Why You Cannot Trust TSH 3 and 4 Test Results for Thyroid Health and Wellness

I advise all of my clients to specify a full thyroid panel of tests when they get a checkup. Those of us with autoimmune diseases and those with degenerative diseases such as cancer, obesity and other potentially serious diseases often have undetected thyroid issues. In addition to those with health issues, men and women who are 40 and older, whether they have diseases or not, should request full thyroid panel testing when getting a physical.

I have vitiligo -- an autoimmune disease that is often seen as a symptom of a malfunctioning thyroid. Medical doctors were slow to recognize the correlation between thyroid health and vitiligo. I was one advocate in the 1990s who encouraged fellow vitiligo sufferers to take my research to their doctors and demand, if they had to, thyroid testing. Back then, most medical doctors thought of vitiligo as only a "cosmetic" disease. Unfortunately, many still do.

What I've found over the years is, many people like myself, have thyroid problems that go undetected when our doctors test for TSH 3 & 4, without more thorough testing. I've has symptoms of hypo-thyroidism most of my life, but not once has it ever shown up in TSH 3 & TSH4 tests. Ever.

I had a physical 2 weeks ago. I requested the full panel of thyroid tests. The doctor questioned why I wanted it, asking if I had problems in the past. Though my thyroid always tested within "normal" range, I have known I was hypo-thyroid pretty much all of my life based on my lifelong vitiligo and other symptoms such as low body temperature. So, I had to persuade this doctor to do what she should do for every patient -- fully check my thyroid for dysfunction.

When my test results came in the mail this past Monday, my TSH 3 and TSH 4 showed a perfectly normal thyroid range; however, the tests that I had to persuade the doctor to do showed a different story. It showed that I was bordering hypothyroid/Hashimoto's disease. These results are very typical of those of us with vitiligo and/or other autoimmune diseases. It is also typical of many sufferers of other diseases, and for many whose thyroid tests in normal range in the standard TSH 3 & TSH 4 tests.

Undetected thyroid problems are epidemic in the USA, and a large undetected part of the problems of obesity, diabetes and cancers, as many natural health professionals such as myself believe. In the USA, the average person gets little to no iodine in their diet, which is necessary to nourish the thyroid. Bread eaters are blocking absorption of the iodine that may occasionally get in their iodine-poor standard American diets. Supplementing iodine is mandatory for health, thanks to removal of iodine from, and the addition of bromine to bread products.

Since my 20's when I uncovered my own hypo-thyroidism/Hashimoto's tendency via symptoms and by performing the Basal Temperature Test, I've supplemented to improve and nourish my thyroid. My current regimen includes Iodoral iodine, plus raw thyroid glandular supplements to nourish my thyroid to function properly. My body usually signals me when my regimen needs tweaking. I encourage my clients to find a qualified endocrinologist in addition to learning how to monitor their own thyroids via the Basal Temperature test. Once clients learn the symptoms of thyroid problems and learn to listen to their bodies, they often can tell when something is off.

Since many doctors do not go beyond the TSH 3 & 4 thyroid tests, I encourage you to take a proactive role in your health care. Insist on full panel thyroid tests. If I had not insisted on the Thyroid Antibodies test, my bloodwork would've missed a very important fact -- I have a thyroid problem! Since the thyroid controls every metabolic process in my body, my entire state of health -- both physical and mental -- were at stake.

As stated earlier, I've regulated my thyroid since my early 20s and I can sense when my thyroid is off. I knew I had to up my supplements based on how I felt and how my body was holding onto weight. I listen to my body and I know when I either need to lower or raise my supplements, which changes with age, stress levels, lifestyle changes, etc.

A simple basal temperature thermometer is helpful to gauge your own thyroid health, with the Basal Temperature Test. Shake the thermometer down at night, and check your armpit temperature as soon as you awaken, without stirring much, for 5 consecutive days. If your temperature is consistently low, consider further testing, because it signals thyroid issues, despite TSH 3 and 4 results. Find a qualified endocrinologist who is open to your concerns and proactive stance regarding your health when asking for full panel thyroid testing. It could save your health, and ultimately, your life.

