Balancing the Body: A Holistic Look at Low Thyroid Function
Do you know that one out of 10 people suffers from thyroid dysfunction, half of which go undiagnosed.
Most people with hypothyroidism can take thyroid hormone medication but still suffer from fatigue, weight gain depression, hair falls, cold hands and feet…..
What Are Thyroid Hormones—and Why Do They Matter?
Thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, produces hormones that are essential for life, regulate your metabolism, and influence every cell in your body.
Thyroid Hormones:The brain secretes thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
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TSH regulates secretion the thyroid hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine).
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The thyroid produces 93% of T4 and 7% of T3. The body converts T4 into T3 which is used by all cells nuclei and switch on or off genetic control. The thyroid hormones are primarily responsible for the regulation of metabolism.
Where T4 Becomes T3:
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60% of T4 is converted into T3 in the liver, making liver health essential to proper thyroid function.
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20% of T4 is converted into T3 in the gut, but only when there’s adequate healthy intestinal flora and overall gut integrity
Thus, the health of many body systems including thyroid, depend on health of liver and gastrointestinal tract.
If thyroid hormones are too low or not being converted properly, it can lead to hypothyroidism—fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, depression, constipation, and more.
If hormone levels are too high, you may experience hyperthyroid symptoms—like anxiety, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and weight loss.
Even if TSH is "normal," conversion issues, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, or autoimmune reactions can interfere with how well thyroid hormones actually function in your body.
The Hidden Cause of Low Thyroid Function - Autoimmune Disease. Hashimoto Disease
Many people struggling with low thyroid symptoms—like fatigue, weight gain, hair thinning, depression, constipation, and cold intolerance—are surprised to learn that the most common cause of low thyroid (hypothyroidism)
is autoimmune.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation and gradual destruction of thyroid tissue. Over time, this results in low thyroid hormone production and the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
And it doesn’t stop there—those with Hashimoto’s often have other autoimmune tendencies or coexisting issues such as: Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus. Many people are prescribed thyroid medication without ever being tested for thyroid antibodies—which can confirm an autoimmune origin. But knowing the why behind your thyroid imbalance is key to true healing.
The Ripple Effect of a Sluggish Thyroid
Hypothyroidism involves not only the gland itself but other organs and systems. Low thyroid affects bone metabolism, fat burning, high cholesterol and reproduction. The thyroid is very sensitive to the slightest alterations in the body and, in turn, impact to other body systems. It looks like a vicious cycle.
Do not overlook adrenal stress.
The thyroid and adrenal glands are closely linked through the body’s stress-response system. When the adrenals are under chronic stress, they release high levels of cortisol, which can suppress the production and conversion of thyroid hormones.
As a result, even if the thyroid gland itself is healthy, its function can be compromised when the adrenals are overworked. Addressing adrenal health is often a key part of restoring optimal thyroid function.
If you’ve been told “your labs are normal” but you still feel off, or if you suspect your thyroid might be part of a bigger picture, you deserve answers.