Thyroid Hormone Deficiency- Overview
http://www.healthmedicalresources.com/articles/443/1/Thyroid-Hormone-Deficiency--Overview/Page1.html
Peter Abelard
By Peter Abelard
Published on March 7th, 2009
Some of the common signs of thyroid hormone deficiency are fatigue,
memory loss, muscle and joint pain, high cholesterol, and constipation.
In the past few years, many patients have been diagnosed with this
deficiency. In the initial stage, most patients responded well to
thyroid hormone, but gradually were no longer receiving as much benefit
from its use.
Some of the common signs of thyroid hormone deficiency are fatigue, memory loss, muscle and joint pain, high cholesterol, and constipation. In the past few years, many patients have been diagnosed with this deficiency. In the initial stage, most patients responded well to thyroid hormone, but gradually were no longer receiving as much benefit from its use. In certain cases, patients seem to develop additional symptoms like dry eyes, dry and bleeding nasal passages, and dry hair and skin.
A chemical known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is one of the main influence behind thyroid hormone production. The pituitary gland is responsible for TSH creation. When the thyroxine (T-4) level becomes low, TSH signals thyroid gland to start generating more T-4. Now, T-4 must be activated by other nutrients into something known as T-3. It is the active form of thyroid hormone, which helps in increasing the body's metabolism. But, nutritional deficiencies plus stress results in the reduction of T-3 and instead the production of Reverse T-3. This form leads to symptoms of hypothyroidism. Sadly, this form cannot be distinguished easily from T-3 in traditional thyroid lab reports.
In addition, to these fact there are also certain environmental factors that can effect the production of thyroid hormone. Oral contraceptives and estrogen have been shown to reduce the conversion rate of T4 to T3. Even the consumption of soy foods and sodas can reduce thyroid hormone production.
It is important to understand that thyroid disease is not as simple as taking a medication. Thyroid dysfunction has a cause. An efficient physician will perform a comprehensive examination and to identify the cause. If you take essential nutrients you're body will be able to make its own thyroid hormone. Providing essential nutrients in the diet or through supplementation, in addition to conducive environment and enough information will help you handle thyroid disease.
A chemical known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is one of the main influence behind thyroid hormone production. The pituitary gland is responsible for TSH creation. When the thyroxine (T-4) level becomes low, TSH signals thyroid gland to start generating more T-4. Now, T-4 must be activated by other nutrients into something known as T-3. It is the active form of thyroid hormone, which helps in increasing the body's metabolism. But, nutritional deficiencies plus stress results in the reduction of T-3 and instead the production of Reverse T-3. This form leads to symptoms of hypothyroidism. Sadly, this form cannot be distinguished easily from T-3 in traditional thyroid lab reports.
In addition, to these fact there are also certain environmental factors that can effect the production of thyroid hormone. Oral contraceptives and estrogen have been shown to reduce the conversion rate of T4 to T3. Even the consumption of soy foods and sodas can reduce thyroid hormone production.
It is important to understand that thyroid disease is not as simple as taking a medication. Thyroid dysfunction has a cause. An efficient physician will perform a comprehensive examination and to identify the cause. If you take essential nutrients you're body will be able to make its own thyroid hormone. Providing essential nutrients in the diet or through supplementation, in addition to conducive environment and enough information will help you handle thyroid disease.