Wanakee is a Traditional Naturopath who leads the field in natural therapies for vitiligo, a disease she has had most of her life. Wanakee's Nutritional Approach to Vitiligo & Other Autoimmune Diseases is a nutritional based how to guide book for those who want to improve their health naturally, whether they have an autoimmune disease, degenerative disease or health issues related to aging or obesity.

Wanakee also works with those who have other skin ailments such as acne and eczema. Her children have suffered with severe eczema, allergies and asthma all of their lives. With more than 27 years of experience in dealing with these health maladies, Wanakee has developed a regimen to help control these illnesses with diet, supplements and other lifestyle changes.

For a free phone or email consultation with Dr. Kee, visit:
http://www.thewellnesswell.net/

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What Is a TRH Stimulation Test?

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The thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test is a diagnostic method used to detect hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland. Three other tests that most practitioners typically order to detect thyroid hormone levels are the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, the T3 and the T4.

To review the basic endocrinology behind thyroid function, the hypothalamus is the gland in the brain that secretes TRH. In turn, this stimulates the pituitary gland, also located in the brain, to release TSH. Finally, TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

Hypothyroidism can present with a variety of symptoms, including feelings of fatigue and weakness, weight gain, intolerance to cold temperatures, forgetfulness and difficulty to think clearly, constipation and dry skin. Women can experience heavy or irregular menstrual periods. Untreated hypothyroidism in pregnant women can have harmful effects on their baby. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, cholesterol levels can elevate, thus increasing risks for a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms do present gradually over time. When symptoms do not subside or worsen, it is time to seek a diagnosis.

Until several years ago, the TRH stimulation test was the screening of choice for determining thyroid function. The THR stimulation test requires the collection of an initial baseline sample of blood, followed by an intravenous injection of a synthetic form of THR to stimulate the pituitary gland to release TSH. Additional blood samples are obtained over a period of time following the injection to track levels of TSH. The TRH stimulation test can be a valuable tool in confirming hypothyroidism in patients who exhibit obvious symptoms of the disorder, yet show borderline results on a TSH test. The TRH stimulation test can also identify secondary hypothyroidism, which results from a disorder of the pituitary gland, as well as tertiary hypothyroidism, which would be indicative of a disorder of the hypothalamus. Early detection of hypothyroidism, which can take years to develop and consistently be revealed on a TSH test, can be achieved with the TRH stimulation test at the onset of symptoms.

Today most physicians opt for the TSH test in lieu of the TRH stimulation test. The manufacturer discontinued production of protirelin, the injectable synthetic TRH used to perform the TRH test, several years ago. Injectable protirelin can be obtained through compounding pharmacies; however, physicians question the quality for use in the TRH stimulation test. The TSH test requires no such injections, only one blood sample is needed, and the test is much simpler to perform and interpret. The difference between the TSH test and the TRH test can be compared to a single photograph versus live film footage, respectively. The TSH is like one snapshot as it measures thyroid levels in one instant of time, the time at which the blood sample was obtained. The TRH stimulation test is more like a whole film segment, illustrating hormone levels over a period of time. Since TSH levels can change constantly due to an array of metabolic influences, a single reading can misrepresent how adequately the thyroid is functioning. The TRH stimulation test provides a more detailed picture.

Fortunately, hypothyroidism is easily treated, usually with prescribed thyroid hormone oral medication. Symptoms begin to abate fairly quickly and patients note marked improvement in their overall physical stamina and emotional outlook. The hypothyroid patient will likely remain on the medication for life and will be required to follow-up periodically with their physician. Thyroid hormone level screenings will also need to be performed regularly as directed by the physician in order to verify that the medication is continuously used at the ideal dosage for maintaining optimal thyroid function.

