IT’S NOT JUST YOUR THYROID

The thyroid plays a very important role in achieving optimal health. Your sleep, stress level, activity level, immune system and even the food you put in your body all impact this gland’s function. You can usually tell when it’s not functioning at its best.

The thyroid is a gland that sits at the base of your neck. It is responsible for sending out thyroid hormones to the rest of your body based on signals it receives from other glands.

THE NETWORK

The thyroid does not act on it’s own. It works with multiple systems in the body to regulate many factors, such as body’s energy supply. Even the most basic thyroid regulation network requires input from other parts of your body.

There are four key players in your basic thyroid network: the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and the target cells. They all speak to each other via hormones.

When the hypothalamus notices there is not enough thyroid hormone in the blood it triggers a pathway that leads to more thyroid hormone being produced. This pathway is shown in light blue.

When the thyroid hormone exits the thyroid gland and enters the bloodstream the pituitary and hypothalamus can sense this hormonal change. At this point they will stop sending out TSH and TRH, respectively. This is shown in pink and is called a ‘negative feedback loop’.

After the thyroid hormone is released from the thyroid it will travel to different cells in the body (through the blood) and trigger changes, such as the production of ATP (energy for your cells). When the thyroid is underactive or overactive you may experience many of the following symptoms.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

For hypothyroidism symptoms think ‘slow’.

Here are some signs of an underactive thyroid:

Coarse, dry skin and hair
Unable to tolerate the cold
Weight gain
Constipation
Numbness or tingling of limbs
Decreased sweating
Slower heart rate
Physically tired
Slower movements
Hoarse voice
Puffiness around the eyes
Decline in mental function

Testing: TSH = high, T4/T3 = low

HYPERTHYROIDISM

For hyperthyroidism symptoms think ‘fast’.

Here are some signs of an overactive thyroid:

Nervousness and irritability
Unable to tolerate the heat
Weight loss
More frequent bowel movements
Weak muscles, and fatigue
Increased sweating
Heart palpitations
Restless sleep
Restlessness, tremors, distracted easily
Increased appetite
Increased reflexes

Testing: TSH = low, T4/T3 = high

Medicine is rarely black and white. If you have symptoms be sure to get further testing done. There are subtypes of thyroid conditions that don’t fit the descriptions of the overt thyroid conditions mentioned above. It is important that you not only look at TSH, but also (at the very least) T3 and T4 as well.

I hope this shed some light on your thyroid and what symptoms to look for. If you think your thyroid may be over or under active be sure to book an appointment with your health care provider. We will run the necessary blood work to see what is really going on and look at the other factors that may be affecting your thyroid such as stressors and nutrient intake.

If you would like to chat more about you thyroid health send me a message here.

Resources:

Rugge JB. (2014 Oct). Screening for and Treatment of Thyroid Dysfunction: An Evidence Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285870/

About Dr. McKenzie Nisbet, ND

Dr. McKenzie Nisbet is a Naturopathic Doctor at Transcend Wellness Connection in Aurora, Guild Chiropractic Wellness in Tottenham and virtually for all Ontario residents. She works with motivated individuals to create health plans tailored to their unique goals and lifestyles and has a passion for making healthy living accessible.