Category: Thyroid Health

Almost twenty years ago, the American College of Physicians, a pretty conservative organization, stunned the medical community by issuing a guideline that women over 50 should have their thyroids tested at least once every five years. At that time, most physicians thought that they could diagnose thyroid problems themselves and that testing guidelines were unnecessary.

At Women to Women, however, we weren’t stunned: we were excited! We knew first-hand how challenging it can be to identify and treat thyroid concerns without testing. The reality is that even all these years later and with the testing guideline in place, many practitioners still fail to diagnose thyroid concerns. That’s because over or under active thyroid problems can be hard to pin down and the symptoms may also resemble those of many other conditions, including aging.

In fact, Time Magazine recently reported that hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is one of the top 15 leading conditions doctors most often get wrong.

At Women to Women, we have helped thousands of women to restore healthy thyroid function and we know how an under or overactive thyroid can wreak havoc on your life, your weight, your health, and your mood: It’s not just a part of getting older and you don’t have to live with it!

For the longest time, no one seemed to pay the thyroid much attention. Some of my patients would come to the clinic thinking that their symptoms were menopausal, some felt it was just a part of getting older, and others simply blamed them on stress. But now, with all the media exposure, more and more women come to see me wondering if they should have their thyroid checked. Let’s talk about your thyroid gland and what you need to look for if you are wondering about your thyroid health.

What is your Thyroid?

Your thyroid looks like a mini bow tie and it wraps around your windpipe at the base of your throat. Its primary function is to regulate your body temperature: it’s your own internal thermostat. The thyroid takes orders primarily from the pituitary gland (via the hormone TSH) to produce thyroid hormones T3 (triiodthyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These thyroid hormones also regulate our metabolism, impact our bowel function and affect our energy levels and mood.

The most common thyroid concern is hypothyroidism, which occurs when you fail to produce enough thyroid hormones. This will make your metabolism slow down and leave you feeling sluggish and lacking energy.

The opposite concern can occur when the thyroid works too hard, resulting in hyperthyroidism. In this case you will feel like you’re all revved up: your hands may tremble, your heart race, and you cannot fall asleep.

If this sounds like you, you should definitely consult with your practitioner about getting your thyroid tested. However, many people do not experience symptoms at all; it is estimated that as many as 1 in 5 people may have sub-optimal thyroid function and do not even know it. So what should you look for? Here are some of the common thyroid symptoms I see in my patients at Women to Women.

Common Thyroid Symptoms

Feeling Tired, Sluggish or Low Energy

We all go through times of stress or busyness that can disrupt our sleep or leave us feeling burned out, but if you find yourself hooked on caffeine to get through the day, constantly dragging or in need or a lot of sleep (more than 9 hours on a daily basis), you may have an underactive thyroid.

Stomach/Digestion Concerns

You might be wondering what your thyroid has to do with your stomach, but your thyroid actually plays a role in bowel function. If you feel bloated, constipated or have that heavy feeling in your stomach, your thyroid may not be functioning optimally and hypothyroidism should be ruled out. Conversely, if you experience excessive diarrhea, your thyroid may be overactive and hyperthyroidism should be considered.

Hair and Skin Changes

While we all lose hair on a daily basis, if your hair loss becomes more frequent or heavy, if hair becomes dry or brittle and breaks off easily, your thyroid may be impaired. In addition, hypothyroidism can show up in your skin making it become dry and scaly. Often there is also an unusual loss of hair in the outer edge of the eyebrow that may occur when your thyroid is underperforming. When your thyroid is overactive, your skin may become thin and very fragile and your hair loss even more severe.

Mood Changes

Because the thyroid also regulates your mood, mood changes, especially if they come on suddenly or severely, may be a sign of thyroid dysfunction. Depression, anxiety, and even sudden panic attacks, especially if they do not respond to traditional anti-depressant treatments, whether pharmaceutical or natural, are common symptoms of thyroid impairment. Generally, depression is associated with hypothyroidism while panic attacks may be a sign of hyperthyroidism.

Fertility issues, Miscarriages and Menstrual Cycle Changes

Whenever one hormone is disrupted, there is often a disruption to other hormones up or down stream. If you are still menstruating, then heavy, more frequent or more painful periods can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Shorter, lighter or more infrequent menstruation may accompany hyperthyroidism.

Because of menstrual cycle disruptions, infertility may also be a concern. If you are trying to conceive, thyroid testing may be helpful, especially if you do not have consistent menstrual cycles. In fact, some infertility specialists recommend thyroid testing to all patients. In addition, impaired thyroid function can lead to miscarriages, so if you are experiencing difficulty carrying to term, thyroid testing is suggested.

