compiled by Laurie Lynch, N.D.<\/p>\n
A weak or malfunctioning thyroid gland can have a devastating effect on the brain, moods, behavior, and quality of life!\u00a0\u00a0“Thyroid disease has hit epidemic levels in United States over the last decade”(knowbalance.com<\/a>). \u00a0“An estimated 20 million Americans have thyroid disorders, but more than half still remain undiagnosed. Approximately 1 out of every 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder in her lifetime.\u00a0 Women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to suffer from a thyroid condition.\u00a0 The elderly are also more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism. By age 60, as many as 17 percent of women have an underactive thyroid. Five to 8 percent of women develop thyroid abnormalities post-partum”\u00a0(Georgetown University Department of Medicine).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>An understanding of the thyroid and its functions, causes of malfunctions, and the various methods of treatment and healing can be very helpful.\u00a0 So let’s see what some experts say about the thyroid. The thyroid works with other glands to perform a variety of functions. \u201cLevels of hormones secreted by the thyroid are controlled by the pituitary gland’s thyroid-stimulating hormone, which in turn is controlled by the hypothalamus”\u00a0(healthsystem.virginia.edu). \u00a0\u00a0“The anterior pituitary is crucial for proper thyroid function through the production and secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH secretion is positively regulated by a neurohormone known as thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus”\u00a0(abbottdiagnostics.com).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0“When the level of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) drops too low, the pituitary gland produces … (TSH)\u00a0which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. Under the influence of TSH, the thyroid will manufacture and secrete T3 and T4 thereby raising their blood levels. The pituitary senses this and responds by decreasing its TSH production”\u00a0(endocrineweb.com).<\/p>\n “Dysfunction at this stage in the stimulatory cascade results in decreased TSH production and hence hypothyroidism, termed a tertiary thyroid disorder. While thyroid hormones T4 and T3 down-regulate TSH in a classic feedback inhibition scheme, TRH production is also inhibited (by) these thyroid hormones, albeit to a lesser degree, in the hypothalamus”\u00a0(abbottdiagnostics.com).<\/p>\n “What are the functions of the thyroid gland?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0What is thyroid disease?<\/em><\/strong> *\u00a0Hyperactive thyroid disorders<\/strong>\u00a0(where the thyroid overproduces its hormones) include Grave’s Disease and Thyroid Storm. “These excess hormones affect many organ systems and cause varying degrees of a spectrum of illnesses”\u00a0(Craig A Manifold, DO<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>“Hypothyroidism\u00a0<\/strong>is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce adequate levels of these critical hormones.\u00a0Hypothyroidism\u00a0<\/a>is very common and is estimated to affect 3%-5% of the adult population. It is more common in women than in men, and the risk of developing hypothyroidism increases with advancing age. Hypothyroidism is most commonly a result of an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the body’s own immune cells attack and destroy the thyroid gland”\u00a0(medicinenet.com).<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 * Thyroiditis i<\/strong>s inflammation of the thyroid gland and is classified into various sub categories. The attack by the immune\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 system\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 causes inflammation in this gland which can lead to Hashimotos disease. thyroiditis is the most common “Physiologically, antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and\/or thyroglobulin cause gradual destruction of * “Subacute Thyroiditis is a temporary condition that passes through three phases: hyperthyroidism, “The three forms of subacute thyroiditis follow a similar course: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>“Thyroiditis<\/strong>\u00a0is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in United States affecting approximately 15 million American women” The attack by the immune system causes inflammation in this gland which can lead to Hashimotos disease.<\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>Hashimoto’s disease<\/strong>\u00a0is defined as “chronic thyroditis characterized by goiter, thyroid fibrosis, infiltration of thyroid tissue by lymphoid tissue, and the production of autoantibodies that attack the thyroid”(Miriam Webster’s Medical Dictionarty, p. 276, 1995).\u00a0\u00a0It “is an\u00a0autoimmune disease<\/a>\u00a0where the body’s own T-cells attack the\u00a0cells<\/a>\u00a0of the\u00a0thyroid<\/a>….. This disorder is believed to be the most common cause of primaryhypothyroidism<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0North America<\/a>. It occurs far more often in women than in men (10:1 to 20:1), and is most prevalent between 45 and 65 years of age….\u00a0 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may result inhypothyroidism<\/a>, although in its acute phase, it can cause a transient hyperthyroidism\u00a0thyrotoxic<\/a>\u00a0state known as hashitoxicosis”\u00a0(healthsystem.virginia.edu).