Treating Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck near your Adam's Apple. It secretes two essential thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3 ) and thyroxine (T4 ) which are responsible for regulating cell metabolism in every cell in your body. They promote optimal growth, development, function and maintenance of all body tissues. They are also critical for nervous, skeletal and reproductive tissue as well as regulating body temperature, heart rate, body weight and cholesterol.

The normal thyroid gland secretes all of the circulating T4 and about 20% of the circulating T3 . The T4 made by the thyroid gland circulates throughout the body and is converted into T3  and a tiny amount of reverse T3 in the kidneys, brain and fat tissue. Most of the biological activity of thyroid hormones is due to T3 . It has a higher affinity for thyroid receptors and is approximately 4 - 10 times more potent than T4 . Because 80% of serum T3 is derived from T4 in tissues such as the liver and kidney, T4 is considered a prohormone. Reverse T3 has no action on the cell except it binds to T3 receptors blocking the action of T3. However in normal patients T3 dominates and reverse T3 is no problem.

A reduction in conversion of T4 to T3 or a decreased production by the thyroid gland may lead to cellular  hypothyroidism. The synthesis and secretion of the two thyroid hormones is influenced by a hormone released by the pituitary gland called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The synthesis and release of TSH from the pituitary gland is influenced by thyroid hormone levels as well as a hormone released from the hypothalamus called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). The activity of the thyroid gland is regulated by a negative feedback loop, in which thyroid hormones interact with receptors in the pituitary gland to inhibit TSH and at the hypothalamus to inhibit TRH secretion.

Hypothyroidism is a condition resulting from insufficient production or diminished action of either T3 and/or T4 thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is characterized by a generalized reduction in metabolic function that most often manifests itself as slowing of physical and mental activity. The most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are: weight gain, fatigue, lethargy, sleepiness, cold hands and/or feet, low body temperature, depression/anxiety, constipation, headache, menstrual problems, reduced sex drive, hair loss, swollen eye lids and general fluid retention, poor memory and concentration and dry skin, hair and/or nails.

Reverse T3 dominance or “Wilson's Syndrome” is a condition identified by Dr Denis Wilson that exhibits most hypothyroid symptoms although circulating levels of T3 and T4 are within normal test limits. It is a condition of thyroid hormone imbalance rather than a simple deficiency. Periods of prolonged stress may cause an increase  in cortisol levels as the adrenal glands respond to the stress. The high cortisol levels inhibits the conversion of T4 into T3 thus reducing active T3 levels. The conversion of T4 is then shunted towards the production of the inactive reverse T3. This reverse T3 dominance may persist even after the stress passes and cortisol levels have returned to normal as the reverse T3 itself may also inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3. Reverse T3 has the same molecular structure as T3 however its three demensional arrangment of atoms is a mirror image of T3 and thus fits into the receptor upside down thus preventing the active T 3 binding to the receptor and activating the appropriate response. Unfortunately blood tests for T3 measure both normal T3 plus reverse T3 levels as it is unable to distinguish between the two. Thus T3 levels may appear normal however a significant proportion of this may be due to the presence  of the inactive reverse T3.  To overcome this diagnostic problem there is a special test that specifically measures reverse T3 alone and should be requested to rule out reverse T3 dominance.

Thyroid Resistance occurs in some patients taking thyroxine which is where they may have a good initial response to T4 therapy but find it becomes increasingly ineffective over time. This is due to the body becomming increasingly resistant to the effects of T4. Unfortunately there are many patients with thyroid resistance that are not properly diagnosed and subsequently their dose of T4 gradually escalates over time with little benefit.

Treatment

These thyroid conditions may be treated with appropriate bioidentical thyroid hormone combinations or thyroid extract in conjunction with adrenal and nutritional support.

For more in depth information on the propper diagnosis, testing and treatment of these thyroid conditions you are required to log in to the free practitioners advice section.

Want More Information?

For detailed information on: how to safely take thyroid hormones, find out what tests need to be done for adequate diagnosis, and for specific hormone information you will be required to log into the restricted members area of this site which is free of charge. This is necessary in order to comply with Australian Therapeutics Advertising Laws. Click on either Existing members or Set up a new account to enter restricted area.

Contact Us

In order to arrange a consultation or alternatively to obtain more information you can contact us.