Articles

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased thyroid function. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, growth and development and the activity of the central nervous system.

Common symptoms:

Fatigue / weakness Weight gain / hard to lose weight Tendency for constipation Tendency to feel depressed High intolerance to cold / cold hands and feet or purple toes/fingers Coarse, brittle or lusterless hair / head, pubic or armpit hair loss or thinning Dry, scaling/flaking or course skin (e.g. cracked heels) Brittle, splitting, curved or ridged nails Rounded puffy face Puffy around eyes or droopy/baggy eyelids Thinning or loss of outer third of eyebrows or poor hair growth on lower legs Teeth imprints (scalloping) around tongue’s edge or swollen/thick tongue Faint yellow/orange tinge in soles of feet or palms noticed after applying finger pressure Fungal infection (yellow/brown/black) in nails or peeling/splitting of skin between toes Redness to skin on front of neck Swollen/puffy ankles or legs Slow resting heart rate (less than 65)

Fatigue / weakness
Weight gain / hard to lose weight
Tendency for constipation
Tendency to feel depressed
High intolerance to cold / cold hands and feet or purple toes/fingers
Coarse, brittle or lusterless hair / head, pubic or armpit hair loss or thinning
Dry, scaling/flaking or course skin (e.g. cracked heels)
Brittle, splitting, curved or ridged nails
Rounded puffy face
Puffy around eyes or droopy/baggy eyelids
Thinning or loss of outer third of eyebrows or poor hair growth on lower legs
Teeth imprints (scalloping) around tongue’s edge or swollen/thick tongue
Faint yellow/orange tinge in soles of feet or palms noticed after applying finger pressure
Fungal infection (yellow/brown/black) in nails or peeling/splitting of skin between toes
Redness to skin on front of neck
Swollen/puffy ankles or legs
Slow resting heart rate (less than 65)

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) alone is not adequate for assessing thyroid function. Many people with hypothyroidism have normal levels of TSH which is produced by the pituitary gland. Blood levels of T3 and T4 should be measured although these also can not rule our thyroid issues. Dr. Mark Starr, author of 'Type 2 Hypothyroidism' and others explain that many people have a resistance to thyroid hormones, just as one can be resistant to insulin. There are no perfect lab tests for thyroid problems. Many integrative medicine experts diagnose based on physical findings, basal body temperature measurements and response to a trial of natural thyroid hormone supplementation. The following articles discuss some of the intricacies of hypothyroidism diagnosis and treatment.

"Sub-laboratory" hypothyroidism and the empirical use of Armour® Thyroid, by Alan Gaby, MD
Life Extension Foundation: Thyroid Regulation
Major Revision of Hypothyroid Diagnosis Guidelines, 2003 by Dr. Mercola
Metabolic Therapy: Adrenal & Thyroid Correction, by Dr. Bruce Rind
Wilson’s Thyroid Syndrome, by Dr. Denis Wilson
Wilson’s Syndrome: A Response to the American Thyroid Association

Recommended books:

Living Well with Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need to Know by Mary J. Shomon, 2000

“Mary Shomon is the www.about.com thyroid expert. Her $11 352 page book published in March of 2000 is one of the most cost effective and valuable resources that you could own on this subject. If you have thyroid disease this book should be in your library.” Dr. Mercola

Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness by Broda Barnes, M.D., Ph.D. (a pioneering Endocrinologist and thyroid specialist)

This is a classic text of hypothyroisism! See the Broda O. Barnes M.D., Research Foundation Inc.

Nutritional influences:

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. Symptoms of iodine deficiency include hypothyroidism and goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
Selenium is required for a number of enzymes known as selenoproteins. The chemical reaction, which converts thyroid hormone T4 into T3, is catalyzed by specific selenoproteins. Selenium deficiency can impair thyroid function.
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, which is an essential component of thyroid hormones.
Zinc is required for the action of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. The zinc/copper balance also has a big influence on the progesterone/estrogen balance in women, which has a significant influence on thyroid function. People with Down Syndrome are often low in zinc, with thyroid function improving on supplementation.
Dietary intolerances can contribute to hypothyroidism. Research reveals a high incidence of hypothyroidism in coeliacs not consuming a gluten-free diet.
Iron is essential for the conversion of phenylalanine, an essential amino acid, to tyrosine.
B2 (riboflavin) supports the secretion of thyroid hormones.
Goitrogens are naturally occurring thyroid inhibiting substances found in foods. The thyroid inhibiting effect of these food components are thought to be largely inactivated by cooking. Foods containing goitrogens include brussels sprouts, turnips, soy, cauliflower, cassava, millet, cabbage, kale, flaxseeds and brocolli.
Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead & mercury can inhibit thyroid function.

Related link:

Thyroid Australia

Blake Graham, BSc (Honours), AACNEM
Clinical Nutritionist
Perth, Western Australia
Phone/Email: See Contact page
*Non-Perth residents may enquire about phone consultations.