The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located over the trachea (wind pipe) just below the larynx (voice box). It is responsible for regulating the metabolism of the body. The hypothalamus is responsible for making sure thyroid blood levels are normal. When the it notices the blood levels decreasing it releases TRH (thyroid releasing hormone). The TRH then signals the pituitary gland to release TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism

Primary hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient production or absorption of thyroid hormone. This problem is usually brought about as a result of iodine insufficiency, a tumor, a damaged gland, or vitamin deficiencies. Hypothyroidism can also be a result of the pituitary gland and/or the hypothalamus not functioning properly, which is "secondary hypothyroidism".

Those with hypothyroidism may feel older than their age because it can exaggerate the conditions associated with aging. T4 plays a role in controlling the body's metabolism so these patients may notice weight gain due to their low levels of T4.

Some of the changes that usually come about as a result of the aging process can also be caused by a lack of thyroid hormone. These changes can include shrinking of the body's organs and changes in the fat to muscle ratio, with the result being more fat and less muscle. The decrease in lean muscle mass can then interfere with the activity of the enzyme that converts thyroxine (T4) into triodothyronine (T3). T3 is about 5 times more potent than T4.

Adequate levels of thyroid hormone are needed to regulate the body's blood sugar, so a deficiency of may also bring about mature-onset diabetes. Low levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease due to increased cholesterol and triglycerides, and may cause high blood pressure.

Symptoms
fatigue and lack of energy	decrease in heart contractility
weakness	dry, flaky, pale skin
lack of appetite	dry, coarse, dull hair, loss of hair
weight gain	thinning of eye brows
sensitivity to cold, cold hands and feet	brittle nails
low body temperature	constipation
depression	headache
mental sluggishness with poor memory	bruises easily
mood swings and emotional instability	stiff joints including mild arthritis
susceptibility to viruses and colds	persistent low back pain
frequent respiratory problems	muscle cramps
labored breathing	irregular menstrual cycles
atherosclerosis	decreased libido, lack of energy for sex

About 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men over age 50 will develop some symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hormone production decreases as we age, however the usual age related decrease is not considered true hypothyroidism. The diagnosis is usually made only when the level drops below what is considered "normal for age", which is unfortunate.

The general opinion of some in the medical community has been that decreasing hormones is a normal part of aging and replacement is not necessary. Although some of their aging patients are having clear symptoms of insufficient hormone levels, some physicians refuse to give these ailing patients medication. These patients are missing out on therapy that should alleviate or at least improve their symptoms.

Self-Detection of Hypothyroidism

The Barnes Basal Temperature test:

1. When you go to bed place a thermometer next to your bed. Be sure to shake the thermometer down if it is a mercury thermometer.

2. As soon as you awake, check the thermometer under your arm for about 10 minutes. Be sure to check your temperature before you move around much because an increase in your activity can cause an increase in your temperature.

3. Record your temperature this way for 2 days. If your temperature is below 97.8° to 98.2° for two consecutive days, you may be hypothyroid.

4. Women should wait until after the first day of their menstrual period before taking this test.

If your Barnes Basal Temperature test is positive you should take the results to your private healthcare provider and request he/she do a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test.

Lisa Wells, RN

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