Hypothyroidism Symptoms

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and produces thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), which are responsible for activating numerous enzymes that perform a multitude of activities in the human body. T4 is made up of the amino acid tyrosine plus four iodine molecules and is the least active of the thyroid hormones. T3 is made up of tyrosine plus three iodine molecules and is the hormone that primarily regulates the metabolic rate within the cells.

Hypothyroidism is defined as low thyroid function with a decreased production of thyroid hormones. When thyroid function is less than optimal, metabolic processes slow down and can cause numerous symptoms or become life-threatening if production drops way below normal. The rate of thyroid hormone production is regulated by the pituitary gland, which manufactures another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone is responsible for making more thyroid hormones when levels drop too low. Generally, the more severe the hypothyroidism, the higher the level of TSH. Hypothyroidism is much more common in women than in men and affects more than 10 million Americans. There are two classifications of hypothyroidism:

Clinical Hypothyroidism:
Clinical hypothyroidism is when blood level abnormalities of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) show up on standard diagnostic tests.

Subclinical or Functional Hypothyroidism:
Subclinical or functional hypothyroidism is when blood levels of thyroid hormones fall in normal ranges, but temperature tests and other indicators show a mild deficiency state, which can still cause dramatic symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Possible Causes or Contributing Factors

1. Depressed immune function.
2. Poor dietary habits.
3. Food allergies/sensitivities.
4. Nutrient deficiencies (mainly iodine, tyrosine, B-vitamins)
5. Hormone imbalances or endocrine disorders
6. Candida/parasites - a high percentage of candida patients will not improve until thyroid function is addressed
7. Liver dysfunction - thyroid hormones are conjugated in the liver
8. Secondary hypothyroidism - due to anterior pituitary dysfunction (TSH<2.0 mcIU/ml).
9. Medications - estrogen compounds (i.e. the pill) will reduce T-3 uptake.
10. Other diseases such as Hashimoto's disease, pituitary disease or hypothalamic disease.

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