Alternative Answers for Hypothyroidism
Primary Hypothyroidism, or under active thyroid gland, may cause a variety of
symptoms and may affect all body functions. The body's normal rate of
functioning slows, causing mental and physical sluggishness. The symptoms may
vary from mild to severe, with the most severe form called myxedema, which is a
medical emergency.
The secretion of T3 and T4 is controlled by the pituitary
gland and the hypothalamus. Thyroid disorders may result not only from defects
in the thyroid gland itself, but also from abnormalities of the pituitary or
hypothalamus.
The most common cause of Hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, a disease of
the thyroid gland where the body's immune system attacks the gland.
Failure of
the pituitary gland to secrete a hormone to stimulate the thyroid gland
(secondary Hypothyroidism) is a less common cause of Hypothyroidism. Other
causes include congenital defects, surgical removal of the thyroid gland,
irradiation of the gland, or inflammatory conditions.
A physical examination reveals delayed relaxation of muscles during tests of
reflexes. Pale, yellow skin; loss of the outer edge of the eyebrows; thin and
brittle hair; coarse facial features; brittle nails; firm swelling of the arms
and legs; and mental dullness may be present. Vital signs may reveal slow heart
rate, low blood pressure, and low body temperature.
A chest X-ray may reveal an enlarged heart.
A complete blood count (CBC) that shows anemia.
Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:
T4 test (low)
serum TSH (high in primary Hypothyroidism, low or low-normal in secondary
Hypothyroidism)
Additional laboratory abnormalities may include:
increased Cholesterol levels
increased liver enzymes
increased serum prolactin
low serum sodium
Causes
The most common cause is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. The thyroid is gradually
destroyed, Hypothyroidism develops.
Subacute painless Thyroiditis and subacute painful Thyroiditis can both cause
transient Hypothyroidism. The Hypothyroidism is transient because the thyroid is
not destroyed.
Hypothyroidism can develop from complete lack of thyroid hormone production
because of radioactive iodine or surgical removal of the thyroid gland, both of
which are used to treat Hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.
Some causes of Hypothyroidism include some inherited disorders in which an
abnormality of the enzymes in thyroid cells prevents the gland from making or
secreting enough thyroid hormones. In other rare disorders, either the
hypothalamus or the pituitary gland fails to secrete enough thyroid-stimulating
hormone, which is necessary for normal stimulation of the thyroid.
Symptoms
Insufficient thyroid hormone causes body functions to slow. Symptoms are subtle
and develop gradually. They may be mistaken for depression, especially among
older people.
Facial expressions become dull, the voice is hoarse and speech is
slow, eyelids droop, and the eyes and face become puffy. Many people with
Hypothyroidism gain weight, become constipated, and are unable to tolerate cold.
The hair becomes sparse, coarse, and dry, and the skin becomes coarse, dry,
scaly, and thick. Some people develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which makes the
hands tingle or hurt.
Diagnosis
Usually Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with one simple blood test: the
measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Many experts suggest that the test
be performed at least every other year in people older than 55, because
Hypothyroidism is so common among older people yet so difficult, in its mild
stages, for doctors to distinguish from other disorders that affect people in
this age group.
In those rare cases of Hypothyroidism caused by inadequate secretion of
thyroid-stimulating hormone, a second blood test is needed to measure the level
of the thyroid hormone T4 that is not bound by protein (free). A low level
confirms the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism.
A total T4 and/or Free T4, and a Total
T3 and/or Free T3 should be run in addition to a TSH. (Many doctors use the T3
uptake test, but it is not a direct test of T3 levels, and can be influenced by
other hormones.
The T7 test or Free T4 Index is a calculated test and of little value. Then get
the actual value of your blood tests and compare them with the lab reference
ranges. The lab reference ranges are very wide, and you might not feel well with
low normal results.
Some doctors realize this, and you might be able to talk
him/her into a trial of thyroid hormone with low normal lab values. Often,
thyroid antibodies tests and TRH stimulation test are abnormal even when blood
tests are within reference ranges.
A TRH stimulation test measures one form of secondary Hypothyroidism,
originating in the pituitary gland.
