What is hypothyroidism?

The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, controls the body’s metabolic rate. If it produces too much thyroid hormone, the body’s metabolism goes too fast, a condition which is called hyperthyroidism. If it produces too little, the reverse happens, and this condition is called hypothyroidism. Interestingly, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause fatigue. But the other manifestations of the two conditions are very different:

The main causes of hypothyroidism

Deficiency of nutrients

The thyroid needs certain nutrients in order to function properly. These include:

• Vitamins A, B (especially B2, B3, B6, and B12), C and E
• Chromium
• Copper
• Iodine
• Selenium
• Tyrosine
• Zinc

Tyrosine joins with iodine to produce the thyroid hormone.
Selenium, on the other hand, is necessary for the conversion of the inactive form of the thyroid hormone T4 to the active form T3. This is important because if you are prescribed thyroid medication, it will usually be T4, and you may need to supplement with selenium to ensure your medication converts to the active form effectively.

Toxicity

Many common substances are toxic to the thyroid. They include:

• Fluoride – found naturally in some foods, and often added to the water supply, toothpaste and other things
• Alcohol
• Drugs – both prescription and recreational
• Chlorinated compounds – found in substances that we come into contact with everyday. For example, pentachlorophenol, used in wood and leather preservatives, has been found to lower the level of thyroid hormones.

Automimmune reactions

Sometimes the body attacks itself for no apparent reason; it seems to become unable to distinguish self from non-self. This is called an autoimmune reaction and can involve glands, joints, organs and other tissues. A yeast infection of the intestinal tract can trigger autoimmune thyroiditis. Viral infection e.g. the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause the body to turn on itself and create antibodies, which attack the thyroid.

Trauma or injury

Sometimes injury to the neck, e.g. whiplash injury, appears to cause thyroid problems. The evidence for this appears only anecdotal at present, but if you have a thyroid dysfunction, which has occurred within a few months of an accident involving your neck, you may wish to draw your chiropractic or medical physician’s attention to this fact.

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

There are various tests for hypothyroidism. However, it should be noted that some people can have normal readings, but still have lowered thyroid function. It is best to take a view which encompasses the tests, the classic symptoms (as above) and temperature readings over a period of time. The thyroid function panel tests include:

• T3 resin uptake
• Free T4 index
• TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
• FAMA (fluorescent-activated microsphere assay, or thyroid anti-body panel)

It’s a good idea to take your temperature every day for at least a three day period to determine whether your temperature is low. Menstruating women should do this on the second, third, and fourth day of the cycle; postmenopausal women and men can do this test anytime. Prepare for the test by placing a thermometer on your nightstand, and upon waking, gently place the thermometer in your armpit. Wait for at least ten minutes before removing it, being careful to remain as still as possible. A reading of below 97.8 F on consecutive days suggests hypothyroidism.

What is the treatment for hypothyroidism?

Undiagnosed hypothyroidism is a serious concern if you are suffering from fatigue because not treating the thyroid adequately will reduce the chance of success of every other measure taken to increase energy. Unfortunately, the thyroid function panel tests are not always accurate (as individuals vary) so it is important to record your own symptoms and be prepared to find a doctor who understands the importance of thyroid treatment.

The main treatment for hypothyroidism is either synthetic thyroid hormone or else desiccated thyroid tissue. Some patients are prescribed the more active form of thyroid hormone T3, rather than the inactive form T4, which they may have problems converting.

It is worth looking at the nutrient list above and asking your practitioner if they would recommend any additional supplementation. Other measures you can take include avoiding goitrogens, substances which prevent the utilization of iodine (necessary for thyroid function). These include:

• Turnips
• Cabbage
• Cassava root
• Soya Beans
• Peanuts
• Pine nuts
• Millet

Exercise can be very important for those suffering from hypothyroidism because it helps with one of the major symptoms of the disorder, weight-gain. It also improves mood and mental functioning. [Please seeExercise and Tirednessfor more details.]

It’s important to address any issues of chemical toxicity (in the home or in the workplace) and also to treat any underlying gastro-intestinal problems, which may have triggered hypothyroidism.

It’s important to note that much of the time hypothyroidism and adrenal exhaustion overlap and if you suffer from one, you are much more likely to suffer from the other condition as well. [Please seeAdrenal fatiguefor more details.]