Thyroid Disorders in Columbus

The thyroid gland, through the hormones it produces, influences almost all of the body's metabolic processes. It is one of the most important glands in our body. But the function of thyroid hormones can often be affected by other glands in our body- so when doctors zero in on the thyroid gland only, they often miss other problems that need to be addressed.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located in the front part of the neck right under the Adam's apple.

It is estimated that as many as 59 million Americans suffer with a thyroid problem, but the majority of people don't know it yet. Undiagnosed thyroid problems can dramatically increase a person's risk of the following:

  • OBESITY
  • HEART DISEASE
  • DEPRESSION
  • ANXIETY
  • HAIR LOSS
  • SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
  • INFERTILITY
  • MEMORY LOSS

The hormones the thyroid gland produces are thyroxin which is"T4", and triiodothyronine which is "T3", These are the two thyroid hormones responsible for running the body's metabolism. The thyroid gland also produces cacitonin which is a calcium regulating hormone and affects bone formation.

So what are the symptoms one has when there may be a problem with the thyroid? They can be any of the following:

  • MUSCLE & JOINT PAINS
  • NECK DISCOMFORT
  • HAIR LOSS
  • LOSS OF OUTER EDGE OF EYEBROWS
  • BRITTLE NAILS
  • DRY SKIN
  • CONSTIPATION
  • DIARRHEA
  • HEAVY PERIODS
  • MISSED PERIODS
  • DEPRESSION
  • MOOD SWINGS
  • FORGETFUL
  • ANXIETY
  • WEIGHT CHANGES
  • FATIGUE
  • EXHAUSTION
  • COLD TOLERANCE

A slow or sluggish thyroid leads to decreased release of thyroid hormones, This is called hypothyroidism. Remember the thyroid hormones run the body's metabolic processes and when there isn't enough thyroid hormone in one's system it will lead to many of the symptoms stated above. Women are 10 times more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men. The typical test for this is a blood test that measures TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). This hormone is comes from a gland in the brain called the pituitary gland. As T4 decreases in the body a signal is sent to the hypothalamus ( an area in the brain). The hypothalamus releases a hormone called thyrotropin releasing hormone. This hormone goes to the pituitary gland and causes the pituitary gland to release TSH which then causes the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones T4 and T3. So when a person's blood test shows high levels of TSH, this is when a person is diagnosed with hypothyroidism and a person is prescribed medications that raises blood levels of T4 and, at times, T3. But there are many factors that can affect thyroid hormones and their affect on one's metabolism.

Primary Hypothyroidism is when some drugs, heavy metals, and or toxins have a direct effect on the thyroid gland and decrease release of T4 and T3.

Secondary Hypothyroidism is when the pituitary gland or hypothalamus are affected and decreases release of the hormones that tell the thyroid gland to release T4 and T3. Certain things can affect these other structures and they routinely are not being tested. Things that can affect these structures are too little dopamine or serotonin, which are our "happy hormones" and come from the gut. So, typically stomach problems can be a factor. Also, too much cortisol, our stress hormone, can affect these glands. Cortisol come from our adrenal glands and I know the adrenal glands are overlooked in most peoples cases.

Under conversion of T4 into free T3. This occurs in the liver. T4 needs to be converted to free T3 in order for the thyroid hormone to work at the cellular level. So people that have liver problems typically have hypothyroid symptoms. To much cortisol can affect the enzyme in the liver that does the conversion of T4 into free T3. Also, too little selenium and zinc can affect this conversion.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is when a person's own immune system attacks certain parts of a person's body. In this case, the immune system attacks a person's thyroid gland. Up to 80 to 90% of people diagnosed with hypothyroidism actually suffer from Hashimoto's and it routinely is not being tested for. A simple blood test testing for TPO or TGB antibodies should be done.

Cell receptor resistance can be a cause of hypothyroid symptoms. Free T3 has to dock up to receptors of cells in order for it to send a signal into the cell to affect metabolism. Things that can block the receptor sites on cells are too much estrogen as well as plastics that are rising more and more in peoples systems.

Graves disease is opposite hypothyroidism. Grave's disease is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. This is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones.

Symptoms of Graves disease can be the following:

  • ANXIETY & IRRITABILITY
  • HEAT SENSITIVITY
  • WARM MOIST SKIN
  • WEIGHT LOSS
  • BULGING EYES
  • RAPID OR IRREGULAR HEART BEAT

What Are Goiters?

A goiter is any enlargement of the thyroid gland. Goiters can occur when there is either to much thyroid hormone being produced or not enough thyroid hormone being produced. Goiters can occur when the pituitary gland stimulates thyroid growth to increase production of thyroid hormone.

In the case of Graves disease, the entire thyroid gland is usually enlarged.

Endemic colloidal goiter is caused by iodine deficiency. This is not as likely in this country due to the usage of iodized salt.

Multinodular goiters can occur. A person with this disorder has one or more nodules within the gland causing thyroid enlargement.

Another type of goiter, sporadic goiter, can occur if a person's diet includes too much goiter promoting foods,, such as cabbage, peaches, spinach, peanuts to name a few.

If a person has had their thyroid removed due to cancer, or hyperactivity they definitely need medication, but in this type of case it becomes ever more important to support and balance the rest of the body's systems. Also after surgical removal of the thyroid there will still be some tissue remaining. This means that a person could still be suffering from Hashimoto's, the autoimmune condition discussed previously, and needs to have their immune system balanced.

Call our clinic for an appointment, or to come to our health talk on thyroid conditions. We have these health talks frequently but seating is limited.