I thought we could talk a bit about thyroid function and how a properly regulated thyroid is essential to a wide array of biochemical processes in the body. Thyroid hormone activity can be affected by interactions with other hormone systems and by nutritional deficiencies, which is why thyroid disease or dysfunction can explain a wide variety of symptoms, yet it is notoriously under diagnosed.
TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone, is produced by the pituitary and acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate production of T4. T4, thyroxine, is the predominant hormone produced by the thyroid gland and converts to T3 within the cells. T3, triiodothyronine, is the active thyroid hormone that regulates the metabolic activity of cells.
Overt hypothyroidism, with a high TSH and low T4 are relatively easy to recognize. Typical symptoms are weight gain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, dry/brittle hair and nails, and hair loss. Hyperthyroidism, with a low TSH and high T4 is associated with weight loss, menstrual irregularities, cold intolerance, and sleep disturbances. Often the symptoms can overlap making it difficult to diagnose. When the TSH and T4 levels are only slightly out of range it is often defined as “subclinical” and practitioners are reluctant to treat the bothersome symptoms patients are having. During this time, our body tries to compensate for the imbalances causing us to wonder what is happening to us. It can be very frustrating trying to explain how you feel and not finding any answers or treatment that helps.
The presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, TPO, has been found to help diagnose thyroid disease in patients with abnormal TSH and/or mild thyroid symptoms, and is used to indicate the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis called Hashimoto’s disease. This is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism.
It is important to have your thyroid checked every two years and every year if your levels are in the “subclinical” range. I believe the best test is a complete thyroid profile which will give information on the TSH, T4, free T4 T3, and TPO antibodies. Many practitioners are reluctant to order this and only feel the TSH is necessary. It is important to talk to your practitioner about what tests you would like especially if you have “subclinical” levels and are having bothersome symptoms.
Enjoy the warm weather and sunshine this June!
Best,
Brenda
About the Author
Brenda Houdlette