Early detection through a TRH stimulation test can lead to early intervention, thus relieving the patient with hypothyroidism of symptoms so that he or she can get back to enjoying a more positive quality of life.

Currently, doctors evaluate three blood test to see if your thyroid is low, TSH, T3 and T4. If you have questions regarding the TRH stimulation test, contact Raphael Kellman, M.D. at 212-7-1118

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What If Hashimoto's Is Ignored?

Hashimoto's disease is a medical condition where one's immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This results in thyroid gland inflammation, which causes damage and often leads to hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland.

This medical condition affects both men and women alike of any age including children but more common in the middle-aged women.

The hard part about this disease is that there are no unique signs and symptoms that will point the disease right away. This condition progresses slowly over the years until there is a sudden drop in the thyroid levels. This means there is already a chronic damage in the thyroid.

Being the most common cause of hypothyroidism, their signs and symptoms are almost the same. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that should never be ignored:

Increased fatigue, sleepiness, and sluggishnessDepressionIncreased sensitivity to coldUnexplained weight gainPale and dry skinDry, coarse hairHair falling outElevated cholesterol levelHoarse voiceDecreased concentrationMuscle crampsMenorrhagia or prolonged or excessive menstrual bleedingPuffiness of the face especially around the eyes.

As soon as one notices some of these symptoms, one should already consult a doctor. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is treatable. Without treatment, symptoms may slowly become more severe that might lead to goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland.

What Causes Hashimoto's Disease

There is still no definite medical answer as to why one's immune system would attack its own thyroid gland. Doctors and researchers think it can be some type or bacteria triggering such response from the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is the most known and common cause of Hashimoto's disease. There are several causes of hypothyroidism. It could be as simple as not enough iodine intake or could be a result of being treated with hyperthyroidism as the body's system tries to bounce back.

The Complications From Hashimoto's Disease

Every disease left untreated will seriously lead to a number of complications. It is always best to catch medical conditions at an early stage. This gives higher chances of responding to treatment, better prognosis, and a higher percentage for recovery.

If Hashimoto's disease remains untreated for a long period of time, here are just some of the complications that might arise:

Goiter - The most common complication arising from Hashimoto's disease. A condition where enough damage has been made to the thyroid gland making it severely enlarged.Heart Problems - Because of the elevation in cholesterol levels in a person with Hashimoto's disease or with hypothyroidism, this increases the chance for heart diseases.Mental Health Issues - As depression is one of the major symptoms in this ailment, it can grow more severe as time goes by it is untreated. This can lead to complications with sexual desire both for men and women.Myxedema - This most severe form of hypothyroidism can be a life-threatening condition.Birth Defects - This is why pregnant women are checked for thyroid hormone imbalances.

Dr. Marc Ott, D.C. opened what is today Integrative Physical Medicine of Orlando, where he has been making changes in peoples lives by helping them overcome and in many cases reverse thyroid dysfunction.

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Using Herbs for Hypothyroidism Recovery

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If you have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism you are probably aware that the conventional method of tackling Hypothyroidism is done with a synthetic version of the Thyroid hormone Thyroxine (T4). This works great for some but others are left suffering from symptoms even though blood test results may show normal levels of T4. Fortunately there are alternatives and one of those is a natural treatment and this article will describe a basic natural treatment using herbs for Hypothyroidism treatment.

Treating Hypothyroidism purely just with herbs probably wouldn't work that well but when they are used alongside a healthy lifestyle, they can work extremely well. When using herbs for Hypothyroidism it is important to do so with the guidance of a professional who will be able to offer advice on the correct dosages and which herbs to take for your specific condition. If this option is expensive to you then there is an alternative as there are many books on treating Hypothyroidism naturally written by natural doctors and so this would be the next best thing.

