Have you recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?
Helping those with thyroid imbalances is a cornerstone of my practice. Hypothyroidism is 5-8 times more common in women than men, and the risk can increase as one ages or enters pregnancy.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a member of the endocrine system, the one responsible for regulating hormone production. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that plays a vital role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient hormones to maintain a balanced metabolic state. This will lead to a slowdown in most bodily processes, and leave the individual feeling quite icky.
Common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Cold intolerance
Hair thinning or hair loss
Depression or mood changes
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Constipation
Dry skin
While hypothyroidism is a general term for low thyroid hormone output, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to chronic inflammation and progressive thyroid dysfunction.
Subclinical hypothyroidism is a case where the symptoms of hypothyroidism are present, but thyroid hormone levels (ie. T4 and T3) are normal. Often TSH can be an indicator that subclinical hypothyroidism may be present, as often it will be elevated suggesting that the brain is not sensing enough thyroid hormone present.
Testing for Thyroid Function
Blood work is essential in determining thyroid function and associated nutrient status.
Standard tests include:
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) – Is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland to promote thyroid hormone production. An elevated measure suggests an under active thyroid.
Free T3 & Free T4 – These are thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland primarily produces T4 which is sent to our peripheral tissues through the blood stream and converted into the most active form, T3.
Thyroid Antibodies (TPO & TG Antibodies) – Are antibodies suggestive of autoimmune thyroiditis if elevated.
Reverse T3 (rT3) – Can help determine if hypothyroid symptoms are due to poor thyroid hormone conversion in the peripheral tissues.
Conventional Treatment Options
First line treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The most commonly prescribed medication is levothyroxine (Synthroid, Tirosint, Levoxyl), a synthetic form of T4.
Some patients benefit from combination therapy including both T3 and T4 (such as desiccated thyroid or Armour).
Naturopathic Management of Hypothyroidism
A holistic approach to thyroid health includes the complementary introduction of using food as medicine, lifestyle modifications, botanicals and targeted nutritional supplementation. Stress management is key in balancing thyroid hormones.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Stress Management
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a field of medicine that aims to understand the connection between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. PNI highlights how chronic stress and emotional health impact thyroid function. In hypothyroidism, prolonged stress and a dysregulated immune response can contribute to thyroid hormone imbalances, inflammation, and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breath work can be helpful to support overall thyroid function.
Regular exercise and quality sleep are also key in regulating the endocrine system and metabolism in general. See my article here on ways to support a good nights rest.
Nutritional Support
This could include emphasizing food sources of the following or achieving these nutrients through supplementation:
Selenium – Brazil nuts are a rich dietary source of selenium, an antioxidant which supports thyroid hormone synthesis and reduction of thyroid antibodies.
Zinc – Supports thyroid hormone conversion. This is rich in both animal proteins, oysters, and pumpkin seeds!
Iodine – There is a delicate balance with iodine. Although essential for thyroid hormone production, an overt iodine deficiency is very uncommon in those adhering to a standard western diet.
Iron – Is an essential component of the thyroid peroxidase enzyme, needed for thyroid hormone production.
Herbal Support
Botanicals can both support thyroid hormone production and improve the body’s resilience to stress.
Some of my favorites include:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Coleus (Coleus forskohlii)
Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Kommentare