Thyroid, the Hormone System and Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland and its hormones are the "traffic direction center" of the hormone system. Thyroid hormones are important in their own right but more so in relation to the function of other hormones. Put simply, a healthy thyroid function is critical to a healthy function of the hormone system in general.

As people age, thyroid hormones-like other hormones-tend to decline. People may become "hypothyroid." A noted physician said recently that hypothyroidism in aging adults is perhaps the most undiagnosed and under treated illness in modern medicine. Doctors are not doing the testing, are doing the wrong tests, and when given the test results are providing the wrong treatment.

A few symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Low energy -- fatigue
• Weight gain
• Water retention
• Hair loss (a major cause)
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Feeling cold in normal temperatures
• Anxiety and irritability
• Depression
• High cholesterol
• Mental fogginess

There is a simple test you can do at home to determine if you might be hypothyroid. With a thermometer by your bed, when you wake in the morning, and before getting out of bed, place the thermometer under your armpit. Do this for three mornings. If your average temperature is 97.8 degrees or less, you may be hypothyroid. The test may indicate problems that do not show up on lab tests. Be careful to work with a doctor who knows the importance of lab testing backed up by checking these self-administered temperature readings.

Replacement is simple and inexpensive but requires a doctor's prescription. Avoid synthetic hormones such as Synthyroid-- and use a natural desiccated thyroid medication such as Armour. The thyroid is integral to healthy functioning hormones. Do the simple home test and back it up with lab testing. Work with a knowledgeable doctor and use natural thyroid hormones.

More Thyroid Information:

The thyroid is stimulated by TSH to produces a substance called T-4.  The body then has to break T-4 down into T-3 and its free form called T-3 free.  As the body ages, the thyroid may slow in its ability to produce T-4 or in its ability to break T-4 down into T-3.  Chemical changes that may inhibit the breakdown o f T-4 into T-3 are increases in:

• 5 Deiodinase - Zinc and selenium deficiencies
• Severe stress and cortisol
• Lithium
• Dioxins
• PCB
• Copper excess

These conditions tend to increase with age.