About Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormone which is essential to help each cell in each tissue and organ to work right. For example, it helps the body use energy, stay warm, and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.¹

Think of the thyroid like a car engine: a healthy thyroid hums along with a steady, even purr. You don’t think about it too much; it just works. But a glitch in thyroid function can cause multiple changes in the way the body functions, just as a misfiring engine can hinder—or disable completely—the driving performance of a car.²

What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones. Since these hormones control many bodily functions such as your metabolism and how your cells use energy, an underactive thyroid can become very symptomatic.

When the thyroid is in a hypoactive state (hypothyroidism), it functions at a reduced speed and becomes sluggish, which can slow the body’s metabolic functions. This loss of function can produce symptoms such as weakness and lethargy, fatigue, unexplained weight gain and sensitivity to cold.

Hypothyroidism Causes
Hypothyroidism can occur due to many causes. Here is a list of the most common::

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or Other Autoimmune Disorders – Autoimmune conditions are among the top causes of hypothyroidism. When you are suffering with an autoimmune disorder, your body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues. In the case of Hashimoto’s, the immune system can attack the thyroid which limits the thyroid’s function to produce an adequate amount of hormones.

Medications – Some medications such as lithium and interferon can diminish the function of the thyroid gland resulting in hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment – Occasionally, treatment for hyperthyroidism can result in hypothyroidism after a patient is treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications.

Radiation – Radiation therapy, though used to treat cancers of the head and neck area as well as other diseases, can cause the thyroid to lose some or all of its ability to function, resulting in hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Removal Surgery – Some people with certain diseases may need to have lumps removed which can diminish or eliminate thyroid function. With partial thyroid removal, hormone levels may or may not be affected; however, complete removal of the thyroid will lead to hypothyroidism.

Less common causes:

Pituitary Gland Disorders – If the pituitary gland does not produce enough TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), the thyroid could be impaired in its ability to function.

Congenital disease – Though somewhat rare, some babies are born with a low-functioning thyroid gland or in some cases the absence of one.

Iodine Deficiency – The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can lead to a decreased level of thyroid hormones

T4 to T3 Conversion Difficulty – In the body, thyroxine (T4) is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), the form of the hormone the body can use. However, in some patients, this conversion is unsuccessful and evident in blood tests showing a normal TSH and T4, but a low T3. The difficulty can arise from nutritional deficiencies stemming from drugs, age, illness or birth control medication. It can also result from a deficiency in selenium or iodine, elements that are needed to manufacture the enzyme (iodothyronine 5’deiodinase) involved in the conversion process.³

Warning Signs
Seek medical attention if you or a person you know has hypothyroidism and develops signs of myxedema coma, such as:

• Mental deterioration (apathy, confusion and psychosis)
• Extreme weakness and fatigue that progress to loss of consciousness (coma).
• Severe breathing difficulties, slow heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute), or low body temperature [95 °F (35 °C) or below].

See your health professional if you have any symptoms that do not subside, including:

• Constipation.
• An inability to tolerate cold.
• Feeling tired, sluggish or weak.
• Dry skin, brittle nails, or a yellowish tint to the skin.
• Memory problems, depression or difficulty concentrating.
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods that may last longer than 5 to 7 days.

Do you or someone you know suffer from hypothyroidism?

If so, you are not alone.
Studies show that nearly 27 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism or some form of thyroid disease. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, with half of thyroid disease sufferers undiagnosed, more people suffer from thyroid disease than diabetes and cancer combined.

Thankfully, hypothyroidism can be treated.

About Nature-Throid™
Nature-Throid™ is a medication created specifically for people who are suffering from hypothyroidism. Nature-Throid™ replaces the thyroid hormones your body cannot produce so your body can come back into balance naturally.

Your thyroid creates thyroxine (T4) and converts it into triiodothyronine (T3), the active form your body can use. Nature-Throid™ is a combination T4 and T3 replacement drug, which means it supplements both hormones to simulate your body’s natural processes.

Nature-Throid™ comes in precise doses depending on the stage of your thyroid’s diminished function. If your thyroid is functioning, but at a reduced capacity, you may only need a small dose. If your body needs more thyroid hormone to restore its function, a higher dose of Nature-Throid™ may be prescribed.

Nature-Throid™ comes in 13 dose strengths ranging from ¼ grain (16.25 mg) to 5 grain (325 mg). Your dose may be adjusted during the beginning stages of treatment so your doctor can prescribe the precise amount. Your doctor will work with you throughout the course of treatment to moderate the exact dose that will keep your thyroid hormones balanced and functioning at optimal levels.

Sources:
¹ American Thyroid Association. (2003). ATA Hypothyroidism Booklet [Brochure]. Retrieved from
http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures/Hypothyroidism%20_web_booklet.pdf
² Balint, V. L. (2011, July). What Every Woman Should Know About Thyroid Disease. Raising Arizona Kids.16-17.
³Brownstein, D. (2002). Overcoming Thyroid Disorders. West Bloomfield, MI. Medical Alternatives Press.