Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce adequate thyroid hormones, which are T4 and T3. Thyroid hormones are critical to health, contributing to metabolic rate, energy, and cognitive function. There are several different types of hypothyroidism, but in most cases, people who have a hypothyroid condition will feel tired, lack focus, and may experience dry skin, cold extremities, constipation, or weight gain. However, other medical conditions can be present at the same time may mask many of these symptoms. For example, hypothyroidism is commonly associated with celiac disease, which may cause diarrhea. Hypothyroidism is readily treatable, but there are several factors to consider when evaluating thyroid function.

TSH

Most physicians measure thyroid function by testing levels of TSH. TSH stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. TSH levels are supposed to automatically increase to compensate for low thyroid hormone production. When this happens, TSH levels become abnormally high and indicate a hypothyroid condition. Unfortunately, most physicians are using an outdated and unnecessarily wide reference range when determining normal TSH levels. You may actually be hypothyroid, but have been told by your physician that your thyroid level is normal.

A normal TSH level is between 0.3 and 2.5 as determined by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. However, most physicians and labs are using a range of 0.30 to 5.00. Therefore your TSH level may increase to what appears to be a very normal looking 3.00, when you may in fact be quite hypothyroid.

Thyroid Antibodies/Hashimotos Thyroiditis

Many hypothyroid conditions are caused by an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland. There are two major thyroid antibodies, called thyroid peroxidase antibody and anti-thyroglobulin antibody. The presence of these antibodies can indicate an autoimmune condition called Hashimotos Thyroiditis. This condition can be present even if your TSH is normal, and it may affect your need for thyroid hormone.

Treating Hypothyroidism

The most common treatment for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine, or T4. Levothyroxine is also known under the brand names Synthroid and Levoxyl. T4 is then converted by the body into T3, the active thyroid hormone. T3 (Cytomel) is sometimes prescribed, but it has a very short half-life (about 2 hours), and must be taken several times a day to be effective. Levothyroxine is identical to the T4 hormone that your body makes, and is a very effective medication.

Armour thyroid is another medication sometimes used to treat hypothyroidism. Armour thyroid is a glandular product, meaning that it is the ground-up porcine gland. It contains T4, T3, and the other constituents of the thyroid gland. Armour thyroid is a less desirable starting treatment for hypothyroidism due to the potential for developing an immune reaction to the drug.