Memory

Memory and concentration can be impacted by either overactive or underactive thyroid function. In particular, hypothyroidism is commonly known to impair memory. While it may start out small in the early stages like simply misplacing your car keys, over time memory loss, fuzzy thinking or trouble concentrating can become more disruptive.

These are just a few of the more common symptoms; there are many more listed on our website. You’ll notice that these common thyroid symptoms also are common menopausal complaints and general aging concerns as well, which is why it can be hard to determine whether your symptoms are a result of hormonal imbalance, thyroid or adrenal concerns, or a combination without testing.

Fluoridated Water and Thyroid

If you drink a lot of water, you’ll want to know that a British study made headlines recently when it reported results that hypothyroidism rates were higher in areas with higher fluoride concentrations. When the parts per million of fluoride concentration was above 0.3, hypothyroidism rates were much as 30% higher. In addition, when comparing one area of England that fluoridates to another that does not, scientists found that hypothyroidism rates were double in the fluoridated areas as compared to the non-fluoridated region.

In a healthy 154-pound adult, 3.5 mg of fluoride was found to disrupt thyroid function. If you are already iodine deficient, even small amounts of fluoride can wreak havoc: as little as 0.7 mg a day could lead to thyroid dysfunction. According to the EPA, the average American ingests 3 mg a day, but many of us consume as much as 6 mg a day or more.

If you consume a lot of fluoridated water and/or do not consume iodine-rich foods such as sea vegetables, saltwater fish and other seafood, or iodized sea salt, you should definitely think about a thyroid test. A study almost twenty years ago estimated that one in seven women is iodine deficient, though I think that number may well be much higher now given our diets today.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer has doubled in incidence since the 1970’s and it is now the fastest-growing cancer among women. That said, to keep it in perspective, the incidence rates of thyroid cancer overall are still relatively small compared to many other cancers, such as breast cancer. Some scientists even question how much of the incidence rate increase is simply due to better diagnostics enabling more cancers to be detected.

Nevertheless, there does appear to be an increase in thyroid cancer rates that does concern researchers. They attribute the increase to changes in our diets, increasing exposure to chemicals such as fluoride, chloride and bromide and higher exposure to environmental and medical radiation.

Thyroid Testing

Because so many of the symptoms of an impaired thyroid can also be attributed to menopause or simply getting older and since not everyone experiences symptoms at all, testing is really the best way to know if your thyroid is functioning properly.

Many practitioners will suggest a TSH test and a T3 and T4 level test but there are several more tests that can be helpful in getting the true picture of your thyroid health. Speak with your practitioner about a full thyroid workup including all of the following tests:

• TSH
• Free T3 and Free T4
• Anti-TPO
• Anti-thyroglobulin
• Reverse T3
• Total T3
• Micronutrient analysis (intracellular)
• Basal Body Temperature

Restoring Thyroid Health

If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it is important to provide it the nutrition and lifestyle support it requires for optimal function. A stressed, overworked, or sluggish thyroid will require additional nutritional support to repair and rebalance beyond what can typically be found in today’s food supply.

We have had great success helping to restore optimal thyroid health in our patients at Women to Women with out Thyroid Product System. Thousands of women have experienced symptom relief and renewed thyroid health with our products and support. We can help you too.

To purchase our Thyroid Product System, click here.

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN, NP

Sometimes when women experience problems like increased fatigue, loss of concentration and weight gain, the first thing that comes to mind as the cause is “it must be my thyroid.”

The thyroid gland regulates your metabolism, which has a huge impact on your weight, your energy levels, and your moods. When stress hormones go out of balance, your thyroid is often affected, too, which in turn triggers PMS, menstrual and perimenopausal symptoms and other health issues. This is a much overlooked issue as the adrenals have much to do with this reaction. Thyroid-induced symptoms include weight gain, constipation, hair loss, sluggishness, fatigue, depression, and mood swings.

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid levels, sometimes shows up despite your best attempts to establish a healthy lifestyle. This is because the hormonal changes that occur with menopause can sometimes be accompanied by fluctuations in thyroid functioning. If untreated, this leads to thyroid imbalances, hypothyroidism, or the need to rely on medication indefinitely.

What is hypothyroidism?

A healthy thyroid is crucial to helping you metabolize food, manage your weight, keep your internal thermostat functioning efficiently, using and storing energy, reproduction, sleeping and even talking!

When your body underproduces thyroid hormones, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. When this occurs, you feel like you just aren’t functioning like your normal self. You may remember the old days when things were firing properly, and now they just are not. Women report a multitude of symptoms, and many of them are due to an under-functioning thyroid.

