Thyroid Gland Function

By Louise O’Connor, Naturopath & Wellness Coach

Low body temperature and fatigue are the most common symptoms of low thyroid gland function.

The severity of symptoms can range from a mild deficiency state, which is not detectable with standard thyroid blood tests (sub clinical hypothyroidism) to severe deficiency states.

Hypothyroidism is a common health condition affecting millions of women. It is frequently overlooked in our health care system.

Do You Suspect Low Thyroid Gland Function?

The thyroid gland is located near the front of the throat, just below the voice box. Common signs & symptoms that your thyroid may be under active include:

• Susceptibility to the cold
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Difficulty losing weight
• Depression
• Dry skin, hair & nails
• Coarse hair or hair loss
• Thinning of the eyebrows
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle weakness & joint pain
• Menstrual problems
• Infertility
• Sluggish memory & concentration
• Lowered stress resistance
• Recurrent infections

The function of the thyroid gland is to produce the hormones that drive your metabolic rate. These thyroid hormones act like a throttle, boosting your body’s metabolic activity. All body activities require energy so if your thyroid gland is under functioning, the symptoms of low thyroid function can be far reaching.

The pituitary gland, located within the brain regulates thyroid gland activity by secreting a hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). TSH travels to the thyroid gland to signal the production of the two main thyroid hormones - Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3).

Triiodothyronine (T3)

T3 is the most active thyroid hormone.

T3 is converted from T4 with low levels of T3 indicating that conversion is not taking place.

Stress is the major reason for this as cortisol blocks conversion. Other factors include nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, hormone imbalances, toxicity or infections.

If T4 is not converting to T3 it may instead convert to reverse T3. This condition is known as reverse T3 dominance. If reverse T3 levels are raised metabolism slows down, causing symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Testing

Thyroid problems are complex. Even a slightly under active thyroid can dramatically affect your health. You will not feel physically well until the problem is fixed.

If you suspect you have a sluggish or under active thyroid it is recommended that you firstly consider testing your thyroid hormone levels.

The diagnosis of hypothyroidism or reverse T3 dominance by laboratory testing is done by measuring total T4 , T3, reverse T3 and TSH in the bloodstream.

Testing for thyroid antibodies will exclude an autoimmune condition, such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Natural Thyroid Help

It is possible to use a holistic approach to treat your thyroid. Your first step towards recovering thyroid health is to choose a natural thyroid diet. Discover how to avoid thyroid damaging foods with The Natural Thyroid Diet e-book.

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