As I mentioned above herbs should be used alongside a healthy lifestyle which should incorporate a detoxification program and the purpose of this is to eliminate toxins which have built up in the body over time. Diet is also a key factor and so it is important to stop consuming junk foods and also unhealthy snacks and drinks. A healthy diet should include foods which are beneficial to Thyroid function and try to include lots of organic fruit and vegetables.

Exercise is extremely important because this helps the body flush out toxins by improving circulation. This is also a great way to increase the temperature of the body which is often low in people with Hypothyroidism.

There are many herbs for Hypothyroidism treatment but some of the most common are Withania (which helps the body deal with stress), Bladderwrack (which stimulates Thyroid gland function),

Bacopa (which is an anti stress/anxiety tonic) and Guggol (which stimulates production of Thyroid hormones).

When treating Hypothyroidism naturally many are put off by the lifestyle changes needed for this method of treatment to be successful and it's true, it can be difficult at first but you have to remember the changes are good healthy changes which will benefit your health in many ways and after a short time you'll be glad of the changes as your health returns and you get your life back.

For more information on using natural treatments and herbs for Hypothyroidism please visit http://naturalremediesforhypothyroidism.com/.

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Understanding the Human Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a gland located at the bottom part of the neck and is wrapped around the windpipe. It is responsible for producing and storing thyroid hormones that regulate body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and the rate of conversion of food into energy.

The thyroid uses iodine, a mineral usually found in iodized salt, to make its hormones. Lack of iodine in the body may lead to thyroid diseases like goiter.

Common Thyroid Diseases

A dysfunctional thyroid gland may lead to some diseases like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Hashimoto's disease.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism happens when the body produces too little thyroid hormones. Since thyroid hormones are responsible for the rate of metabolism, a slow metabolism plus weight gain is the most common sign of this disease.

Also, people who suffer from hypothyroidism experiences great amounts of hair loss. Hypothyroidism is easily detected through a blood test. More often than not, treatment for this disease is as easy as taking one pill a day. However, it is still best to consult with a physician.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the total opposite of hypothyroidism. This disease is due to the over production of thyroid hormones. Some of its symptoms include fatigue, increased bowel movements and weight loss.

Hyperthyroidism may also be easily detected through a blood test. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and surgery to remove some parts of the thyroid gland.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is more commonly known as Hashimoto's disease. This condition is caused by the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's thyroiditis may lead to hypothyroidism if left untreated. This disease is an autoimmune disease which means that the body's immune system unsuitably attacks the thyroid gland therefore causing inflammation.

Symptoms of this disease are almost the same as hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease because there are no ways to find out how long will the autoimmune process of the body will continue.

Caring for the Thyroid Gland

As the old saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. What then are the ways to protect the thyroid gland and to keep it healthy?

First thing to do is to have regular levels of iodine in the body. Iodine rich foods include cranberries, organic navy beans, organic strawberries, dairy products, potatoes and iodized salt. Also, some multivitamin supplements with iodine are available in drugstores.

Next, stay away from canned foods which affect the digestive enzymes of the body and may lead to a malfunctioning thyroid.

Lastly, avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation especially during CT scans especially on the head and neck. When dental X-rays need to be performed, make sure you are equipped with a thyroid shield.

Dr. Gerry Hinley, D.C. believes Chiropractic's philosophy that teaches a person could heal from within, without drugs, surgery or their harmful side effects. He opened Integrative Physical Medicine of Chicago, where he has been making changes in peoples lives by helping them overcome and in many cases reverse thyroid dysfunction.

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Understanding Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is an important organ in the body which belongs to the endocrine system. It is the gland that takes control of the use of energy in the body, production of proteins, and the rate of metabolism. The thyroid produces what is known as the thyroid hormone. Its functions affect the body's growth and development.

The two leading problems faced by the thyroid are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. An auto immune disease known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Hashimoto's disease is a disease that can lead to bouts of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. This article will focus on hyperthyroidism and its effects on the body.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormone. As is well known, anything in excess is not good and this situation is no different. This is a condition where the thyroid gland is too active to be good for the body.

