Thyroid disorders

Population studies have shown that thyroid disorders are particularly common in Australian women and often go undetected for years despite having a significant impact on both physical & emotional wellbeing.

Why is the thyroid so important?

The thyroid gland is a ‘master’ gland which plays a key role in digestion & metabolism: how well we absorb & convert our food into useful energy for the body. Thyroid hormones are central to the function and health of every cell & tissue in the body controlling oxygenation, energy use, water & electrolyte balance and even tissue regeneration & repair. Minor changes in thyroid hormone levels can adversely affect cardiovascular health, bone density & weight control.

Thyroid disorders are ‘great masqueraders’ as they can present with many varied symptoms that they can easily be overlooked unless one is actively looking for them. Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) is slow to develop & frequently dismissed as signs of aging or depression.

Common symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Weight gain or inability to lose weight
Easy fatigue, waking unrefreshed or tendency to fall asleep in day
Depression
Cold intolerance
Mental impairment
Constipation
Chronic inflammation, muscle or joint pain
Decreased libido
Menstrual irregularities
Dry, brittle hair, early graying or hair loss
Fluid retention, puffy face & eyes
Anaemia (iron, B12 & folate)
Elevated cholesterol
More frequent & prolonged infections

How do I know if I have an underactive thyroid?

Check your basal body temperature.

Measure your temperature on waking first thing in the morning before you get out of bed
(Keep a thermometer on the bedside table within easy reach).
A temperature reading below 36.5 on 5 consecutive days indicates possible low thyroid function.
(Women should avoid doing this test around ovulation as temperatures will normally drop at this time).

What factors influence thyroid function?

Thyroid hormone levels are dependent on a number of different variables:

Supply of essential nutrients:
Iodine & tyrosine –provide the basic building blocks for synthesis of thyroid hormones
Selenium, Zinc, Vitamins A, C & E –required for conversion of thyroid hormone (T4) to its ‘active’ form (T3)
The numbers T3 & T4 refer to the number of iodine molecules bound to the amino acid tyrosine.

Liver health
The liver plays a critical role in the bioavailability of thyroid hormone in the body. It is largely responsible for the conversion of thyroid hormone (T4) to its ‘active’ form (T3) & supplies the transport proteins necessary for delivery of thyroid hormone to cells & tissues in the body.

Sex hormones
The thyroid gland & ovaries are intimately connected. Consequently thyroid function is most susceptible to imbalance at times of hormonal change such as pregnancy & perimenopause.

Adrenal health
The thyroid gland & adrenals are intimately connected. If the adrenals are not well supported during times of prolonged stress the thyroid gland can become unbalanced.

Other factors:
Exposure to toxic metals such as cadmium or lead

Endocrine disruptors
Herbicides, pesticides & plastics contain chemicals referred to as ‘endocrine disruptors’ as they can disrupt normal function of hormones in the body.

Fluoride & chlorine
Chlorine & fluoride compete with iodine for uptake. (Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormone)

Thyroid inhibiting foods
Soy foods & vegetables from the Cruciferous family such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage & brussel sprouts can block thyroid function. Cooking these vegetables & ensuring there is sufficient iodine in the diet can help to counter any negative effects.

Screening tests

Serum blood test
If you suspect a thyroid disorder request a full a thyroid function test from your GP
Blood tests measure circulating levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T4)

If you suspect you have a thyroid disorder but blood tests show thyroid hormones are within the ‘normal’ range try the basal body temperature test. If your temperature readings are below 36.5o C we can offer a more comprehensive assessment of your thyroid function.
Many people are more sensitive to small variations in thyroid hormone levels & can experience a feeling of ill health when their thyroid hormone levels are less than optimal.

At ‘Ginkgo Healing’ our focus is on
              identifying the underlying causes of a condition,
                              nourishing & strengthening systems that have been unduly stressed or weakened
                                               & restoring balance to the body as a whole.

We are trained in recognizing the signs & symptoms of nutritional deficiencies that could be adversely impacting on your condition.

Our patient care program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual & includes advice on diet & lifestyle.

We can help you with a natural approach to management of your thyroid condition.
Alternatively if you have started a course of drug treatment we can liaise with your doctor in providing complementary support in the management of your condition.

Call us on 0432 470 720 or email

clare@ginkgohealing.com

to make an appointment for a full comprehensive assessment