Your brain and your thyroid usually communicate with your body to maintain optimal balance of these hormones. In this healthy state, the brain produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These hormones then prompt your thyroid gland to produce the active thyroid hormones called T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) whenever levels are low. Ultimately, the body works to convert T4 into T3, the form our cells recognize best and use most effectively.

To meet your body’s continually changing needs, this active system is designed to adjust itself from moment to moment. This system will always move toward balance as long as things haven’t gotten too far out of sync.

Is It Menopause Or Is It My Thyroid?

When patients report symptoms of energy loss, unusual weight gain, lowered sexual desire, changes in their skin and hair and depression, we sometimes discover they are entering menopause or perimenopause. However, it’s not uncommon for them to also have evidence of thyroid imbalance. The symptoms are closely related, due to the thyroid hormones and the sexual hormones axes being so closely connected.

During menopause, less sexual hormones are produced because less of them are required during the second half of life. However, estrogen helps TRH to perform its job. This means that as less estrogen is produced, thyroid function slows down also, especially if the decrease in estrogen is sudden or dramatic.

Maybe you have been prone to thyroid imbalance throughout your life without being aware of your predisposition to the disorder. When everything is working exactly as designed, you are able to effectively cope with changes you experience. There are many variables though, that affects our abilities and makes us vulnerable to imbalance. Some of these factors include stress, our environment, genetics and nutrition. Reproductive factors also impact our predisposition, which explains why women are more likely than men to suffer from thyroid disorders.

Hormonal imbalances such as thyroid dysfunction commonly result when the endocrine system veers off-center. With suboptimal levels of thyroid hormones, your cells simply cannot produce healthy biological responses and you begin to experience symptoms. For women who have been extremely health conscious through their life, this can be particularly frustrating for them.

Thyroid imbalance origins sometimes don’t lie within the thyroid, but rather in the roots of the gland itself or in other parts of the endocrine system. The thyroid is constantly engaged with other endocrine glands in a series of complex feedback loops. For example, when your adrenal glands don’t work well, your thyroid is also affected.

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by Marcelle Pick OB-GYN, NP

The thyroid gland has long been considered the master gland and is well known for its ability to affect metabolism. When a TSH test is ordered, I am trying to determine exactly how much of this hormone TSH is circulating in the blood. This provides me with information about how the thyroid and metabolism are working.

When the TSH level is high, it is producing too much “stimulating” hormone, which may indicate hypothyroidism. The converse to that is – if it produces too little, and the TSH level is low, then the thyroid is hyperactive.

Generally the TSH level is ordered depending on your symptoms. Though the “normal” range for TSH levels vary depending on the labs, the practitioners and individuals. In 2002, The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists changed the range for TSH to be between 0.30 and 3.04. Generally most of us in the Functional Medical World think most women feel best when the TSH is at 2 or below.

If one of my patients is above 2.0 or if she is symptomatic of a thyroid disorder, I always try to understand the root cause. This often means more detailed testing, so I can get a better understanding of how the thyroid and adrenals are functioning.

The thyroid is one of the master glands and is intimately connected to so many organs and systems in the body that dysfunction in other places, especially with the adrenals, may be at play.

For more information, read our many informative articles in our Thyroid Health and Adrenal Health sections of our Health Library.

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by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for a sluggish thyroid. It can lead to a wide range of hypothyroidism symptoms:

•  Severe fatigue, loss of energy
•  Weight gain, difficulty losing weight
•  Depression and depressed mood
•  Joint and muscle pain, headaches
•  Dry skin, brittle nails
•  Brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss
•  Irregular periods, PMS symptoms
•  Breast milk formation
•  Calcium metabolism difficulties
•  Difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature
•  Constipation
•  Sleeping more than average
•  Diminished sex drive
•  Puffiness in face and extremities
•  Hoarseness
•  Bruising/clotting problems
•  Elevated levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and heightened risk of heart disease
•  Allergies that suddenly appear or get worse
•  Persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts
•  Tingling sensation in wrists and hands that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome
•  Memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought
•  Slowness or slurring of speech

Subclinical hypothyroidism may present itself with mild versions of these hypothyroid symptoms, or often just fatigue or depression. Hypothyroidism often occurs along with insulin resistance, and these two conditions share some similar symptoms.

In some cases, hypothyroidism leads to a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid sufficient to be externally visible. The gland enlarges to try to compensate for its sluggish production. Goiters can also result from an overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism. In this case, the gland enlarges in response to attacks by antibodies, which are triggered by the thyroid’s overproduction.