<\/p>\n “The three forms of subacute thyroiditis follow a similar course<\/strong>:<\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>Thyroid hormone resistance<\/strong>\u00a0– “ADHD Symptoms suggestive\u00a0<\/sup>of this disorder have been reported in subjects with generalized\u00a0<\/sup>resistance to thyroid hormone, a disease caused by mutations\u00a0<\/sup>in the thyroid receptor-\u00a0gene and characterized by reduced responsiveness\u00a0<\/sup>of peripheral and pituitary tissues to the actions of thyroid\u00a0<\/sup>hormone”\u00a0\u00a0(<\/sup>Peter Hauser et al).<\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>Thyroid nodules<\/strong>\u00a0do not function like normal thyroid tissue.<\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>Thyroid cancer<\/strong>\u00a0which can occur at any age, can be very successfully treated if detected early”\u00a0(Health News).\u00a0(with natural remedies).<\/b><\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>Goiter\u00a0<\/strong>“is an abnormal swelling in the neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland. It can become quite large. The problem occurs in at least 5% of the population worldwide. The most common cause of a goiter is lack of iodine, …Even with the right amount of iodine, the thyroid gland can swell, creating a goiter. This can occur in any type of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. However, many goiters develop with normal thyroid hormone levels and do not require treatment”\u00a0(medicine.georgetown.edu).<\/p>\n What are the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease?<\/em><\/strong> Mental\/behavioral symptoms – “<\/strong>The literature also states that before hyperthyroidism was recognized as a disease, many patients with Graves’ disease spent their days in asylums”\u00a0\u00a0(Elaine Moore<\/a>)<\/u>.<\/p>\n Physiological symptoms<\/strong>\u00a0could include:<\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Thyrotoxicosis<\/strong>\u00a0symptoms commonly include staring (infrequent blinking), lid lag”\u00a0(Craig A Manifold, DO<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0 Hypothyroid<\/strong>\u00a0(underactive) symptoms could include: \u00a0“The most common symptoms are<\/p>\n *\u00a0<\/strong>
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\nAbout the thyroid<\/em>
\n<\/strong>“The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and plays a key role in your overall health producing numerous hormones that orchestrate various bodily functions”\u00a0(yourbodycanheal.com).\u00a0“<\/strong>The\u00a0thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland, located in the front of the neck, below the larynx (voice box). The small, two-inch gland consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe (trachea), connected by tissue called the isthmus. The thyroid tissue is made up of two types of cells: follicular cells and parafollicular cells. Most of the thyroid tissue consists of the follicular cells, which secrete iodine-containing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The parafollicular cells (also called C cells)\u00a0secrete the hormone calcitonin. The thyroid needs iodine to produce the hormones”\u00a0(healthsystem.virginia.edu).<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/em>Thyroid disease is where the thyroid does not produce the right hormones in the right balance. There are a variety thyroid disorders:<\/p>\n\n
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\ncause of hypothyroidism in United States affecting approximately 15 million American women” (ezinearticles.com).
\n* Hashimoto’s disease is defined as “chronic thyroditis characterized by goiter, thyroid fibrosis,
\ninfiltration of thyroid tissue by lymphoid tissue, and the production of autoantibodies that attack the thyroid”
\n(Miriam Webster’s Medical Dictionarty, p. 276, 1995). \u201cThis disorder is believed to be the most common cause of
\nprimary hypothyroidism in North America. It occurs far more often in women than in men (10:1 to 20:1), and is most
\nprevalent between 45 and 65 years of age\u201c (healthsystem.virginia.edu). “Incidence: 0.3\u20131.5 cases per 1,000 per year.
\nThe female-to-male ratio is 20:1. The disease is most common in middle aged women, but it can affect all age groups
\n, including children” (Daniela Cihakova MD, PhD).<\/p>\n
\nfollicles in the thyroid gland … It is also characterized by invasion of the thyroid tissue by leukocytes, mainly
\n– lymphocytes.” (AJ Giannini. 1986,pp.193-198). “All forms of thyroid autoimmunity typically start with
\nT and B cells: … T and B cells infiltrate the thyroid gland in equal numbers. These white blood cells are the
\nprimary infection-fighting immune cells. T cells identify invasive molecules, such as viral proteins, and
\nhelp B cells to produce antibodies that are designed specifically to attack these invaders. In cases of
\nautoimmunity, T cells are tricked into classifying molecules on the body’s own cells as invaders. In such cases,
\nB cells then produce antibodies, called autoantibodies, which attack those cells. In most cases of thyroid
\nautoimmunity, the autoantibodies launch an attack on a thyroid protein called thyroid \u00a0peroxidase; this attack
\nappears to destroy thyroid cells” (endocrineweb.com).<\/p>\n
\nhypothyroidism, and a return to normal thyroid levels. Patients may have symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and
\nhypothyroidism (rapid heartbeat, nervousness, weight loss), and they can feel extremely sick. Symptoms last about 6
\n– 8 weeks and then resolve in most patients, although each form carries some risk for becoming chronic.
