The Thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. It weighs less than 30g or an ounce and its secretions control human body metabolism, which is the way the we convert food and use energy in cells. This key controller of human metabolism and function produces four forms of thyroid hormones, three of which are known to be active molecules.

What does the thyroid gland produce?

The hormones for simplicity are described as T1 T2, T3, and T4. They implement signaling to tissues, much the way a catalyst works in a chemical reaction. Iodine is very important component of thyroid molecules. T3 has three iodine atoms and two amino acid molecules as L tyrosine from protein, while T4 has four iodine atoms and two L tyrosine amino acid molecules.

How do thyroid molecules work?

If the human soul had a molecular structure, it would be a thyroid hormone. Without it our minds, the source of thought, perception, emotion, memory, imagination and love would never work and we would simply revert to uninteresting blobs on a gray landscape. T3 or triiothyronine contains 80% of thyroid hormone activity and T4 or thyroxine contributes just 20% activity. T3 works in all human cells as the spark that creates metabolism. It functions in the synapse or junctions of nerves, particularly in the brain. It fires the furnaces (mitochondria) in cells, particularly in the brain. In so doing it controls our serotonin hormone which is another ‘feel good hormone’ we rely on for emotional wellbeing. If T3 is not available to nerves then depression and anxiety with the destruction of mood and energy are invariably a consequence.

What do I feel if my thyroid does not work?

There are degrees of non-performance of the thyroid gland. Sometimes we do not realise what the cause of our low energy and fatigue is. We may have multiple symptoms that represent classical thyroid deficiency, which can in the long term be life threatening, and yet we and our doctor still do not know the cause. Here are some symptoms which, if you have low thyroid function, you may recognise.

Signs and symptoms

1. Cold hands and feet
2. Heat or cold intolerance
3. Cold skin
4. Decreased sweating
5. Lethargy and fatigue
6. Chronic fatigue
7. Emotional instability
8. Depression
9. Weight gain greater than 2Kg
10. Coarse and/or dry skin
11. Constipation
12. Acne or psoriasis
13. Yellowish coloured palms
14. Puffiness under eyes
15. Slight swelling around ankles
16. Brittle nails
17. Muscle weakness, cramps, joint aches, pain or stiffness
18. Heart enlargement or palpitations
19. High cholesterol or triglycerides (blood fats)
20. Diabetes
21. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
22. Thick tongue
23. Impaired memory
24. Slowed mental activity
25. Heavy menstruation
26. Painful menstruation
27. Dry hair or hair loss
28. Delayed Achilles tendon reflex return
29. Small or large birth weight babies
30. Left handedness - particularly males

What happens if my thyroid is overactive?

Too much thyroid gland activity can produce unpleasant effects such as a racing heart, high blood pressure, thirst, sweating, hunger, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, excitability and anxiety, insomnia and this list is not exhaustive. What you are seeing, is your cells being pushed hard by excess production of thyroid hormone, a bit like jet propulsion compared to propeller propulsion.

How do I determine my condition?

There is an excellent old time approach that has been used for more than 50years to determine the likelihood of your having low thyroid function. It was developed at a time when blood tests were just a gleam in the doctor's eye and keen observation was the hall mark of the practicing GP. Dr Broda A Barnes was a highly qualified endocrinologist with degrees in medicine and science. He found that a subnormal body temperature (lower than 37.5 oC or 97.8 oF) could indicate hypothyroidism. The test for temperature related to basal metabolism which is the rate at which the body is functioning or its efficiency, rather like how well a car works depending on the octane fuel used. This simple functional test reveals the presence of hypothyroidism and has been used at least for 50years, right through the period when other tests have often failed. As quoted by Dr Broda Barnes in his book "Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness" And when patients with low basal temperature got thyroid treatment their symptoms disappeared as their temperature returned to normal.

Basal Temperature Testing Instructions

 Historically the detection of subclinical hypothyroidism was determined by measuring basal temperature using a mercury thermometer. A mercury thermometer must be used, as digital thermometers do not enable temperature monitoring for a sufficient length of time.

You need to take temperature immediately upon awakening in the morning. Shake down the thermometer and place it within easy reach before going to bed. 

• Menstruating women: Testing should begin on the second day of menstrual cycle and for the next 4 days.
• Postmenopausal women, non menstruating teenagers, children and men: Test on any day of the month for 5 consecutive mornings. For very young children a rectal temperature can be taken for 2 minutes.

Immediately upon wakening place the mercury end of the thermometer in the armpit and hold for 10 minutes. Remain in bed for the 10 minutes. (moving around will affect you temperature) Note: oral temperatures can mislead as respiratory infections can elevate oral temperature. Do not take alcohol the night before recording basal temperature.

After 10 minutes record temperature.

The normal basal temperature is between 36.5 and 36.75 (degrees C) If the basal temperature shows a consistant value of less than 36.5 C (97.5F) this indicates that you have subclinical hypothyroidism.

I use thyroxine (T4) and still experience symptoms described here?

It may be that you fall into a group of people who fail to convert their T4 (which only provides 20% activity) to T3 (which represents 80% activity). Now here again, our medical curriculum has not alerted doctors to the fact that a persons cells require enzymes that are dependant on selenium and zinc to convert T4 into T3 in tissues. So the doctor may have to increase dosing of T4 and even this may not even be working for you. This represents treatment failure. Some doctors may not be aware enough to prescribe T3.

Thyroid and the other hormones

Although thyroid hormone is not a steroid molecule like estrogens, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone there are relationships that occur between all of these which affect individual health. When a doctor prescribes estrogen it increases the production of a protein through the liver called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). Now SHBG helps protect the body from excess estrogens by combining and removing surplus estrogen from circulation. At the same time however it collects thyroid hormone, testosterone and growth hormone and all of these contribute to our feelings of well being. Progesterone helps reduce this effect and is a reason why some women will feel better when using it. The message to take out of this is that if you are not feeling well while using estrogen replacement then think about obtaining advice on how to support your thyroid function.

Can I obtain more information?

There are very good published studies, review articles and books available on this subject. A medical brief is available for your medical practitioner to review. Under the Health and Disability Act you are entitled to show your doctor information that may relate to your health and treatment and the doctor may request this from Pharmaceutical Compounding NZ Ltd. This provides quite comprehensive details of the issue and your doctor is at liberty to request copies of medical abstracts and even full studies.

On going treatment?

We believe that it is important that you continue to have your doctor monitor your thyroid situation on a regular basis. It is important to resolving symptoms you may have. This is about your future well- being.

If you have many of the above symptoms, or your basal temperature is below 36.5^oC then I would suggest

• Clinicians Vitamin and Mineral Boost 1 teaspoon morning and mid-afternoon.

Points to remember

• Low thyroid tends to be herediatry, find out if parents, grandparents, siblings suffer too.
• Once you have been diagnosed with a low thyroid by your doctor or by a low basal temperature, you will have a low thyroid for life, so you will always need to treat your thyroid regularly.