It’s important to note that without treatment or relief of the underlying causes of hypothyroidism, the symptoms will generally worsen over time, eventually resulting in permanent damage.

In the most extreme cases, such as Hashimoto’s disease, the body forms antibodies to its own thyroid gland, creating permanently low thyroid function.

For more information, read our numerous articles on this topic in our Thyroid Health section of our Health Library.

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by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

• The case for thyroid nutrition
• Nutrients that support our thyroid
• What about soy and thyroid health?  Foods that may disrupt thyroid function
• Find your balance — the Women to Women approach

The thyroid is one of the most important, and often mismanaged, glands we have working in our body. Located in the front of our neck, this butterfly-shaped gland secretes hormones that control some major functions including weight management, how we use energy, how we metabolize food, and even how we sleep. For women, hormones can shift out of balance during childbearing and menopause, and even under chronic stress, putting them at a higher rate of thyroid conditions than men, and at various times of life.

We hear about thyroid concerns every day, as women want to understand why they may be having issues that point to faulty thyroid functioning. Healthcare practitioners frequently rely solely on blood tests and do not work through the delicate gray area between “your lab results are fine” and “let’s try prescription hormone therapy.”  But only considering these very two different ends of the spectrum leaves women at risk for a lifetime of thyroid imbalance, and possibly more serious, even irreversible, thyroid conditions.

But before you begin to worry, let me reassure you that there are many ways to support thyroid health easily and naturally, utilizing food and nutrients to encourage proper functioning. The way we eat can actually help, or hurt, our thyroid gland. The nutrients our thyroid needs are easily accessible in many foods and dietary supplements. With the right information, we can make simple choices to improve thyroid health. Here’s how.

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Nutrients that support our thyroid

The thyroid gland needs specific vitamins and minerals to properly do its job. Since we are all unique in how our hormones are functioning, the best way to get a handle on what our body specifically needs is to have a full thyroid panel done to help pinpoint where individual levels may be off balance. Research shows us that there are a few key nutrients that are highly valuable for everyone.

Iodine (I):  This is the most important trace element found in thyroid functioning. Without iodine, our thyroid does not have the basic building blocks it needs to make the necessary hormones to support all of the tissues in the body. Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are the most essential, active, iodine-containing hormones we have. In 2012, a CDC report showed that women of childbearing years in the United States, ages 20-39, had the lowest iodine levels of any other age group. This is something we can easily improve by eating more iodine-rich foods.

Selenium (Se): This element is indispensable to our thyroid in several ways. Selenium-containing enzymes protect the thyroid gland when we are under stress, working like a “detox,” to help flush oxidative and chemical stress, and even social stress – which can cause reactions in our body. Selenium-based proteins help regulate hormone synthesis, converting T4 into the more accessible T3. These proteins and enzymes help regulate metabolism and also help maintain the right amount of thyroid hormones in the tissues and blood, as well as organs such as the liver, kidneys, and even the brain. Selenium also helps regulate and recycle our iodine stores. These are all very important functions!

Zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (CU): These three trace metals are vital to thyroid function. Low levels of zinc can cause T4, T3, and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to also become low. Research shows that both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroids) and hypothyroidism (under active thyroids), can sometimes create a zinc deficiency leading to lowered thyroid hormones.

Decreased levels of iron can result in decreased thyroid function as well. When combined with an iodine deficiency, iron must be replaced to repair the thyroid imbalance. Copper is needed to help produce TSH, and maintain T4 production. T4 helps cholesterol regulation, and some research even indicates copper deficiency may contribute to higher cholesterol and heart issues for people with hypothyroidism.

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

•  The brain controls both the adrenal and thyroid glands
•  How stress affects your thyroid gland
•  Tips for improving thyroid and adrenal health

As a female practitioner of functional medicine, I began to notice patterns among my patients linking stress to various physical disorders. Although this is a recognized occurrence in medicine now, it was not often explored in earlier medical training. I knew about it, but it became quite clear years ago in my clinical practice, especially in my patients with thyroid dysfunction. There is a very strong connection between a woman’s stress response and her thyroid function — we just haven’t always considered it.

We all know chronic stress has a negative impact on our bodies, we just don’t always know how to fix it. Long term stress leads to elevated stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands, and our bodies respond with inflammation, disorders, and disease. So how do we change our lives to reduce this pattern, or more importantly, stop the cycle?

Over the years I have learned how to help women improve their thyroid function by reducing stress without drugs or other medical interventions. It’s exciting to know that we can help ourselves naturally, and utilize effective tools to balance our hormones. First, let’s look at the physical components and how our adrenal and thyroid glands impact one another.

