Critique of Hypothyroidism Basics

[BrendaSmith]

Hi Could I get your thoughts on this summary:

BACKGROUND

A healthy thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones which regulate body, brain growth, development, body temperature, energy levels and metabolic functions. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of hormone T4 and T3, with tell-tale signs of tiredness, weight gain, cramps, muscle weakness, slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice6 and other symptoms listed in Appendix 1.

T4 is the storage hormone that has to convert to the active hormone T3. Healthy production of thyroid hormones is supported by optimal levels of Iodine, Vitamin D, Ferritin, Folate B12, and selenium. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, other vitamins are sourced from supplements like Beef Liver Capsules or other Wholefoods.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders, with a greater burden in women and the elderly being diagnosed (Canaris et al, 2000). A cross sectional Australian survey found the prevalence of overt hypothyroidism to be 5.4 per 1000 (O'Leary et al, 2006). Professor David Stott of the University of Glasgow states 1 in 10 people over 65 are diagnosed with an under functioning thyroid and claims Levothyroxine is the most commonly prescribed prescription drug in the United States. In Scotland alone close to 2.5million prescriptions were issued in 2015/16 at a cost of almost £11.8million5.

There appears to be three options for people with hypothyroidism wanting to supplement with pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals (for different brands refer Table 1.0).

Option 1: Prescription NDT that is made from animal thyroid and has a measured amount of T4 and or T3 per tablet.

Option 2: Prescription Synthetic/ Medicine Levothyroxine, laboratory made, that has a measured amount of T4 and or T3 per tablet.

Option 3: Over the counter glandular supplements such as 30mg bovine glandular thyroid with 470 mg beef liver. This option has concerns amongst medical practitioners because it’s not clear how much T4 or T3 is in each dose or whether each dose has consistent amount of T4 or T3 or any for that matter.

Hashimotos (autoimmune thyroid disease) is where the thyroid is under attack diagnosed by raised thyroid antibodies. Efficacy of medications and testing is evaluated from blood test results arranged by a General Practitioner or an Endocrinologist. Tests are usually carried out eight weeks after changing concentration levels or brands or immediately upon experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism. Functional thyroid tests include:

TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone comes from the pituitary. Taking a dose of Levothyroxine has not effect on TSH

FT4: Free T4 is T4 unattached to protein

FT3: Free T3 is T3 unattached to protein

TPOab: Antithyroid Peroxide antibodies

TGab: Thyroid antibodies

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Vitamin D

Blood tests may be affected by other medication. If supplementing with Biotin it is recommended to stop taking Biotin 7 days before any blood tests. The last dose of any levothyroxine should be taken 24 hours before the blood test, taking a delayed dose immediately after the blood draw. No food or drink other than water six to eight hours before the testing.

The interpretation of results is not straight forward and may be best managed by an Endocrinologist. If TSH is in range and FT4 is below range this may suggest central hypothyroidism where the problem lies with the pituitary or hypothalmus gland rather than the thyroid.

TABLE 1.0 VARIOUS BRANDS OF THYROID HEALTH PRODUCTS

NDT Prescription Drugs

Armour

NP Thyroid

Synthetic Prescription Drugs:

Oroxine Eltroxin Eustroxsig

Glandular Supplements OTC

Allergy Research

Nutricology

Dr Ron’s

Ancestral