What Causes Thyroid Hormone Resistance – Getting To The Root Cause Of Thyroid Conditions
Let’s discuss thyroid hormone resistance and other issues that affect this gland because so many people suffer from thyroid-related problems. This is why thyroid hormone is one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States. Most doctors say thyroid issues are genetic, but there is a cause. Specifically, toxins are the driving factor behind thyroid conditions.
Thyroid Hormone Resistance – The Canary In The Coal Mine
The thyroid can be likened to a canary in a coal mine, as it is sensitive and vulnerable. This comparison originates from the practice of miners bringing a canary with them into coal mines, as these birds are highly susceptible to toxic gasses. If the canary were to perish, it was an indication for miners to evacuate immediately.
Similarly, our thyroid tissue is extremely delicate and reacts strongly to toxins. Once thyroid dysfunction sets in, it opens the door for many other health issues such as autoimmune conditions and degenerative diseases.
The Thyroid’s Connection To The Endocrine System
The thyroid works hand in hand with other essential organs such as the adrenals, gut, pancreas, and liver. Together, they form a complex network that ensures our body functions properly. Each of these organs has its unique role to play in maintaining our overall health and well-being.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and other vital functions. These hormones also help the body convert food into energy and play a role in growth and development.1
The adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, produce hormones that help us cope with stress and regulate blood sugar levels. They also work closely with the thyroid to balance energy levels and maintain a healthy immune system.
The gut plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. It absorbs nutrients from food and eliminates waste products from the body. The gut also produces hormones and neurotransmitters that communicate with the brain and other organs, including the thyroid.
The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin works closely with thyroid hormones to control metabolism and energy levels in the body.
Lastly, the liver plays a vital role in detoxifying our bodies and maintaining a healthy immune system. It also produces proteins that transport thyroid hormones throughout the body.2
The Increasing Prevalence Of Hypothyroidism – Thyroid Hormone Resistance
Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from person to person, but some common signs and symptoms include unexplained weight gain, difficulty losing weight despite efforts in diet and exercise, sleep disturbances and fatigue, changes in body temperature such as feeling cold or experiencing hot flashes, mood changes including depression, thinning hair and eyebrows, dry skin and brittle nails, and fertility issues.
According to recent statistics, it is estimated that around 27 million people in the United States are affected by thyroid disorders. However, shockingly, only half of these individuals have been accurately diagnosed.
Among those impacted by thyroid issues, women over the age of 40 make up a significant portion. In fact, it is reported that approximately 90% of this demographic has subclinical hypothyroidism or diagnosed hypothyroidism.
It’s worth noting that thyroid problems are not exclusive to women, but they are much more prevalent in the female population. In fact, thyroid disorders are the most common endocrine problem among women.
When it comes specifically to thyroid dysfunction in women, approximately 80% of cases involve hypothyroidism. Within this group, an estimated 80% have autoimmune hypothyroidism, a form of the disorder caused by an overactive immune system attacking the thyroid gland.
Studies have shown that approximately 80% of individuals with hypothyroidism do not experience significant improvement in their symptoms while taking levothyroxine. This is especially true for those who have Hashimoto’s disease. Since levothyroxine only replaces thyroid hormone, it does not address the underlying cause of Hashimoto’s disease.
Moreover, relying solely on blood tests to determine the effectiveness of levothyroxine is not a reliable indicator. It is estimated that individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism, where their TSH levels are slightly elevated but still within the “normal” range, can go undiagnosed for 10-20 years before showing up on a blood test.
It is also important to note that the “normal” range for TSH levels can vary, with some laboratories using a range of 0.5 to 5.5 while others, like myself, believe 0.35 to 2 is the ideal range. This discrepancy leads to individuals being misdiagnosed or not receiving proper treatment for their hypothyroidism.
This means that even if a person’s TSH levels appear to be within the normal range, they may still be experiencing symptoms of an underactive thyroid. During this time, people suffer unnecessarily with hormone related-issues yet their doctor assures them their hormone levels are completely normal.
If we don’t address the underlying cause of hormone resistance and hormone problems, they will only get worse with time as we continue to fill ourselves with toxins that lead to downstream issues like hormone resistance.3
Heavy Metals Impact The Thyroid Gland
One of the primary consequences of heavy metal accumulation in the thyroid gland is hypothyroidism. In addition to causing hypothyroidism, heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium can also interfere with the conversion of T4 (thyroxine) to its active form T3 (triiodothyronine). This disruption in hormone conversion further contributes to thyroid dysfunction and can result in a variety of health issues.4
Thyroid Conditions Drive Many Diseases
The role of thyroid problems in obesity has been well documented. Not only does it affect weight gain, but it also increases the risk of heart disease and other serious health conditions. In fact, individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism are at a significantly higher risk for heart attacks.5
The impact of thyroid issues goes beyond physical health. Studies have shown that undiagnosed thyroid conditions contribute to mental health issues such as depression, psychosis, dementia, and mood changes. Furthermore, women going through perimenopause and menopause often experience symptoms related to their thyroid.6
Converting T4 To T3
The process of converting thyroid hormone, T4, to its active form, T3, is essential for proper metabolic function. While this conversion primarily occurs in the liver, it also takes place in other organs such as the gut and kidneys.
Disruptions in this conversion process lead to a variety of health issues. The root cause often lies far beyond these organs, at the pituitary gland and hypothalamus located in our brain.
These two small, but mighty glands, play a crucial role in regulating the production of thyroid hormones. Specifically, the hypothalamus communicates with the pituitary gland, which then releases TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce T4 and T3.
