Hypothyroidism

General Description

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine condition which occurs when the thyroid gland experiences slowed functionality due to a decrease in thyroid hormone production.  The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland located just above the collarbone. As a member of the endocrine system, the thyroid is responsible for controlling many aspects of bodily function, most notably metabolism and hormone regulation.

Hypothyroidism is a notoriously under-diagnosed condition, and even specialists in endocrinology have a hard time coming to a consensus as to how prevalent the condition is. It is estimated that approximately 10% of the adult population in the United States, or around 13 million people, suffer from decreased thyroid function. However, some specialists place the numbers much higher and estimate that around 40% of the population, or over 52 million adults in the United States, may suffer from decreased thyroid function.

Symptoms

• low body temperature
• dry skin
• weight gain
• brittle nails
• headaches
• hair loss
• cold hands or feet
• dizziness
• acne
• infertility
• dry eyes
• cold intolerance
• low blood pressure
• elevated cholesterol
• constipation
• easy bruising
• depression
• mood swings
• brain fog
• reduced ability to concentrate
• increased anxiety
• compromised short term memory
• recurrent infections
• Low resting body temperature
• More severe premenstrual and menstrual symptoms
• yellowing of the palms

According to Dr. Broda Barnes, author of Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, over 47 distinct symptoms of low thyroid function have been identified, with most of them not quantifiable through blood tests. The American Council on Collaborative Medicine asserted a similar opinion in the April 1999 article, “The Much Mis-Diagnosed Malady,” stating that many patients who experience the symptoms of hypothyroidism find that initial tests and blood work do not immediately identify hypothyroidism as the issue.

For more valuable information on the symptoms of hypothyroidism, check out our full length report!

Causes

Unfortunately, there is no one cause for hypothyroidism.  Instead, myriad hypothyroidism causes have been identified by endocrinologists and health practitioners over the years as contributing to decreased hormone production.

• Hashimoto’s Disease - One cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune condition that occurs when the white blood cells of the body mistakenly and chronically attack the thyroid, thereby destroying its ability to produce hormones.

• Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies - Many thyroid health practitioners point to specific mineral deficiencies as potential causes of the condition, with iodine and selenium deficiencies as primary culprits.  Both iodine and selenium are absorbed by the thyroid gland and are essential to the production of thyroid hormones, as well as overall thyroid health.  However, insufficient amounts of chromium, iron, copper, zinc, Vitamin A and several Vitamin B complexes have also been identified as causes.

• Pesticides, Toxins, and Pollutants - Pesticides, pollution, and other contaminants can affect the functionality of the thyroid and cause a decrease in thyroid function.  Still others have found that certain medications, such as steroids, birth control, and lithium can contribute to hypothyroidism.  There have even been some reports that emotional or physical stress can also strain thyroid hormone production.

For more valuable information on the causes of hypothyroidism, check out our full length report!

Traditional Treatments

The traditional form of treatment for hypothyroidism utilizes prescription medication to supplement or replace the amount of thyroid hormones in the body. Thyroid replacement therapy has been utilized for decades as the number one way to deal with thyroid concerns. The benefit of such prescribed therapies are that most patients generally feel better within four months of beginning treatment and notice a significant decrease in their symptoms.

• Levothyroixine Supplements - Levothyroxine supplements replace the amount of T4 hormone in the blood stream. T4 is the inactive hormone that the thyroid gland produces which is converted into the active metabolic hormone T3. The most popular brands of levothyroxine supplements include Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid and Levothroid. Levothyroxine supplements are the most commonly prescribed form of thyroid replacement therapy medication.

• Triiodothyronine Supplements - Triiodothyronine supplements, also known as T3 preparations, increase the amount of active T3 hormone in the blood stream. T3 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland which enters into cells and is responsible for catalyzing metabolic function. The most popular brand name prescription of T3 preparation is Cytomel. Many endocrinologists and a variety of published studies have found that incorporating a small amount of Cytomel into a patient’s thyroid replacement regime can significantly improve symptoms and increase overall quality of life. When combined with a T4 preparation, Cytomel and generic T3 preparations have been shown to specifically improve the symptoms of depression, brain fog, anxiety, and irritability. 

