Download Dr. Michelle Salga ND, BHRT Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine dr

Dr. Michelle Salga ND, BHRT
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
[email protected]
647-293-9498
THYROID:
Energy, Weight management, Nutrient Depletion, Insomnia, Hair & Nails, Memory
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck and wraps partially around
the windpipe. The gland is responsible for making thyroid hormones that control the metabolism
of all cells in your body.
If the thyroid overproduces hormones, you can have a condition called hyperthyroidism. This
condition commonly causes symptoms such as a forceful and rapid heart beat, insomnia,
sudden weight loss, breathlessness, nervousness, irritability, sweating, and frequent bowel
movements.1
Many people can also suffer from different degrees of low or underactive thyroid function, called
hypothyroidism. Symptoms of a thyroid gland producing too little thyroid hormone can include a
slow metabolism, listlessness, lowered body temperature, weight gain, constipation, muscle
soreness, feeling cold, fatigue, depression, high cholesterol and homocysteine, painful joints,
dry skin, and hair loss.1-4
There are two types of thyroid hormones: Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is
inactive and kept in reserve; T3 is the active hormone. Thyroid hormones control the growth,
differentiation, and metabolism of each cell in our body. They also control how fast our body
uses the fuel that we consume, particularly carbohydrates and fat.1 This helps to regulate our
body temperature and fat percentage. About 80% of thyroid hormone production is T4, the
inactive thyroid hormone that is typically held in reserve by the body. T3 makes up only 20% of
thyroid hormone production,5 but it is the active hormone that the body uses to function. T4 is
converted into T3 when thyroid hormone is needed.
The release of the thyroid hormones is controlled by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),
which is produced in the pituitary gland. Low circulating levels of thyroid hormone are detected
by the hypothalamus, which then instructs the pituitary to release TSH. When sufficient amounts
are released, the hypothalamus communicates with the pituitary to stop or slow down. Because
of this complicated feedback loop, high levels of TSH in the blood often mean the pituitary is
trying to stimulate thyroid hormone production, but the thyroid gland is not responding. This
condition is known as hypothyroidism.
Benefits of Thyroid

Regulates temperature, metabolism, and cerebral function

Increases energy, body temperature, and warmth

Increases fat breakdown, resulting in decreased weight and lower cholesterol2

Protects against cardiovascular ailments3,6

Improves cerebral metabolism

Supports cognitive function7

Relieves symptoms of thin sparse hair, dry skin, and brittle nails

References
www.trubalancehealthcare.com | TruBalance Healthcare Inc., (CANADA) | Direct: 647.884.0663
Dr. Michelle Salga ND, BHRT
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
[email protected]
647-293-9498
1.
Huber MA, Terézhalmy GT. Risk stratification and dental management of the patient with
thyroid dysfunction. Quintessence Int. 2008 Feb;39(2):139-50.
2.
Asranna A, et al. Dyslipidemia in subclinical hypothyroidism and the effect of thyroxine
on lipid profile. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Dec;16(Suppl 2):S347-9.
3.
Kutluturk F, et al. Changes in metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors before and after
treatment in overt hypothyroidism. Med Glas (Zenica). 2013 Aug;10(2):348-53.
4.
Rao ML, et al. Low plasma thyroid indices of depressed patients are attenuated by
antidepressant drugs and influence treatment outcome. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1996
Sep;29(5):180-6.
5.
Sapin R, Schlienger JL. [Thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3)determinations:
techniques and value in the assessment of thyroid function]. Ann Biol Clin (Paris). 2003 JulAug;61(4):411-20.
6.
Klein I, Ojamaa K. Thyroid hormone and the cardiovascular system. N Engl J Med.
2001;344(7): 501-509.
7.
Bunevicius R, et al. Effects of thyroxine as compared with thyroxine plus triiodothyronine
in patients with hypothyroidism. N Engl J Med. 1999 Feb 11;340(6):424-9.
8.
Toft AD. Thyroid hormone replacement – one or two? N Engl J Med. 1999 Feb
11;340(6):469-70.
9.
Gaby AR. Sub-laboratory hypothyroidism and the empirical use of Armour thyroid. Altern
Med Rev. 2004 Jun; 9(2):157-179.
10.
Escobar-Morreale HF, et al. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy in primary
hypothyroidism: a randomized trial comparing L-thyroxine plus liothyronine with L-thyroxine
alone. Ann Intern Med. 2005 Mar 15;142(6):412-24.
11.
Sesmilo G, et al. Serum free triiodothyronine (T3) to free thyroxine (T4) ratio in treated
central hypothyroidism compared with primary hypothyroidism and euthyroidism. Endocrinol
Nutr. 2011 Jan;58(1):9-15.
12.
VIDEO - Uploaded on Mar 23, 2009 - Neal Rouzier, MD - speaks on the New
Updates in Thyroid Treatments at the 16th annual A4M conference in Orlando, Florida. 10
minute video clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiAGg1fc3RE
www.trubalancehealthcare.com | TruBalance Healthcare Inc., (CANADA) | Direct: 647.884.0663