This delicate feedback loop helps maintain appropriate levels of these essential hormones in our body. Any malfunction or imbalance in their functioning ultimately affects the conversion of T4 to T3, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.7
Selenium And Thyroid Function
Selenium is a critical component of the conversion from T4 to T3. This means that selenium deficiency leads to lower levels of active thyroid hormones in the body. Moreover, studies have shown that individuals with low selenium levels are at an increased risk for developing autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. Selenium has been found to have a protective effect against these conditions by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Furthermore, selenium has also been linked to the regulation of thyroid hormone levels. It has been shown to increase T3 levels while decreasing T4 and reverse T3, which is an inactive form of thyroid hormone. This balance is crucial for maintaining proper thyroid function.
In addition to its role in thyroid hormone production and regulation, selenium also acts as an antioxidant by protecting the thyroid gland from damage caused by free radicals.8
R1 – Remove The Source Of Thyroid Hormone Resistance
The initial step in the 5Rs approach is crucial for maintaining optimal health by removing sources of toxins in our environment. Exposure to toxins can lead to various health conditions, making it essential to make conscious choices such as avoiding tap water, products containing chemicals, and opting for organic foods and natural products.
R2 – Regenerating The Cellular Membranes
Our cellular membranes play a vital role in ensuring proper bodily functions. However, exposure to toxins and chemicals can cause inflammation in these membranes. By using nutraceuticals, we can repair and regenerate these membranes, promoting better nutrient absorption and removal of toxins from our cells.9
R3 – Boosting ATP Production
Toxins can also hinder our cellular energy production, leading to a lack of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This molecule is essential for optimal cell functioning and helps in removing toxins. Through proper supplementation, we can increase ATP levels and support the production of glutathione, a vital antioxidant for detoxification.10 11
R4 – Reducing Cellular Membrane Inflammation
Even after toxins are removed, inflammation in cellular membranes may persist due to the NO/ONOO cycle. To combat this, nutraceuticals are utilized to effectively reduce inflammation levels back to normal. By doing so, we can prevent the development of chronic conditions and promote overall health.12
R5 – Reestablishing Methylation
Methylation is a crucial biochemical process responsible for producing essential compounds like proteins, DNA, and neurotransmitters. Exposure to toxins disrupts this process, leading to various health issues. However, with the help of methyl donors and proper supplementation, we can restore proper methylation patterns and support epigenetic regulation. This plays a significant role in determining gene expression and combating thyroid hormone resistance.13
To learn even more about thyroid hormone resistance, join me in my free webinar.
References
1 Nussey S, Whitehead S. Endocrinology: An Integrated Approach. Oxford: BIOS Scientific Publishers; 2001. Chapter 3, The thyroid gland. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK28/
2 Hiller-Sturmhöfel S, Bartke A. The endocrine system: an overview. Alcohol Health Res World. 1998;22(3):153-64. PMID: 15706790; PMCID: PMC6761896.
3 Chaker L, Bianco AC, Jonklaas J, Peeters RP. Hypothyroidism. Lancet. 2017 Sep 23;390(10101):1550-1562. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30703-1. Epub 2017 Mar 20. PMID: 28336049; PMCID: PMC6619426.
4 Bajaj JK, Salwan P, Salwan S. Various Possible Toxicants Involved in Thyroid Dysfunction: A Review. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Jan;10(1):FE01-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/15195.7092. Epub 2016 Jan 1. PMID: 26894086; PMCID: PMC4740614.
5 Song RH, Wang B, Yao QM, Li Q, Jia X, Zhang JA. The Impact of Obesity on Thyroid Autoimmunity and Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Immunol. 2019 Oct 1;10:2349. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02349. PMID: 31681268; PMCID: PMC6797838.
6 Lekurwale V, Acharya S, Shukla S, Kumar S. Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Thyroid Diseases. Cureus. 2023 Jan 20;15(1):e33987. doi: 10.7759/cureus.33987. PMID: 36811059; PMCID: PMC9938951.
7 Dayan C, Panicker V. Management of hypothyroidism with combination thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormone replacement in clinical practice: a review of suggested guidance. Thyroid Res. 2018 Jan 17;11:1. doi: 10.1186/s13044-018-0045-x. PMID: 29375671; PMCID: PMC5772692.
8 Gorini F, Sabatino L, Pingitore A, Vassalle C. Selenium: An Element of Life Essential for Thyroid Function. Molecules. 2021 Nov 23;26(23):7084. doi: 10.3390/molecules26237084. PMID: 34885664; PMCID: PMC8658851.
9 Ammendolia, D.A., Bement, W.M. & Brumell, J.H. Plasma membrane integrity: implications for health and disease. BMC Biol 19, 71 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-021-00972-y
10 Vašková J, Kočan L, Vaško L, Perjési P. Glutathione-Related Enzymes and Proteins: A Review. Molecules. 2023 Feb 2;28(3):1447. doi: 10.3390/molecules28031447. PMID: 36771108; PMCID: PMC9919958.
11 Zolkipli-Cunningham Z, Falk MJ. Clinical effects of chemical exposures on mitochondrial function. Toxicology. 2017 Nov 1;391:90-99. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.07.009. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28757096; PMCID: PMC6078194.
12 Pall M. L. (2013). The NO/ONOO-cycle as the central cause of heart failure. International journal of molecular sciences, 14(11), 22274–22330. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141122274
13 Dhar GA, Saha S, Mitra P, Nag Chaudhuri R. DNA methylation and regulation of gene expression: Guardian of our health. Nucleus (Calcutta). 2021;64(3):259-270. doi: 10.1007/s13237-021-00367-y. Epub 2021 Aug 16. PMID: 34421129; PMCID: PMC8366481.
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