An auto immune disease that leads to cases of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. An overactive thyroid can also be cause by excessive iodine intake. While iodine is needed for the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormone, too much iodine can lead to overproduction of the hormone which can lead to hormonal imbalance that is in no way good for the body.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

PalpitationsFatigueWeight changes, specifically weight lossHair falling outFrequent bowel movementsMuscle weaknessFeelings of nervousnessIntolerance to heatLack of sleep or insomnia

An individual experiencing hyperthyroidism has weight loss due to a fast rate of metabolism. This is also why one has more frequent bowel movements. In contrast, people who have hypothyroidism have slow metabolism rates which make them have weight gain and in times, experience constipation.

Increased rate of metabolism makes a person feel more hot that usual. This is why individuals with hyperthyroidism have heat intolerance. Increased metabolism rate also speeds up the heartbeat leading to palpitations that attribute to feelings of nervousness.

Treatments of hyperthyroidism include surgery if the gland is not yet permanently damaged, radioactive iodine intake, and thyroid hormone replacement drugs to neutralize the thyroid hormone levels in the body.

As in all health situations, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid hyperthyroidism, make sure that the body has the proper iodine intake for the right amount of thyroid hormones produced. Avoiding environmental factors like exposure to second-hand smoke and too much iodine in the diet can lessen the risks of hyperthyroidism as well.

Dr. Marc Ott, D.C. opened what is today Integrative Physical Medicine of Orlando, where he has been making changes in peoples lives by helping them overcome and in many cases reverse thyroid dysfunction.

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Tiredness And Fatigue Caused By Hypothyroidism

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What is hypothyroidism? How does it cause tiredness? What are the symptoms and solutions? In this article, these are all the topics we are going to discuss.

The thyroid gland in the body is responsible for controlling metabolism. When it is super active, it releases too many hormones and the metabolic rate increases. This is a condition which is often referred to as hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, there is also a condition called hypothyroidism which is often associated with tiredness. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid becomes less active and fewer hormones are produced. As a result, the metabolic rate decreases and this causes tiredness.

Hypothyroidism is often characterized by different symptoms such as weight gain and weakness. People who have this condition also have short-term memory loss and weak immune system. It can also cause depression to some or trigger some heart problems.

There are many causes of hypothyroidism. The first possible cause is the lack of essential nutrients in the body. The thyroid gland does many important functions therefore it needs many nutrients to function well. Some of the nutrients it needs are vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C and B-vitamins. It also needs iodine which can mostly be found in seafood, copper and selenium, as well as chromium and zinc. Another possible cause of hypothyroidism is toxicity. When there are too many toxins in the body, it can affect the thyroid's functions. Some substances may not be toxic to the body but they are toxic to the thyroid so you must be careful. Some of these substances are fluoride which can mostly be found in toothpaste, alcohol and preservatives.

To confirm whether or not you are experiencing hypothyroidism, you have to visit your doctor and undergo certain tests. Some of the tests that the doctor may suggest include test for T3 resin, FAMA and TSH. It will also be helpful if you keep track of your body temperature every day. If your body temperature is relatively low, it can be a sign that you have hypothyroidism.

There are different treatments for hypothyroidism and the most popular is the intake of thyroid hormones which are T3 and T4. Some doctors will prescribe medications to increase the function of the thyroid. Providing the right nutrients to the thyroid can also help in dealing with hypothyroidism. There are certain foods that you can add to your diet to ensure that your thyroid is healthy and it will not cause you tiredness. Some of the foods include root crops such as turnips and cassava, peanuts, cabbage and soya beans.

Exercise is also important in ensuring that your thyroid is functioning well. Hypothyroidism causes a person to gain weight and by exercising, you can prevent yourself from putting on so much weight. It also improves the circulation of blood in your body so the thyroid can get the nutrients it needs faster.