Adrenal and thyroid functioning

Simply put, hormones are released to carry messages to and from different parts of the body. Different glands produce different hormones. The thyroid produces specific hormones to direct cells to produce proteins and to burn energy. The adrenal glands produce hormones to help regulate stress and how we respond to it. Both of these glands work to protect our endocrine system, or our larger hormone-producing mechanism. The adrenal and thyroid glands work together responding to our body’s continually-changing conditions, and relaying information between the brain and the body.

The way these glands are signaled to release their hormones begins in the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that sends hormonal messages to the pituitary gland. This gland sends messages to the adrenal and thyroid glands, which then produce specific hormones, and send that feedback to the brain. This is referred to as a negative-feedback loop called the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid–adrenal axis (HPTA).

For the thyroid to function optimally, it needs the right amount of stress hormone, or cortisol. Because the hormones interact along their respective loops, when an imbalance occurs along the HPTA axis, it will result in either overactive, or under active glands. The trouble is there is a range in which this functioning is measured in lab tests, so even if your thyroid is not functioning normally, it may still appear within the “normal limits.” So what exactly does this mean?

Thyroid symptoms and stress

When any kind of stress cues the brain, it releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) which tells the pituitary gland to signal the adrenal glands to make cortisol. But both CRH and cortisol can suppress the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as impact the conversion of the T4 thyroid hormone into T3. Every, single cell in the body uses T3, so a decrease in that can cause an array of symptoms, from weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and poor concentration, to cold intolerance, depression, and infertility.

Most medical literature correlates stress-induced thyroid dysfunction to overactive thyroids, noted frequently in hyperthyroidism, and a condition called Graves’ disease. This condition is marked by an autoimmune response causing the thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone, especially after a sudden, stressful change in life circumstances. It’s not uncommon to lose weight for a short period after experiencing major events like divorce or a death in the family due to too much thyroid hormone. But excessive stress can also lead to another condition called hypothyroidism, when the thyroid slows down its hormone production. Either condition can create problems.

With chronic stress, either process can actually go on for years in your body, unnoticed, before you start to have symptoms reflecting the imbalance. Sometimes it’s called subclinical hypothyroidism, when lab results appear within the normal range, but patients are still experiencing symptoms. The good news is that we can change our stress-response, and regulate the loops along the HPTA axis.

How to break the stress-thyroid connection

• Nourish yourself. Eat three well-balanced and two healthy snacks each day that include high-quality protein. Breakfast is especially important to help regulate blood sugar and hormone production. Reducing sugar and caffeine intake is important to help combat stress. Also, enjoying meals in a relaxed setting and eating slowly can help digestion and metabolization of important nutrients.

• Add vitamins and supplements. There are many important elements to healthy thyroid functioning. Iodine, Selenium, zinc, copper, iron, and vitamins A, B, C, and E all play crucial roles in the production and maintenance of thyroid hormones. High-quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplements can help support the necessary balance.

• Get enough sleep. Sleep is an amazing way to restore and rejuvenate our bodies and our minds. When we have the right amount of sleep, our bodies will regulate and reset our neuroendocrine system to help promote hormonal balance, and also help us face the next day’s challenges. Especially important is adequate downtime before bed, so that our adrenal glands slow down the stress response and rest as well.

• Relax. There are many ways to counter daily stress and help our bodies and minds relax. Options include deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, walking, or simple exercise. Too much exercise can actually stimulate our adrenal glands as opposed to relaxing them, so moderation is key. Be sure you find a few methods you enjoy, so that you can commit to a daily relaxation regime.

• Think about therapy. Making emotional changes can be very difficult. Sometimes we are so entrenched in certain negative patterns that we not only cannot get out of them ourselves, but also may not even recognize it. Exploring both positive and negative patterns in our lives can help us break the stress responses that over time can lead to physical distress and disorders. With training in both functional medicine and psychology, I always try to help women connect the dots between their health and their emotions, and recommend ways to do it. Many of my patients have success with both the Emotional Freedom Technique and the Hoffman Quadrinity Process as avenues to healing.

Our lives are busy and stressful, and we can’t just remove stress from our lives. But we can try to support ourselves both physically and emotionally not just during stressful times, but on a daily basis. When we nurture and care for ourselves, we can manage the waves of stress with more ease. If you think you have a thyroid imbalance, or have a family history of thyroid dysfunction, remember you and your health practitioner can work with these natural methods to help repair the problem. Even with small steps, you can make big strides towards a very healthy outcome.

