Hypothyroidism was estimated to affect 13 million Americans in 2000. This condition is associated with weight gain, inability to lose weight, fatigue, depression, decreased libido, and high cholesterol. A low-iodine diet results in hypothyroidism. One of the effects of low iodine is a reduction in thyroid cell connectivity by connexins. In autoimmune (immune system-related) thyroid disease, which results in hypothyroidism, the diseased tissue has reduced amounts of connexin 43, connexin 26, and connexin 32. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced in the hypothalamic region of the brain, regulates thyroid hormone production by increasing the connexin function of thyroid cells.
Hypothyroidism is the disease state in humans and animals caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland or impaired internalization of thyroid hormone into cells where it actually functions.
There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism. In many developing countries iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. In developed countries, hypothyroidism is mostly caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis or a deficiency of hormones from either the hypothalamus or the pituitary.
Hypothyroidism can result post-pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis) and is a condition that affects about 5% of all women within a year after giving birth. Of those women who experience hypothyroidism associated with postpartum thyroiditis, one in five will develop permanent hypothyroidism requiring life-long treatment.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
The ability of hypothyroidism to mimic a number of medical conditions originates due to its many functions. The functions of thyroid hormones include modulation of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, vitamin utilization, mitochondrial function, digestive process, muscle and nerve activity, blood flow, oxygen utilization, hormone secretion and sexual and reproductive health. Therefore, when thyroid hormone content gets out of balance, systems covering the whole body are affected.
In adults, hypothyroidism may be associated with the following symptoms:
Early symptoms
Late symptoms
Psychological symptoms
Hypothyroidism in pediatric patients can cause the following additional symptoms
If you suspect that you may have any of these symptoms you should consult your physician for the appropriate diagnostic testing.
Diagnosing Hypothyroidism
Primary hypothyroidism may be diagnosed by measuring the amount of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) being produced. High levels of TSH indicate that the thyroid is not producing sufficient levels of Thyroid hormone (mainly as thyroxine and smaller amounts of triiodothyronine (fT3)). However, measuring just TSH fails to diagnose secondary and tertiary forms of hypothyroidism, thus leading to the following suggested blood testing if the TSH is normal and hypothyroidism is still suspected:
Additionally, the following measurements may be needed:
Hormone Replacement and Complementary Treatment
Pharmacologic Treatment
Both synthetic and animal-derived thyroid replacements are available and can be prescribed if patients are in need of additional thyroid hormone. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends the use of levothyroxine (T4) as thyroid replacement.
Prevention
Since one of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain, it is important to be confident that despite having normal blood thyroid hormone levels that the thyroid hormone present in the blood is actually being internalized into your cells. Having a condition known as metabolic acidosis can both impair receptor internalization and also impair the breakdown of fat known as Lipolysis. Metabolic acidosis also can cause connexin dysfunction that is important for a properly functioning thyroid system. Metabolic acidosis may be occurring as a result of consuming a diet, which is too highly acid generating in our body; therefore, an alkalinizing diet of connexin-enhancing food and minerals may be beneficial and restorative.