\nExperts estimate that subacute thyroiditis is responsible for 1 0% of all cases of hypothyroidism” (adam.about.com).<\/p>\n
\n* “Painless Postpartum Subacute Thyroiditis – Postpartum thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition
\nthat occurs in up to 10% of pregnant women and tends to develop between 4 – 12 months after delivery. In most
\ncases, a woman develops a small, painless goiter. Although 80% of women with this condition have normal thyroid
\nfunction within a year, some evidence suggests that half of women with this condition develop permanent
\nhypothyroidism within 7 years. Women who have had recurrent episodes after previous pregnancies and women who
\nhave other autoimmune disorders are at higher risk for this form of subacute thyroiditis. It is generally self-
\nlimiting and requires no therapy unless the hypothyroid phase is prolonged.
\n* “Painless Sporadic, or Silent, Thyroiditis. This painless condition is very similar to postpartum
\nthyroiditis except it can occur in both men and women and at any age. About 20% of patients with silent
\nthyroiditis may develop chronic hypothyroidism.
\n* “Painful, or Granulomatous, Thyroiditis. This condition comes on suddenly with flu-like symptoms and
\nsevere neck pain and swelling. It generally occurs in the summer and is five times more common in women. It
\nrecurs in about 2% of patients. Hypothyroidism persists in about 5%” (endocrineweb.com).<\/p>\n
\n(ezinearticles.com).\u00a0\u00a0Thyroiditis\u00a0is inflammation of the thyroid gland and is classified into various sub categories.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nHashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs when inflammation caused by an autoimmune process destroys the thyroid gland, leading to an insufficient production of thyroid hormones…\u00a0“Incidence<\/u>: 0.3\u20131.5 cases per 1,000 per year. The female-to-male ratio is 20:1. The disease is most common in middle aged women, but it can affect all age groups, including children”\u00a0(Daniela Cihakova MD, PhD).\u00a0\u00a0“Physiologically,\u00a0antibodies<\/a>\u00a0against\u00a0thyroid peroxidase<\/a>\u00a0and\/or\u00a0thyroglobulin<\/a>\u00a0cause gradual destruction of\u00a0follicles<\/a>\u00a0in the\u00a0thyroid<\/a>\u00a0gland … It is also characterized by invasion of the thyroid tissue byleukocytes<\/a>, mainly\u00a0T-lymphocytes<\/a>.”\u00a0(AJ Giannini.\u00a0 1986,pp.193-198).\u00a0\u00a0“All forms of thyroid autoimmunity typically start with T and B cells: … T and B cells infiltrate the thyroid gland in equal numbers. These white blood cells are the primary infection-fighting immune cells. T cells identify invasive molecules, such as viral proteins, and help B cells to produce antibodies that are designed specifically to attack these invaders.\u00a0 In cases of autoimmunity, T cells are tricked into classifying molecules on the body’s own cells as invaders. In such cases, B cells then produce antibodies, called\u00a0autoantibodies,<\/em>\u00a0which attack those cells. In most cases of thyroid autoimmunity, the autoantibodies launch an attack on a thyroid protein called\u00a0thyroid \u00a0peroxidase;<\/em>\u00a0this attack appears to destroy thyroid cells” (endocrineweb.com).
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\n*\u00a0<\/strong>“Subacute Thyroiditis<\/strong>\u00a0is a temporary condition that passes through three phases: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and a return to normal thyroid levels. Patients may have symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism (rapid heartbeat, nervousness, weight loss), and they can feel extremely sick. Symptoms last about 6 – 8 weeks and then resolve in most patients, although each form carries some risk for becoming chronic. Experts estimate that subacute thyroiditis is responsible for 10% of all cases of hypothyroidism”\u00a0(adam.about.com).<\/h3>\n\n
\n*\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Hyperactive thyroid symptoms<\/strong>\u00a0could include one or more of the following:<\/p>\n\n
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