The thyroid gland, located in the neck, can be described as the controller of metabolism. The thyroid gland extracts the element Iodine from the blood and combines it with a building block of protein, as well as other substances, to produce thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone speeds up metabolism, helps control weight, thins the face, torso and calves, boosts circulation, and increases the supply of nutrients, oxygen, water and hormones to all body tissues. Thyroid also keeps the skin soft, flexible and warm, and by promoting perspiration, the thyroid helps rid the body of toxins. Truly, thyroid hormone affects the body as well as the mind – the hormone keeps muscles and joints supple and pain-free; it also improves memory and concentration.
When thyroid glands don’t function properly, the effects on the patient are wide-ranging. Some of the signs of insufficient thyroid hormone (Hypothyroidism) are unexplained weight gain, excessive fatigue, dry heels, and thinning of the outer part of the eyebrow. When the thyroid gland over-produces (Hyperthyroidism), the patient may experience excessive weight loss, hyper reflexes, and irregular heartbeats.
The main hormone is identified as “T4” because there are 4 iodine atoms on it; T4 is secreted under the influence of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). T4 is inactive, which means it has little effect on the body. Another hormone, T3, which has only three iodine atoms is the active form of the hormone. Eighty percent of the secretions of the THYROID gland consist of T4; ONLY twenty percent is the active T3.
The body converts the inactive T4 into the active form of Thyroid, T3 via an enzyme that removes one of the iodine atoms from T4. Another enzyme has the job of removing a different iodine atom from T3, thus turning off the effects of the hormone. (The human body has an affinity for this turning on and turning off functions.) When the second enzyme affects T4 it removes the wrong iodine the result is called Reverse T3. Reverse T3 is not only inactive, but also blocks the receptor site on the cell for thyroid, preventing T3 from producing its intended effect. This makes Reverse T3 an “anti-thyroid” which slows the metabolism, resulting in weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, etc. See “Hypothyroid Symptoms.”
Many people who have this “mistaken metabolism” situation in their bodies are hypothyroid, despite tests that show levels of T4 and TSH inside the reference range of “Normal.” (See “The Truth About Laboratory Values“) The entire set of thyroid related hormones must be tested and evaluated to truly determine hypothyroidism; unfortunately, the vast majority of patients do not undergo the full range of testing needed for a complete evaluation.
Once a patient begins taking thyroid replacement medication, the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test becomes unreliable. TSH testing is also unreliable in cases of hypothalamic dysfunction, which is the main disorder associated with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as well as Gulf War Illness. (The hypothalamus is the part of the brain where control of all hormones resides.) Many doctors practicing “standard medicine” will miss this type of thyroid dysfunction and tell their patients, “Nothing is wrong with your thyroid.” However, if a standard thyroid check indicates no problems, but the symptoms speak otherwise, the patient should seek an evaluation from a physician who specializes in this area and who will conduct a full range of tests before making a diagnosis.
- Fatigue, lethargy, constipation
- Intolerance to cold
- Muscle stiffness, cramping; carpal tunnel syndrome
- Decreased physical activity
- Decreased appetite
- Menstrual irregularities
- Dry brittle hair, dry skin/pale, cool skin that seems round and “doughy”
- Puffy areas around eyes, enlarged tongue
- Deepening voice, decreased hearing acuity
- Sleep apnea
- Nervousness, emotional instability (“highs and lows”)
- Intolerance to heat
- Muscle weakness, tremors
- Excessive weight loss
- Menstrual irregularities, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, fine motor tremor, hyper reflexes, wide pulse
- Fine silky hair
- Breathing problems
- Rapid heart or irregular heartbeat, heart murmurs
NOTE: In younger people, the nervous system symptoms will be more obvious, while older people may tend to display the heart symptoms more prominently.