, pregnant women, those who are taking anti-thyroid medications or have received radioactive and radiation treatments, as well as persons who have had thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy).
The most common treatments for hypothyroidism are prescription medications. Existing as synthetic thyroid hormone, these popular medicines are intended to replace the T4 hormone, which the body naturally produces. However, many patients have failed to respond to such treatments. Many physicians point to the lack of T3 in such medicines as the cause for little or no symptom relief in a large number of persons with hypothyroidism. Because of this, a growing number of individuals within the medical community have supported the use of natural or alternative therapies for hypothyroidism support.