The thyroid gland has two main functions; to regulate the rate of metabolism and to help detoxify the body. It is only one of many endocrine glands working in harmony under the control of the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus (in the brain) and being influenced by the activity of others such as the adrenals.

When dealing with Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) it is essential to consider the whole person, rather than look at symptoms or blood test results in isolation. These patients can have a number of additional problems such as diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, skin complaints, hair loss, candida, parasites and food sensitivities, all of which will impact upon their body’s production, conversion and utilisation of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: fatigue, muscle weakness and pain, slow heart rate, depression, dementia, anxiety, memory loss, weight gain, fluid retention, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin and hair, scanty eyebrows, hoarse voice, lack of libido, heavy menstrual flow, painful menstruation, constipation, reduction in body temperature and intolerance to cold, slow heart beat, goitre and slowly relaxing reflexes. Cholesterol, triglycerides and adrenal hormone levels may be abnormal.

A lack of the adrenal hormones DHEA and cortisol can result in thyroid hormone imbalance and thyroid hormone uptake by the cells. This can result in the patient having symptoms of hyperthyroidism (e.g. palpitations, rapid heart beat, and shortness of breath, increased perspiration and agitation) in conjunction with symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The underlying cause should be identified if possible, e.g. the presence of IgG (intolerance type) antibodies to wheat, the presence of thyroid antibodies, poor conversion of T4 to T3 and adrenal hormone imbalance.

Assessment of thyroid function can include the following:

• Blood levels of thyroid hormones (free-T3 and free-T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibodies (if indicated)
• Adrenal Stress Index for DHEA and cortisol
• Fasting cholesterol

Non-hormonal support to boost thyroid production:

Natural thyroid production as well as the conversion of T4 to T3 can be stimulated by the use of certain botanicals and minerals.

Thyroid Replacement Therapy:

This may be synthetic – Thyroxine/Eltroxin (T4), Tertroxin (T3), or natural - Armour (contains T2, T3 and T4).

Follow-up thyroid function tests are used to regulate the dosage of treatments so as to gain the optimum physiological response.