Underactive Thyroid Health… Presented by: Dr. James Pendleton

Feeling sluggish? Hard to lose weight? Get cold easily? Constipated?  You may be walking around with an underactive thyroid.  

Since 60% of Americans with a thyroid condition are unaware of it, this might not be much of a stretch.

Why

Fatigue Weight gain Cold intolerance Constipation Brain fog Infertility PMS Thinning hair Brittle nails High Cholesterol and triglycerides

Some signs of underactive thyroid

• Endocrine gland• Makes hormones that

control how body burns fuel.

• Butterfly-shaped gland

• Size varies• When abnormally

enlarged = goiter

Combines iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to create thyroid hormones

T3 -Triiodothyronine

T4 –thyroxine

T4 is the “pro-hormone” form Not active Much more created vs. T3 Transported in the blood to all the body’s

tissues (esp. LIVER) where individual cells absorb it and convert it to T3. 

T4 –thyroxine

Powerful stimulator of cell metabolism -It pushes cells to speed up their internal processes and burn more fuel in respiration. 

T3 is crucial for growth, healing, and maintenance of healthy weight.

T3 also encourages normal digestion and optimal levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides.

T3 -Triiodothyronine

Feedback Loops –Thermostat Effect

Brain scans blood and decides whether thyroid hormone levels are adequate for health.

If levels low, a messenger hormone (TSH) is released into blood from a part of the brain (pituitary)

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) travels to thyroid and pushes buttons on it (receptors).

Thyroid releases T4 (and little bit of T3)

Thyroid hormones go to liver/tissues and stimulate metabolism

Those hormones also signal the pituitary to stop releasing TSH. 

When the thyroid slows down and stops secreting adequate levels of T4 we refer to it as underactive or hypothyroid. 

The most common forms of this condition directly involve the thyroid. Either the gland isn’t able to receive the signals from TSH, or it’s unable to adequately produce enough T4. 

Many causes...  Hypothyroidism may be short-term or long

lasting, -attributed to pregnancy, illness, malnutrition, genetic factors, and autoimmune reactions.

Underactive Thyroid

Protein intake Vitamins Minerals Thyroid hormones are made from

iodine and the amino acid tyrosine.  Conversion of T4 to the active T3

requires Selenium and several vitamins. Fasting and lack of nutrients, besides

reducing thyroid function, may also cause T4 to be deactivated. 

Calorie restrictive diets may actually suppress thyroid function and defeat the purpose of dieting for weight loss.

Nutrition is Essential for Healthy Thyroid Function

Conventional: doctors ask about symptoms and then order a blood test -usually a serum TSH. 

If the TSH is elevated, the doctor may ask for additional tests to evaluate the amount of actual T4 in the blood, and the presence of antibodies that block the function of TSH.

Conventional doctors often don’t explore further if TSH elevated. Just prescribe and move on to next patient.

Conversely, many patients have all the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism yet their lab results may be “normal.” These folks often don’t get a diagnosis and adequate treatment in the conventional system.

Addressing Underactive Thyroid

Quickie on Reverse T3…

diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the standard allopathic drug of choice is levothyroxine (a.k.a.  synthroid).

Levothyroxine is an inexpensive

synthetic compound similar to T4 -and like T4- is converted to T3 in the tissues.

Patient’s dose dependent on age and heart health, then the dosage is dialed in over several weeks. 

In reality, many patients fall through the cracks. Upon diagnoses they are started on initial dosage of levothyroxine and then forgotten.

Treatment: Conventional Approach

Sometimes patients feel hypothyroid. They know something is wrong but

the labs are “normal.” In the conventional setting this

means they will not be diagnosed or treated for a thyroid challenge.

Instead, they may be prescribed antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering medications, and stool softeners.

A frustrating situation that leads to even more complications later. 

Some physicians are becoming aware of this challenge and have deemed the condition “subclinical hypothyroidism.”

Subclinical

Doctors practicing integrated medicine -like naturopathic physicians -are trained to evaluate lifestyle, diet, previous medications, and underlying health concerns to tailor the right plan for the individual. 

They may use diet, nutrients, and medicinal herbs to nurture and support healthy thyroid function. 

When absolutely necessary they also prescribe  appropriate medications ranging from desiccated thyroid to T4 and T3 combinations.

Integrated Approach

Many Americans with a thyroid challenge aren’t aware.

Those who are may not be receiving adequate treatment.

Healthy thyroid function is crucial for feeling good and living an energetic life. 

When it’s suppressed we gain weight, feel sluggish, and set ourselves up for all kinds of illness. 

Thyroid function may decrease due to illness, malnutrition, stress, and adverse effects of drugs.

The great news is that standards are changing. Doctors like licensed naturopathic physicians are able to empower individuals with underactive thyroids and integrate effective treatment tools to help them find optimal health.

Wrapping it Up…