Hypothyroidism and tiredness are closely linked to each other. Solving hypothyroidism will also solve the tiredness that you are experiencing in your everyday life.

Hypothyroidism and other health conditions are closely linked to tiredness and fatigue. To learn how to solve the problem, visit the link provided.

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Thyroiditis Symptoms

Natural Alternative Cures with an Integrative Approach

Inflammation of the thyroid gland can result from many causes. The thyroid is located at the base of the neck just below the voice box. It makes hormones that control the rate at which cells burn fuel and how rapidly they create new fuel to store from food.

The most common form of thyroid inflammation is hypothyroidism, under-functioning of the thryroid, called Hashimoto's thryroiditis. Other forms are Postpartum, Subacute, drug-induced, radiation-induced and Acute.

Each different type of this disease has its own causes, clinical features, diagnoses, durations, resolutions, conditions and risks.

The Most Common Hypothyroid Symptoms

Common hypothyroid symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, feeling "fuzzy headed," depression, dry skin, and constipation. Other, more rare symptoms include swelling of the legs, vague aches and pains, decreased concentration and so on. When conditions become more severe, depending on the type of thyroiditis, one may start to see puffiness around the eyes, slowing of the heart rate, a drop in body temperature, or even incipient heart failure. On the other hand, if the thyroid cell damage is acute, the thyroid hormone within the gland leaks out into the bloodstream causing symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, which is similar to those of hyperthyroidism. These symptoms include weight loss, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, fast heart rate, and fatigue.

Thyroiditis can also be caused by an infection, like a virus or bacteria, which works in the same way as antibodies to cause inflammation in the glands. Certain people make thyroid antibodies, and thyroiditis can be considered an autoimmune disease, because the body acts as if the thyroid gland is foreign tissue.

Just because antibodies are involved does not mean that the 'cause' has been found. The question as to why the antibodies are attacking in the first place still needs to be answered. To find the cure for the thyroid, regardless of the 'itis' requires doing what will allow the body to correct the malady and put an end to the malfunctioning endocrine gland. Even when bacteria is suspected in an 'infection', being that most infections are handled just fine by the body itself, why not consider encouraging the immune system to fight the 'infection' itself?

Often the simple answer to cure is simple blood testing for the thyroid hormones, T3, T4, T7, and thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH. Often basic nutrients are missing so that the thyroid can rebuild itself. We often find that free radicals, molecules missing an electron, or heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury can interfere with chemical reactions....those heavy metals need to be chelated out of the body with oral chelating agents and the free radicals need to be neutralized with antioxidants.

Hormone replacement therapy should only be an option when the endocrine gland has been removed by surgery or eradicated with radiation treatments. As long as some of the endocrine gland remains, the safest approach is to nutrify it and detox the tissues at the same time after blood tests have confirmed the need. The blood test results can also serve as a yardstick to measure healing results on follow-up testing.

This is what a naturopathic, alternative approach encompasses...finding a way to allow the body to heal itself so that the person does not have to take a hormone replacement the rest of their life. When we give hormones to a person who is still able to produce some of the hormone themselves then we are actually encouraging the person to stop making their own hormones! This can only be to their detriment.

What about using bio-identical hormones? These molecules are closer to the original configuration of the molecule that the body makes itself. But the same problem exists...the body will be encouraged NOT to make its own hormone if another one is given orally from outside the body, as when we take pills.

Taking nutrients is different though. When we take nutrients orally, those molecules are molecules that are naturally found in foods in the form of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace minerals and enzymes. They usually are not hormone in nature. When we take these nutrients with our food, they mix with the food and make it more nutritious than it was before the mixing. If you look at how healthy our food was 100 years ago, compared to today, you would find a big difference. So when we mix nutritional pills with our food we are returning our food to the chemical strength it used to have 100 years ago.

