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What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Chronic Stress & Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands take the leading role when it comes to managing stress through the production of cortisol. Research shows that adrenal fatigue has an impact on thyroid function. Even at a mild degree of deficiency, adrenal fatigue can negatively affect thyroid hormone conversion, utilization, and production. For example, high stress can cause too much cortisol in the circulation which promotes inflammation around the thyroid, and this reduces thyroid receptor responsiveness. Therefore, when treating thyroid issues with medicine or therapy it’s important to address the adrenals, this connection, and to care for them both effectively.

Hashimoto’s Hypothyroid

90% of cases of hypothyroidism are due to an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland by either thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) or by thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. What this means is that the body creates immune cells that attack the gland so that its function – and a person’s health – declines over time. This condition can be triggered by gluten in gluten-sensitive individuals. Similarly, in these people, gluten avoidance for at least 3 months may help lower antibody levels to a normal range.

Thyroid Conversion Disorder

In some cases, the conversion of T4 into T3 doesn’t function properly due an enzyme issue or otherwise. Test results will show normal levels of TSH and T4 but severely low levels of T3. Commonly, in these cases, patients are often told by their doctors that their thyroid function is “normal” even though they do not feel normal! This is also why some patients who receive medication or therapies that only supplement T4 levels may feel like the treatment is ineffective.

Thyroid Hormone Resistance

Thyroid hormone resistance can be thought of in the same way as insulin resistance is in diabetics. In this condition, the body’s cells are unresponsive to thyroid hormones. In these individuals, T3 and T4 levels can be normal but TSH levels are elevated.

Nutritional Deficiencies

For proper function and the creation of thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland requires the trace minerals iodine, selenium and zinc as well as an amino acid, thyroxine. Deficiency in any of these nutrients can create symptoms of hypothyroidism. Iodine is found in iodized salt and sea vegetables (such as nori and dulse flakes). I have come to find that iodine deficiency is more prevalent than previously given credit for (a 24 Hour Urine Iodine Challenge Test can determine this). The trace mineral Selenium is abundantly found in Oysters and Brazil nuts, and Zinc is rich in pumpkin seeds and beef. Thyroxine is the amino acid building block of thyroid hormones and can be found in most sources of protein.

Heavy Metal Toxicity and Mercury

The thyroid hormone and the heavy metal mercury have strikingly similar biochemistry. The long term exposure of this metal wreaks havoc on the thyroid gland and a person’s health, with these negative effects typically being experienced by dental patients who have currently have or previously had mercury amalgams. Sometimes it is prudent to screen for heavy metal toxicity and high levels of mercury that may be causing thyroid suppression. Heavy metal testing, followed by Chelation Therapy for removal of mercury from deep tissue stores is one naturopathic way to treat the underlying hypothyroid condition.

Central Hypothyroidism

In rare cases, disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain may be an underlying cause for central Hypothyroidism (AKA secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism). There are usually other concerning symptoms (beyond the list seen on this page) that would warrant imaging and more advanced hospital testing.

Common Signs, Symptoms or concerns patients present with in our office

Abdominal pain
Abdominal Gas or Bloating
Acid Reflux or Heart Burn
Brain fog, poor memory, reduced concentration, poor focus
Constipation or Diarrhea
Excessive Burping or Flatulence
Food allergies or food intolerances.
Skin problems: acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis & other rashes or itching
Anxiety and Depression or other mood disorders
Headaches or Migraines
Yeast Overgrowth
Difficulty losing weight, despite a balanced diet and exercise
Lack of Appetite or Lethargy after eating
Environmental Allergies (grass, pollen, etc.) or Asthma
Hormonal Imbalances (painful heavy menses, PMS, PCOS, etc.)
Autoimmune Conditions: Celiac Disease, Hashimoto’s Hypothyroid, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, MS, psoriasis and others
Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia

Do you also provide counseling services?

“I do not specifically practice counseling, but there is much therapeutic benefit in space that I hold to allow people to share their feelings, their fears and their hopes. Once we establish a relationship I am happy to refer patients to a trusted therapist that is well suited for them. Additionally, I will use other means to help reduce their stress levels and balance their HPA axis, by offering Acupuncture – as this helps to treat the whole person on a constitutional level while addressing any physical ailments at the same time.”

Cortisol

Cortisol is our primary stress hormone. It is responsible for regulating many other functions in the body including, but not limited to:

Blood sugar levels
Fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism to maintain blood glucose
Immune responses
Anti-inflammatory actions
Sex hormone production
Blood pressure
Heart and blood vessel tone and contraction
Central nervous system activation

Cortisol is secreted in high amounts by the adrenal glands during times of stress. After a short period of time cortisol levels should return to normal following a stressful event. Unfortunately, in our current high-stress culture, the stress response is activated so often that the body does not always have a chance to return to normal. This can lead to “Adrenal Fatigue.” Adrenal fatigue can cause anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight gain and infertility. It is important to note that adrenal fatigue often precedes thyroid conditions as well. Treating your stress, and restoring your adrenal health is possible and often necessary to feeling better and improving your overall health.

Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician

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What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Common Signs, Symptoms or concerns patients present with in our office

Do you also provide counseling services?

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