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by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

Alternative practitioners try to resolve the underlying causes of poor health rather than simply treat the symptoms. In our experience, alternative hypothyroidism treatment can often reverse suboptimal thyroid function well before a woman develops permanent thyroid disease. Success in this approach largely depends on how early we intervene and on the extent to which autoimmune antibodies are present.

Poor nutrition is probably the origin of many thyroid problems (including low thyroid), and rich nutrition is vital to reversing them, or at least to prevent further decline. Healthy thyroid function depends on a range of nutrients, especially selenium, folic acid, and iodine. Since most people cannot optimize levels of these nutrients through diet alone, a medical–grade supplement is vital. Of course, supplements should be used to complement, not substitute, for a balanced diet.

Stress in all it’s forms is another key culprit of thyroid dysfunction. Most of us experience a high degree of the most damaging kind — unremitting stress. It is important for hypothyroid treatment to identify the stressors you face and learn techniques and activities that can help you reduce your stress.

We often see hypothyroid symptoms totally reversed when a woman commits to a plan that supports balance through nutrition and daily self-care, including but not limited to the following guidelines:

• Consume foods naturally high in B vitamins, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and iodine (fish, seaweed, vegetables and root vegetables).

• Exercise daily, at least 30–60 minutes per day, 4–5 times a week.

• Practice deep breathing and other techniques that trigger the “relaxation response” – such as meditation and guided visualization.

• It is recommended that you get adequate sun exposure if you live in a northern climate (15–20 minutes twice a day of unprotected sun in early morning and evening) to maintain vitamin D levels. This helps support healthy immune function and calcium metabolism. Discuss supplementation during the winter months with your practitioner.

• Zero in on unresolved emotional issues as a source of stress. In naturopathic medicine, the thyroid reflects a woman’s voice in her life. Many women have experienced a “trapped voice,” and by the time perimenopause arrives, the accumulated effect gives rise to symptoms, including poor thyroid function. Over and over we have seen that when women make progress in using their voices, their thyroid symptoms subside.

• Consider other alternative techniques that have been useful in correcting an underactive thyroid – acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine, homeopathic medicine, biofeedback, and osteopathy.

In our experience, a multi-tiered hypothyroid treatment approach that deals directly with the nutritional, stress-related and emotional factors of hypothyroidism — in combination with alternative therapies — often restores a woman’s thyroid function completely.

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by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

Selenium is one of nature’s best kept secrets. We need only small amounts of this amazing mineral, but it has huge effects on our health. Selenium protects us against many health problems which are associated with the aging process, such as certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis. More than that though, it’s vital to the normal functioning of our thyroid. Since women are more prone to thyroid problems, selenium is especially important to us.

Selenium is one of those nutrients that when used in the right amounts in your food it can make big changes and that is really exciting. It reminds us how vitally important our diets are to our overall health and well-being. So now let’s take a quick look together at this important nutrient.

How does selenium affect my thyroid health?

If your level of selenium is low, your thyroid will have do its best to work harder to make it’s hormones, and your body will also have a more difficult job changing those hormones into a form your cells can use. This happens because selenium is a chief component of the molecules which are necessary for your body to be able to create and use thyroid hormones, called seleno-proteins.

What do these molecules do?

• They directly regulate thyroid hormone production
• They support the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3).
• They protect the thyroid tissues whenever it is affected by stress – this happens almost constantly!

Symptoms of low selenium levels

• Muscle pain or weakness
• Discoloration of hair or skin
• Whitening of the beds of your fingernails

In addition to assisting with production thyroid hormones, selenium is also critical in the regulation of thyroid hormonal levels. Several of the enzymes arranged around selenium are key factors in assuring that thyroid hormone levels remain balanced. Some of these enzymes, called seleno-de-iodinases help to keep T3 at an appropriate level in liver, kidney, thyroid and brain cells. Glutathione peroxidase is another enzyme which helps to limit T4 when its levels go on the high side.

Our overall health can suffer if our body is unable to maintain the right levels of essential thyroid hormones, due to a lack of the selenium needed to create these enzymes.

Selenium and iodine: thyroid’s natural partners

The problems which selenium deficiency can cause are made more serious when another key nutrient, iodine, is low as well. Iodine is a nutrient that is much better known for its role in thyroid health. Selenium is crucial in aiding the body to recycle iodine. A selenium deficiency coupled with an iodine deficiency is likely to lead to thyroid imbalance.

An enlarged thyroid is commonly known as a goiter. This is one of the more serious forms of thyroid imbalance. Many people who are diagnosed with a goiter have a deficiency of iodine, but research has shown that some may have a significant selenium deficiency as well. It’s vital to treat both deficits in order to reestablish thyroid stability.