The difficult part is determining which of the 2000 products in the health food store would be best for you. A 52 element blood test combined with a hair and urine analysis will yield about 103 separate pieces of information on which to choose the 10 or so most likely nutritional medicines to treat your thyroiditis.

Dr. Thomas has 33 years of experience treating chronic conditions.

Treating chronic disease is a complicated and tedious work. Most physicians can only spend a few minutes with each patient as their clinic owners and hospital management force them to keep on the move. Dr. Thomas spends half an hour just explaining what tests will be done...then he spends an hour going over the test results with you and discussing nutrient cures. He also requests that you check in with him once a month for at least a half hour to go over your symptoms and to discuss your nutrients.

33 years experience has taught Dr. Thomas the value of quality care, personal patient/doctor interaction and just what is required to obtain lasting results.

Refer to my website for more information on this topic and to watch videos from the television show I do on Nutritional Medicines by Lab Analysis.

Thyroiditis Symptoms

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Thyroiditis and Symptoms of Goiter

A basic overview of thyroid issues

What is that unsightly lump on your neck? A goiter, most likely. The thyroid gland enlarges when it is working overtime.

Most of what the thyroid makes is the hormone T4. It makes some T3 as well. Almost all of the T4 turns into T3 eventually and the T3 is up to 10 times stronger than the T4. This hormone goes to every cell in the body and affects the speed at which cells burn energy and create new storable energy from the foods we digest. It's like the thermostat, the accelerator and brake all combined.

If it isn't working well we have hypothyroidism, and if it's working overtime we have hyperthyroidism. When a goiter develops, the cells of the thyroid expand to produce more T3 and T4. It is a desperate attempt to make enough hormone. The swelling in size of the gland is referred to as an inflammation, hence the 'itis' on the end of 'thyroiditis'.

One who has a toxic goiter will present with symptoms of thyrotoxicosis such as hyperactivity, palpitation, a weight loss in spite of increased appetite and heat intolerance. And some goiters just remain inflamed and large even though the blood tests appear normal...so there are some mysteries surrounding this organ. Goiter not associated with hormonal imbalances may not cause any symptoms other than the presence of the mass at the base of the neck. Carcinoma must always be questioned whenever a mass is visible, however.

Naturopathic medicine looks at non-cancerous situations differently than pharmaceutical medicine. Pharmacy prescribers want to give hormones in the form of pills when the thyroid isn't making enough, and when it's making too much they want to bring in the surgeon and remove some or all of the thyroid. Functional physicians, naturopaths and all nutritionists want to get to the root of the problem and supply the tissues of the thyroid gland with the nutrients it needs to repair itself.

The thyroid is one of many endocrine glands. All of these glands make hormones and put them into the blood. When these molecular messengers get distributed into the systemic blood circulation, other body parts sense that they are there and if that part is sensitive to that hormone, it will respond in some way. TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone from the pituitary endocrine gland at the base of the brain is put into the systemic circulation with the explicit purpose of telling the thyroid endocrine gland in the neck to produce and release more thyroid hormone in to the circulation. So, one endocrine gland can influence another. And sometimes an endocrine gland can be stimulated to produce and expel by a nerve from the brain. It can get complex. In evaluating thyroid function all of these factors have to be understood in order to find the cause of the problem.

The newest thing to hit the nutritional/functional medical realm, years ago, was to take desiccated thyroid gland tissue in pill form. The idea was that the actual glandular meat of the thyroid gland of a pig or cow that was relatively healthy, would have all the nutrients needed to support our own human thyroids. For a while this product was removed from the shelves but is back on now and being widely used by non-pharmaceutical prescribers.

Alternative Medicines That Help With the Thyroid

Ninety percent of all thyroid goiters are caused by an iodine deficiency. Norwegian kelp is often recommended for this. Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Antioxidants, Essential Fats, and Amino Acids... are other numerous nutrients that can be ingested to help with thyroid functionality.