• Levothyroxine and Triiodothyronine Combinations - Almost all levothyroxine and triiodothyronine combination preparations are pig derived thyroid hormones which naturally incorporate both T4 and T3 as well as other byproducts of thyroid production, such as selenium. The most popular brand of combination therapy is Armour thyroid, however there are several other brands on the market. Many patients claim a significant improvement in their wellbeing after switching from an isolated T4 or synthetic T3 to a natural medication. However, as of September 2009, many of the most popular brands of combination therapies have been pulled from the market by the FDA.  

For more valuable information on traditional treatments for hypothyroidism, check out our full length report!

Misdiagnosis of Symptoms

Many patients find that one of the most challenging elements of hypothyroidism is that its symptoms are often misdiagnosed as another condition.  The hallmark symptoms of the condition, such as weight gain, fatigue, low mood, and constipation, can often appear to medical professionals as independent or unrelated issues. 

One factor that often results in a misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism is that companion conditions and symptoms are easier to immediately identify and therefore mistaken for the root of a patient’s issues. Such conditions overlap with or are the result of hypothyroidism, however treatment of their symptoms will not address the underlying cause.  The result is that a patient may be diagnosed with several associated conditions, such as depression, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but the root cause will remain undiagnosed and untreated.    

If you receive a diagnosis of one of the conditions below, but suspect you might suffer from hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s Disease, we advise you to seek out a second opinion or contact an endocrinologist or alternative healer versed in thyroid dysfunction. To prevent misdiagnosis of your hypothyroid symptoms, but sure to go to your appointment armed with as detailed observations of your health as possible. 

• Depression - Depression is an emotional state characterized by persistent and pervasive low mood. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, or anxiety, abnormal irritability, carbohydrate cravings, lack of interest in daily activities or work, lowered libido, and persistent mental and physical fatigue. Depression and hypothyroidism share many symptoms in common, such as weight gain, loss of interest in daily activities, and fatigue, which may lead untrained medical professionals to mistake the two.  If you suffer from hypothyroidism but are diagnosed with depression, you will note that while your mood may lift with prescription drugs you will still experience other symptoms of low thyroid function, such as intolerance to cold, constipation, fatigue, muscle weakness, and dry skin.

• Aging - In patients over 50, the characteristic symptoms of hypothyroidism are often written off as simple signs of aging.  While there is evidence that an individual’s thyroid function deteriorates over time and contributes to aging, simple hormone replacement or alternative remedies can reduce the amount of decline and prevent it from negatively affecting quality of life.  If you have hypothyroidism but are told your symptoms are simply a product of getting older, you will continue to experience a reduction in mental and physical well being, energy, and capacity quicker and more profoundly than your peers. We at Health911 strongly recommend you seek a second opinion immediately if your health care provider brushes your symptoms off casually by suggesting it is aging.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that is characterized by an individual experiencing constant serious fatigue that is not relieved by rest or sleep. This fatigue gets worse after physical exertion or stress.  The condition is not fully understood by the medical community at this time, and both a cause and cure have yet to be identified. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is hard to quantify and therefore should not be given as a diagnosis until all other potential causes for the fatigue are eliminated.  If you receive a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, be sure to press your health care provider to check your thyroid levels.  

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, known better simply as IBS, is an intestinal disorder characterized by a host of gastrointestinal symptoms including increased flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, and cramping. Many patients who suffer from hypothyroidism have reported one of the conditions they are often initially diagnosed with is IBS characterized by constipation.  A sluggish digestive system can explain fatigue, weight gain, irritability, and a general lack of energy.  This is where having detailed notes about your symptoms will play a key role, especially information regarding your lowered basal body temperature. Remember, if your medical professional jumps immediately to the conclusion of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, insist that your thyroid levels are checked. Click here to read more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

For more valuable information on the potential misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism, check out our full length report!