For more information, click here for our informative article, “Iodine And The Thyroid – Worth A Second Glance”.

Sources of selenium

In the United States, most people get selenium from their diet. The top food sources include Brazil nuts, oysters, tuna, whole wheat bread, seeds, pork, and beef, also onions, garlic, vegetables in the broccoli family such as kale (which should always be cooked or steamed), cabbage and cauliflower. Other protein sources include eggs, turkey, chicken, lamb and many kinds of seafood. Women who have digestive problems are more likely to develop selenium deficiency, as are those who don’t consume a varied diet which contains selenium-rich foods and this includes many American women who eat the standard American diet.

Making sure you get adequate selenium

One of the first things to understand about selenium is that it’s very easy to get an adequate amount through your diet. Eating foods like those listed above are the best way to ensure your thyroid health.

The problem though is this – the amount of selenium you get from your diet can tend to be inconsistent, especially if you have digestive problems, and 80% of our patients do. If you can’t eat foods on a regular basis that are high in selenium, or if you have a GI condition which impairs your ability to absorb nutrients, a good alternative is to use a high-quality multivitamin which includes selenium. A single-element supplement isn’t usually recommended because a combination product which is carefully formulated helps to ensure selenium is appropriately coupled with the right levels of other nutrients such as iodine.

A daily dose of around 200 mcg (micrograms) of selenium is just right for most people, but always check with your healthcare provider first, to make sure what amount is right for you. It’s important to have your practitioner monitor your thyroid levels if you have ever been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, Grave’s disease (hyperthyroidism), Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis or any other form of thyroid disease as they can change with the right nutrient support.

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by Marcelle Pick, OB-GYN NP

Answers to your concerns about problems related to your thyroid, including low thyroid disorder.

If my thyroid was enlarged, could I feel it? Where is my thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland that lies behind and is wrapped around your Adam’s apple, but is not the Adam’s apple itself. Your practitioner can show you specifically where to feel for it. Most women are able to tell if it’s enlarged, but sometimes think there are changes there when they aren’t.

Will my thyroid be painful if it becomes enlarged?

Usually not, unless it becomes inflamed, a condition that is called thyroiditis. If this happens, the area probably will feel tender.

My doctor tested my thyroid, and told me that my results are normal. I still don’t feel like myself. Should I be concerned?

Let’s look at this together. A good first step to take might be to check with your doctor to find out what his or her definition of “normal” is. Sometimes, health care providers have different ideas of what is ideal, and what is usual. At Women to Women, we like to see TSH levels at or near 2.0. But if you are having symptoms, we will run more thyroid function tests no matter what your initial results show. Sometimes, a very small imbalance can keep your thyroid hormones from being used effectively by your other body systems. That could be causing your symptoms. Other things your doctor may want to check out might be your adrenal function, your hormone levels and your gastro-intestinal system; the body is a complex system that has many inter relationships that affect its function.

I’m taking bHRT. Can I take thyroid medicine too?

Just remember that any thyroid medications are very sensitive. They should be taken alone, and on an empty stomach. Allow at least one to three hours between your thyroid medication and any other medication, supplements, vitamins or food. Most thyroid medications, like Synthroid and Levothroid are T4 products; they can be taken at bedtime, but if you notice you are too energized you may want to take them in the early morning.

My mother had thyroid disorder. Will I inherit this?

Thyroid problems, like hypothyroidism, often tend to run in families. We don’t know whether genetics or even perhaps emotional patterning can cause this. Quite often, daughters will “inherit” their mothers’ patterns of passivity or assertion, along with other behaviors that affect thyroid function. Some argue that this is related. Some other autoimmune patterns also tend to show up with certain genetic strains. Being aware of your family history is a good thing. If you address your diet and nutritional needs and quickly resolve any underlying emotional issues, you improve your chances of postponing or eliminating your vulnerability. This also means you may want to start checking your hormone levels sooner.

When should I first get my thyroid levels checked?

Chances are you may have already had a thyroid exam. A manual thyroid exam is part of an annual exam. Your dentist or oral hygienist may have checked your thyroid too. If you have a family history of thyroid disorders it’s a good idea to start getting thyroid lab checks around the age of 20, or sooner if you develop symptoms. At Women to Women we often see young women in their late teenage years and early 20’s with thyroid problems. If you don’t have a family history, and you aren’t experiencing symptoms, you can start getting checked around age 30. Get tested every five years unless you begin having symptoms.

