Hypothyroidism: Under-diagnosed Illness
Twenty three years ago, Broda Barnes, M.D., wrote a landmark book entitled Hypothyroidism—The Unsuspected Illness. He addressed an epidemic of patients with a confusing array of symptoms. Barnes was able to demonstrate how a low or hypoactive thyroid was related to these symptoms. It was Barnes' belief that as many as 40 per cent of Americans are affected by hypothyroidism. Virtually every tissue in the body is affected in some way by the thyroid hormones by regulating enzyme activity, metabolic processes, production of hormones, and the use of vitamins and minerals. Further, the thyroid hormones regulate oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, liver, kidneys and the gastointestinal tract.
Hypothyroidism can have many etiologies or causes such as radiation, autoimmune problems, iodine deficiencies, and lack of appropriate nutrients such as selenium.
What are the major symptoms of hypothyroidism? A compilation from many sources include: extreme tiredness, slow speech, dry and coarse skin, weakness, cold intolerance, hair loss (including eye brows and eye lashes), menstrual irregularities, high serum cholesterol, poor resistance to infection, difficulty concentrating, constipation, and hoarseness.
The most popular way to diagnosis this condition is with serum testing of T3 , T4 and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). The combination of a low T3, T4 and high TSH presupposes hypothyroidism. There are, however, problems with this. Not everyone fits the text book picture. Barnes noted that very often the serum test would be completely normal even though significant symptoms exist.
Because of these inconsistencies, Barnes recommended the use of basal metabolic temperature via the axillary measurement (underarm temperature). Although this is not ideal, it is non-invasive, inexpensive and more diagnostic than the serum testing. To do this test, shake down a thermometer the night before to below 96 degrees and put it beside your bed. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, put the thermometer deep in your armpit for ten minutes and record the temperature. Do this before you get out of bed, have anything to eat or drink, or engage in any activity. This will measure the lowest temperature of the day, which correlates with the thyroid gland function. The normal axillary temperature averages between 97.8 to 98.2 degrees F. I recommend treatment if the temperature is 97.4 or less. The temperature should be taken for fire days. For women, the temperature should be taken starting the second day of menstruation. That is because a temperature rise occurs around the time of ovulation which may lead to incorrect interpretation of the test. If you miss a day, that is OK, but be sure to finish the testing before ovulation. For men, or women who are menopausal, it make no difference when the temperature is taken. However, do not do the test when you have an infection or any other condition that would raise your temperature.
If you find that your average underarm temperature is at or below 97.4 degrees F, I recommend that you go to an alternative care physician for further diagnosis and treatment. Many times a trial dose with a natural thyroid medication will alleviate the symptoms and confirm the diagnosis. A certified clinical nutritionist can help you determine if nutritional intervention will improve the condition without the use of a thyroid supplement. Another important step is to have your mercury fillings removed to minimize autoimmune thyroid problems.
Recommended Reading:
www.my4tune.u-net.com is an excellent web site devoted to thyroid problems.
A new nutritional healing book that I have enjoyed reading is the 7-Day Detox Miracle by Peter Bennett, N.D., and Stephen Barrie, N.D., with Sara Faye. This is an easy to read and easily understood book with case histories and protocols to follow in your detoxification. The authors have taken care to reference their work and have defined well the terms they use and the reasons for taking a particular nutritional supplement. It is worth your time to buy and read this book. It will be a keeper in your library. For more information regarding this and other recommended books, you can check my homepage at www.nutrident.com and look under publications.
Dr. Lowrance holds a master’s degree in biochemistry and is a board certified Clinical Nutritionist. He provides comprehensive dental care as well as nutritional counseling for environmentally compromised patients. Previous articles are available from DAMS, or you can download them from Dr. Lowrance’s web site at www.Nutrident.com. Information regarding a mercury-free dentist in your area can be provided by the DAMS organization.