The Women Warriors

[MessiahMews]

Low Thyroid, Hypothyroidism and Natural Hypothyroid Therapies:



The standard thyroid hormone medicine, T4, that most doctors prescribe, is not the active form of thyroid hormone. The thyroid makes mostly T4, and secretes this into the blood. Then our cells take up T4, but before the cells can put T4 to work, cells must convert T4 to a natural hypothyroid hormone, known as T3. Synthroid and Levothy...roid, the most often prescribed thyroid hormones, contain only T4. Cytomel is 100% T3. Armour Thryoid (pork-derived) is about 60% T4 and 40% T3.

If the cell has a decreased ability to convert T4 (Synthroid) into T3 (Cytomel), cellular metabolism could be too low i.e. hypothyroid for lack of T3-- despite the standard blood thyroid hormone tests being normal. If the cells have trouble converting T4 to T3 then natural hypothyroid therapies have to supply the needed T3, most often by treating with Cytomel or Armour Thyroid.

Ironically, almost all mainstream experts agree that difficulties converting T4 (Synthroid) to T3 (Cytomel) can occur. However, most mainstream thyroid specialists believe that only a few individuals suffer from low T3 intracellular hypothyroid.

In contrast, most alternative medicine thyroid doctors believe that T3 deficiency within the cells is actually a common problem. Hence, their emphasis on natural hypothyroid therapies such as natural Armour Thyroid, or the synthetic T3 medicine, Cytomel.

We do not yet have enough first rate studies of natural thyroid therapies, but, recent research shows that there are quite a few settings in which T4 to T3 blockage may occur. For example: the enzyme that converts T4 thyroid hormone into T3 requires the mineral Selenium. If selenium nutrition is sub-par, the cell cannot produce as much T3. Zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D may also be needed.

Hypothyroid diets: Certain otherwise healthful foods, in large amounts, can block the production of both T3 and T4.

Severe physical illness can also block the formation of T3. These conditions may include such common conditions as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and tension headaches.

The stress-hormone cortisol (cortisone) can block T3. Both physical and emotional distress often makes cortisol rise. This is especially so among persons with anxiety and depression.

In recent years leading mainstream psychiatrists have accepted that thyroid hormone therapy for people with depression, can improve mood–even among people whose standard thyroid blood tests are normal. T3 forms, Armour thyroid and Cytomel, were used in most studies, although Synthroid or Levothyroid also may work.

Dr. CB Nemeroff, from the Department of Psychiatry of the Emory University of Medicine endorsed the use of natural hypothyroid therapies as an adjunctive treatment for depression: Augmentation of tricyclic antidepressant or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy with thyroid hormone (T3) has been shown to be effective in open and controlled trials.(Nemeroff CB. Augmentation strategies in patients with refractory depression Depress Anxiety 1996-97;4(4):169-81). http://www.drpodell.org/natural_hypothyroid_therapies.shtml
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Natural Desiccated Thyroid Information (Armour, Nature-throid etc), Manufacturers and Conversion Chart: http://on.fb.me/Oml1fI

Hypothyroid Symptoms: http://on.fb.me/MeRlCo

Dr. C's videos/write ups for TS (Hair loss, Adrenal Fatigue, RT3, Hashi's, Labs etc) http://on.fb.me/Mc9Nd5

1) Hair loss: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-T3-bmVpmDNERzVyXiL-IZwYxil7ljOMQq2POde1Ofc/edit?pli=1

2) Hashimoto's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zKI7LXfJDQ&feature=related

3) Labs/other tests: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-qsnBOA9ko&feature=g-upl&context=G2b9bc9dAUAAAAAAADAA

4) Reverse T3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly911_3SaSI&feature=related

More on RT3 by Dr. Christianson: "RT3 is a problem when high. It means the body is intentionally slowing its metabolic rate. Imagine a car engine that restricts you to half throttle when it is not working right to prevent further damage. The formation of RT3 is an appropriate response to some metabolic stress. The solution is not to give T3 or more thyroid in general, the solution is to uncover the defect that is causing the body to make RT3. Consider chronic infections, environmental toxins as high suspects, but low nutrients, liver congestion, renal abnormalities and many other things can cause this."

5) Hashimoto's/hypothyroidism, what's the difference? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKk-JWlBb7o
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