Try not to be afraid to ask your practitioner to do the testing. Some primary care physicians don’t routinely check thyroid functions unless you’re having problems, but the sooner an imbalance is found, the easier it is to treat; quite possibly without medication. Nutrition and lifestyle have such a positive and beneficial influence on us; it’s good to give attention to them, at any age.

I get a lot of exercise, but I still can’t lose weight. Could my thyroid be low?

We might want to think about checking your thyroid if you think you’re consistent in using more calories than you are taking in, but not showing any change in your weight. Since your thyroid is mainly responsible for metabolism, even a very small imbalance could cause your rate of weight loss to slow down. We should consider other factors as well, especially if you’re experiencing no other symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Other reasons that could account for slowed weight loss or a gradual weight gain, in the absence of thyroid symptoms, include changes in your nutritional well-being, your digestive health, your detox capabilities and your hormonal levels. Another possibility is that your metabolism has slowed down as a result of too much dieting. You can find out more about how your thyroid is connected to weight gain in our other articles.

I have an overactive thyroid. My doctor is strongly suggesting radioactive isotope implementation (or surgery) what do I do now?

If you have been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and your doctor recommends radioactive isotope implementation, you may need these aggressive techniques to safely deal with an unstable, overactive thyroid. On the other hand, if you have a borderline case of hyperthyroidism, it may be possible for you to use less aggressive treatment approaches. A combination of holistic measures like acupuncture and nutrition therapy, while being monitored by a very attentive practitioner, can be especially beneficial.

It’s very important that you know all your options and that you are confident you are making the best decision for yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable with your choice, you can find another provider and ask for a second opinion.

I’ve had thyroid surgery and will have to take thyroid supplementation medication permanently. Will this negatively affect my health?

No. In fact, this gives you a chance to truly evaluate your current health practices and make some really positive and important changes in your lifestyle. By ensuring that your nutrition is the best it can be, and adding appropriate supplements, you can support your entire system. These steps will help ensure that your body appropriately uses your medication. Optimal nutrition and the appropriate supplements will help support your whole system and ensure that your body converts your medication appropriately and your hormones stay in balance.

I’ve been taking thyroid medication for the past five years. When can I stop?

The answer to your question depends on why thyroid replacement therapy was started. It may have been initiated due to a chronic autoimmune condition or because your thyroid gland has been damaged. It also depends on if you can be closely watched over the next 12 months to make certain your thyroid function remains stable.

In order to reduce or stop your thyroid medication, you need to have a practitioner who is very supportive. She or he needs to work very closely with you and carefully watch your T3 and T4 levels, as well as your nutritional and digestive status. It is reasonable to wean off medication by using optimal nutrition, dietary supplements, and other holistic techniques, but it is imperative that you be closely monitored by a medical professional.

My thyroid is healthy. How can I keep it that way?

The best way to support your overall health, including your thyroid function is through excellent nutrition that includes an appropriate daily medical–grade multivitamin. Preventative measures include routine, as well as special, intermittent testing and annual well-woman exams. Many holistic practitioners refer to the thyroid region as the home of your voice, represented in Eastern medicine by the fifth chakra. Women often feel subdued and don’t fully express themselves. Their voices are trapped. This can manifest as thyroid imbalance in the eastern interpretation. The western interpretation does not incorporate this philosophy. That is why we find it is important to incorporate both. We encourage you to speak out for yourself. It may also be helpful to find a form of creative expression that helps you express yourself in your own unique way.

Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid to protect my thyroid?

No. As long as you eat foods which are whole and natural, meaning they are free from artificial ingredients, preservatives, and additives, as much as possible and they are processed as little as possible, your diet can include a wide variety of foods.

Is there anything I should be eating more of?

I often suggest adding seaweed for problems with low thyroid function or hypothyroidism. This is because it contains iodine. In small amounts, iodine is necessary for thyroid function. Just be sure to add these foods in moderation. Over doing iodine can actually harm the thyroid.

What about soy and thyroid health?

This is the most controversial of all topics. I sometimes advise my patients to limit soy products if they’re having thyroid symptoms. There has been a lot of talk surrounding soy and its effect on the thyroid due to soy’s weak estrogen-like effects. Too much estrogen, or estrogen dominance, can have a negative effect on the thyroid. This is one reason that progesterone, as well as phytotherapy may help prevent thyroid problems. It helps to balance estrogen levels. If you have been eating soy for your hormonal balance, and it is not affecting your thyroid, or other areas of your health, I wouldn’t worry that it will cause a thyroid problem. However, don’t start eating large quantities of soy before talking to your practitioner.

Please refer to our many informative articles on these topics in our Thyroid Health section.

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