Treatment
Treatment involves replacing thyroid hormone using one of several oral
preparations. The preferred form of hormone replacement is synthetic T4. Another
form, desiccated (dried) thyroid, is obtained from the thyroid glands of
animals. In general, desiccated thyroid is less satisfactory than synthetic T4
because the content of thyroid hormones in the tablets may vary. In emergencies,
such as myxedema coma, doctors may give synthetic T4, T3, or both intravenously.
Treatment begins with small doses of thyroid hormone, because too large a dose
can cause serious side effects, although large doses may be necessary. The
starting dose and the rate of increase are especially small in older people, who
are often most at risk of side effects. The dose is gradually increased until
the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the person's blood return to
normal.
Homeopathy
Argentum nitricum is an excellent homeopathic remedy for people who are
extremely anxious. They are usually open, outgoing, talkative, and very
likeable. They sometimes have so much mental energy pouring out that they find
it difficult to not say too much.
They often have a very strong desire for
sweets and can have a terrible aggravation after ingesting them. They can have
considerable anticipatory anxiety, fears about their health, and often extreme
claustrophobia, fear of elevators, bridges, high places, and corners.
Vitamin/Supplement Therapy
The first way to combat low thyroid hormones is by avoiding goitrogenic foods
like soybeans, peanuts, millet, turnips, cabbage and mustard. These foods block
the thyroid from using iodine, an element vital for thyroid hormone production.
Kelp, for the mineral content, is very beneficial, especially the iodine, and
tyrosine, since T3 and T4 both are made from tyrosine.
Everyone should take a basic multivitamin, including C, E, Vitamin D, Zinc, all
the B Vitamins and beta-carotene for Vitamin A. Balanced minerals are crucial
for proper function of the whole body and are also central to thyroid hormone
synthesis.
Thyrolar provides both T3 and T4 hormones. Once the body begins to get normal
amounts of these hormones, symptoms will disappear. After that, periodic blood
tests should be done to determine if the dosage is correct.
Fulvic Acid (not to be confused with folic acid - B vitamin) can prevent and
treat thyroid disease including Hypothyroidism; Hyperthyroidism, Graves Diesease
and Wilson Syndrome, plus many other conditions. Outpatient medical
hospital studies on overactivethyroid had a 90.9% cure rate within a six month
period when patients were treated with fulvic acid medication (Yan, Shenyan;
Tongren Hospital, Beijing: Fulvic Acid, 4 (1988).
Thyroid malfunction, both overactive and underactive, is generally due to
autoimmune response by the body generally caused by a build up of dangerous
toxins, chlorinated substances, viruses, pathogens, infections, pesticides,
altered enzymes or hormones in the tissues of the thyroid gland.
Stress Relief:
Journaling can be a wonderful release as well as reflection on the events and
moments in our lives. I have found it to be great therapy and can lend itself to
great expression without reservation. I suggested the patient start writing in a
journal. This took him 4 weeks to buy and another three weeks to finally write
in it.
Exercise: Regular exercise helps your body lower blood sugars, promotes weight
loss, reduces stress and enhances overall fitness.
Meditation and visualization techniques are very helpful in order to see the big
picture, work on reducing Stress levels and calming the mind.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
A chronic lack of iodine in the diet is the most common cause of Hypothyroidism
in many developing countries. This is less evident in the United States because
iodine is added to table salt; iodine is also present in dairy products. Some
causes of Hypothyroidism include some inherited disorders or Kidney Jing
deficiency in which essence from both parents is not strong during conception.
Other patterns include Qi Stagnation which leads to Blood Stasis, Blood
Deficiency or Phlegm patterns.
TCM Patterns
Kidney Jing Deficiency
Slow mental/physical development in children, late or incomplete fontanel
closure in infants, poor skeletal development, brittle bones, soreness and
weakness of the lumbar region and knees, mental retardation, poor memory,
premature aging and senility, dizziness, deafness, tinnitus, low sex drive,
infertility, premature graying and hair loss. Tongue varies (Deficient Yin or
Yang) Usually yin is more deficient, and a red, peeled tongue is more evident.
Treatment principle: Tonify kd jing and essence.
