Thyroid - Metabolic Powerhouse

June is Thyroid awareness month in Canada. The thyroid gland is integral in its contribution to the functioning of our bodies. It is located in the middle of the neck, in front of the trachea. It is often referred to the gland that resembles a “butterfly” shape, given its two lobes. The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system (the system regulating hormones) and is responsible for producing thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland plays an significant role in our body’s metabolic activities. Thyroid disease may include but is not limited to: hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormone), hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormone), autoimmune thyroid disease, non-malignant thyroid nodules/growth and thyroid cancer.

There is a common misconception that only women may experience thyroid disorders, but men do, too! As we have discussed in prior hormone-related blogs, the thyroid gland and its hormones play a crucial role overall hormone regulation and balance. Thyroid hormones might be affected by and can in turn potentially impact cortisol & other hormones.

Thyroid markers are tested in the blood. There are a few markers that should be checked in order to be comprehensive. Today, we will keep it incredibly simple in order to understand the bigger picture, but remember there is always more than meets the eye.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – this is the marker that is most commonly checked and often, the only marker that is checked. TSH is released from the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. If low amounts of thyroid hormones are produced, then this signals the brain to release more TSH. This in turn, increases the amount of TSH found in the blood.

High TSH + Low thyroid hormone production = Hypothyroidism

Alternatively,

Low TSH + High thyroid hormone production = Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include, but are not limited to:

• unintentional weight gain

• fatigue

• hair loss

• dry skin

• constipation

• slowed heart rate

• depression

• intolerance to cold

  
  

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include, but are not limited to:

• unintentional weight loss

• thinner skin

• increased perspiration

• fast heart rate

• anxiety/nervousness

• insomnia

T4 and T3 are forms of thyroid hormone and their values also matter! We won’t get into the details in this article, but it is important to check the levels of T3 and T4 to ensure adequate conversion of T4 to T3. In clinical setings, these may provide additional information on which to base naturopathic approaches to care. In addition, the reference ranges provided for each of these markers are wide and so, it may make sense to revisit your test results and add in some other thyroid markers to test if "everything is normal" but you still don't feel like yourself.

Thyroid disease may also be a result of an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune thyroid conditions occur when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

Grave’s disease occurs when there is an autoimmune tendency to overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs when there is an autoimmune tendency to underproduction of thyroid hormones.

Thyroid antibodies can be tested to confirm autoimmune thyroid conditions. These include:

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO)

Thyroglobulin Antibody (TGAb)

Thyroglobulin may be used as a marker to test for potential thyroid cancer or track progress during or after cancer-related treatments and if elevated, may guide the health provider to order diagnostic imaging & biopsy to confirm. Often, symptoms of thyroid cancer get missed because the symptoms can be similar to non-malignant thyroid conditions. This is another reason why a complete thyroid panel might be beneficial.

So, as you can see, this barely scratches the surface in assessing thyroid health. Testing Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) alone may not be adequate.

The Thyroid gland is often considered the Metabolic Powerhouse of our bodies. Thyroid hormone physiology may become complex and each case receives individualized guidance and support. There are times where medical intervention & treatment is required. Naturopathic medicine may be able to syupport patients through thyroid health conditions. Contact the office to learn more.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance