The Root Cause of Low Thyroid Symptoms

Production of thyroid hormone does not normally decline until after the age of 50. Therefore, the cause for sub-optimal levothyroxine (T4) levels before the age of 50 should be determined and addressed. Reasons for “premature” low T4 levels include:

• Low substrates for T4 – The main substrates for T4 production are iodine and tyrosine. Iodine deficiency is a common problem and should be assessed and treated in all patients with low T4 production. In addition, excess of the halogens bromide, fluoride, and chloride can displace iodine and lead to a functional iodine deficiency. Tyrosine deficiency is less common, but there can be competition for absorption of amino acids, and low tyrosine has been noted in vegans and body builders.
  • Order Dried Urine Iodine Test (Cost: $80)
  • Order Dried Urine Elements Profile (Cost $129)
    • Tests Iodine, Bromide, Lithium, Selenium, Arsenic, Mercury, and Cadmium
  • Order Thyrotain (Cost $41.50/#120 capsules)
    • Contains L-tyrosine and iodine, which make up the backbone of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
    • The addition of zinc, selenium, vitamin A and the botanical guggulipid activate enzymes that enhance the conversion of T4 into active thyroid hormone T3.
    • Vitamin A and zinc also help improve cellular sensitivity to thyroid hormones.
    • Turmeric (The Complete Turmeric Matrix), along with vitamin C, vitamin E, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), provide a powerful combination of antioxidants that boost thyroid health by reducing free radical stress.
• Stress induced “sluggish” thyroid/Pituitary hypofunction – Acute or chronic stress raises Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) and cortisol, both of which suppress Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and lower production of thyroid hormones. In this case of low thyroid hormone production, the thyroid gland can produce adequate hormone, but is not receiving the signal to do so. Recovery does not always occur after a stressor has been eliminated, and thyroid production may remain sub-optimal. If you have had a major stressor in the previous 6-18 months, sluggish thyroid caused by high cortisol should be considered; even if cortisol values have returned to normal. Use of thyroid and pituitary glandular preparations may reestablish the ability of the thyroid gland to produce optimal amounts.
  • Order Salivary Diurnal Cortisol Test (Cost $135)
  • Order Thytrophin PMG (Cost $22.50/#90, $73/#360)
    • A thyroid glandular preparation designed to support healthy thyroid function.
  • Order Pituitrophin PMG (Cost $35/#90)
    • A pituitary glandular preparation designed to support healthy pituitary function.
  • Order Thyrotain (Cost $41.50/#120 capsules)
    • Contains L-tyrosine and iodine, which make up the backbone of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
    • The addition of zinc, selenium, vitamin A and the botanical guggulipid activate enzymes that enhance the conversion of T4 into active thyroid hormone T3.
    • Vitamin A and zinc also help improve cellular sensitivity to thyroid hormones.
    • Turmeric (The Complete Turmeric Matrix), along with vitamin C, vitamin E, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), provide a powerful combination of antioxidants that boost thyroid health by reducing free radical stress.
• Thyroid gland destruction – Sources of gland destruction include autoimmune thyroid reactions (i.e., the presence of Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies) and heavy metal toxicities (i.e., arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead).
  • Order Capillary Blood Spot Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOab) Test (Cost $65)
  • Order Dried Urine + Capillary Blood Spot Comprehensive Elements Profile Test (Cost $229)
    • Tests iodine, bromide, lithium, selenium, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead, zinc, magnesium, copper.

Our bodies are incredibly complex and intricately designed. Therefore, deciphering what is causing your symptoms of low thyroid may not be straight forward. Experiencing the symptoms of low thyroid may not always indicate that you have low levels of thyroid hormone. Instead, the symptoms of low thyroid may be caused by Functional Hypothyroidism. Functional hypothyroidism is a term used to describe the condition in which T4 levels are optimal, but symptoms of low thyroid are present.