Acupuncture treatment
Points: Kd 3, 6, Ren 3,4 7, Ub 23, Sp 6, Ht 6
Formula: Zuo Gui Yin
Qi Stagnation
distention, distending pain that moves from place to place, hypochondrium pain,
epigastric pain, throat, abdomen discomfort, abdominal masses that appear and
disappear, mental depression, irritability, frequent mood swings, frequent
sighing, high Stress levels and emotional issues. The pulse is thready, slow and
short, entering and exiting with difficulty, knotted rapid with irregular beats.
Tongue: can be normal with thin white coat or slightly purple.
Treatment principle: tonify Qi
Acupuncture treatment
Points: Ren 2,3,4, 6, 17, Lv 2, 3, 13, 14, LI 4
Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Blood Stasis
Abdominal pain (fixed) with hardenings, hypochondriac pain (sharp, stabbing),
irritable, Indigestion, Constipation. Pulse: wiry ortaut and hesitant; Tongue:
purple with spots on the side.
Treatment principle: move blood
Acupuncture treatment
Points: SP 10, Ub 17, Ren 17, Lv 3, LI 4
Formula: Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Blood Deficiency
Pale complexion, pale lips, thin skin, dry, pale cracked skin, palpitations and
irritability, insomnia, poor memory, sensation in the chest, hiccups, sudden
loss of voice, convulsions, frequent sorrow without any obvious causes, abnormal
joy or rage, unreasonable suspicion or fear, thin white tongue or dry coating,
wiry and thin pulse.
Treatment principle: tonify blood
Acupuncture treatment
Points: Sp 6, 8, 10, UB 17, ST 36, Ren 6
Formula: Si Wu Tang
Phlegm
Phlegm mainly arises from Spleen Deficiency as it fails to transform and
transport body fluid. Lung and Kidney can also be involved if Lungs fail to
disperse and lower fluids and if the kidneys fail to transform and excrete
fluids, they can then accumulate into Phlegm. There are 2 types: substantial,
which can be seen (phlegm), and non-substantial, which can't be seen (rheum).
Excessive consumption of greasy foods and/or cold and raw foods can contribute
to this condition.
Treatment principle: clear and resolve phlegm
Acupuncture treatment
Points: Ren 22, ST 40, LI 4
Formula: Ba Xin Tang
RESEARCH
Acupuncture & Hypothyroidism
Acupuncture has traditionally been successfully employed in China to treat most
illnesses and there is little doubt that acupuncture is an excellent therapy for
people suffering with this condition. There are several studies suggesting that
acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very helpful in the
treatment of Hypothyroidism. For instance, in a study at the Shanghai Medical
University in China, 32 patients with Hypothyroidism were treated over a period
of one year with a Chinese herbal preparation to stimulate the kidney meridian
(energy channel).
The results were compared with a control group of 34 people. At the end of the
study, the clinical symptoms of Hypothyroidism were reported to be markedly
improved confirming that Hypothyroidism is closely related to deficiency of
kidney energy. (1)
(1) Relation of Hypothyroidism and deficiency of kidney yang Zha LL, Inst. of
the Integr. of TCM-WM Med., Shanghai Med. Univ. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho
Tsa Chih (CHINA) Apr 1993, 13 (4) p202-4,195
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Hypothyroidism
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to offer an effective
alternative treatment for people suffering from hypothyroidism (an
under-functioning thyroid gland). In a study at the Shanghai Medical University
in China, 66 patients with hypothyroidism were monitored over a period of one
year.
32 patients were treated with a Chinese herbal preparation to stimulate the
kidney meridian (energy channel) and their results were compared with a control
group made up of the other 34 patients.At the end of the study, the clinical
symptoms of hypothyroidism were reported to be markedly improved in the TCM
group confirming that Traditional Chinese herbal medicine can offer real help in
its treatment and suggesting that hypothyroidism is closely related to
deficiency of kidney energy.
Relation of Hypothyroidism and deficiency of kidney yang Zha LL, Inst. of the
Integr. Of TCM-WM Med., Shanghai Med. Univ. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa
Chih (CHINA) Apr 1993, 13 (4) p202-4,195