Alternative medicine is really the prescribing of nutrients for ailments. Functional medicine is the same thing. Integrative medicine uses medical diagnosis through lab testing of blood, hair and urine, and sometimes stool and saliva. The only real difference between alternative, functional, integrative and naturopathic prescribers and regular prescribers of orthodox substances, pharmaceuticals, is that the former use nutrients for medicines. Nutrients have no side effects and it is very difficult for them to ever do any harm. But since they can really cut into the monthly expense of the patient at the pharmacy, there are industry incentives to steer people away from nutrients. You'll have to make your own decision. But something to consider is that when you begin to feel better, you will want to cut back on your allopathic-meds, negotiate a change with your prescriber, and see if you can feel even better with a reduction in meds or eliminating some of them. You will know what to do.

Dr. Thomas has 33 years of experience treating chronic conditions.

Treating chronic disease is a complicated and tedious work. Most physicians can only spend a few minutes with each patient as their clinic owners and hospital management force them to keep on the move. Dr. Thomas spends half an hour just explaining what tests will be done...then he spends an hour going over the test results with you and discussing nutrient cures. He also requests that you check in with him once a month for at least a half hour to go over your symptoms and to discuss your nutrients.

33 years experience has taught Dr. Thomas the value of quality care, personal patient/doctor interaction and just what is required to obtain lasting results.

Refer to my website for more information on this topic and to watch videos from the television show I do on Nutritional Medicines by Lab Analysis.

Thyroiditis and Symptoms of Goiter

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Thyroid Problems After Pregnancy

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Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, her body produces more hormones than usual. This is the cause of mood swings, changes in appetite, having feelings of extreme tiredness, or excessive sleepiness. When the baby is finally out it the world, mommy's hormones are still adjusting. One gland of the endocrine system that is affected by pregnancy is the thyroid.

During pregnancy, the thyroid gets a little bigger. This, in turn, has impact on the thyroid's production of hormones that regulate a person's metabolism, energy use, and protein production. A woman who is with child should have a balanced intake of iodine to avoid problems with the thyroid during pregnancy and after giving birth.

While pregnancy causes changes in the thyroid gland and its production of the thyroid hormone, it can also lead to certain thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism where there is overproduction of thyroid hormones, or hypothyroidism where a woman has an under-active thyroid gland.

This condition is called postpartum thyroiditis (PPT). It usually follows the pattern of having hyperthyroidism which is then followed by hypothyroidism.

What is PPT?

PPT is a condition that manifests its symptoms from one to eight months after giving birth. Considered as an auto immune condition, PPT can cause hyperthyroidism that can last from a month or two. This condition is similar to two other auto immune diseases that affect the thyroid gland namely; Grave's disease and Hashimoto's disease which is also called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. PPT is said to be a variation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Some of the most common symptoms are:

Weight gain or weight loss depending on the level of thyroid hormone producedFatigueExcessive sleepinessDry hair that may lead to hair falling outRapid heartbeat and lack of concentrationDecreased amount of milk produced for breastfeeding.

What Can Be Done?

Avoiding PPT can be done by having a balanced diet that has the right amount of iodine for the mother and the baby's needs. If needed, supplements to adjust the level of the thyroid hormone to the normal state may be needed.

The symptoms present above may not immediately be seen after giving birth. An interval of one to eight months is the span where such symptoms may manifest themselves. Treatment can be done by taking replacement thyroid hormones prescribed by the OB-gynecologist.

In some cases, the thyroid gets too damaged by the hormone production changes it has undergone and may not return to its normal function. When this happens, the woman may need to have lifelong medications to compensate for the loss of thyroid function.

Dr. Jonathan Berns, D.C. helps people everyday in the Tampa, Florida area overcome the very misunderstood and often mistreated conditions caused from dysfunctional thyroids. Visit Tampa Thyroid Program at Integrative Physical Medicine of Tampa to learn more about thyroid management.

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