Written by Ben Briggs RPh, CNC, IACP

Have you suspected that you have a low thyroid function yet your blood tests indicate your thyroid values are normal? Dr. Broda O. Barnes M.D. spent a lifetime researching thyroid dysfunction. In his book, Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, he reveals that 40% of all Americans suffer from hypothyroidism yet only about 10% of the patients tested will be diagnosed.

Signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism include: Angina, brittle nails, ridged nails, cold hands and feet, cold intolerance, constipation, depression, difficulty swallowing, dry skin, elevated cholesterol, essential hypertension, eyelid swelling, loss of outsides of eyebrows, fatigue, hair loss, hoarseness, hypotension, inability to concentrate, infertility, irritability, menstrual irregularities, morning headaches, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, nervousness, poor memory, puffy eyes, “slow starter”, slower heartbeat, throat pain and weight gain. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Polymyalgia, MS and RSD may also have a hypothyroid component. Let us take a closer look at conventional thyroid analysis.

Conventional thyroid laboratory blood testing is a quantitative analysis. This type of test is only evaluating how much thyroid hormone is in the blood stream or how much pituitary hormone TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is present. These quantitative values are only beneficial in diagnosing primary hypothyroidism. In other words, if the thyroid gland is failing, then the levels of thyroid hormone (T-4) will be low and the TSH will be elevated. This is termed “primary” hypothyroidism. In the past, a qualitative analysis, a thyroid tolerance test, was used to determine thyroid activity, i.e., an evaluation at the cellular level. The thyroid tolerance test has not been used for many years and most physicians are not familiar with this previous evaluation. In diabetic testing, a glucose tolerance test, qualitative analysis) is used to determine the cell receptor-site activity of the hormone insulin. It is unfortunate that the thyroid tolerance test is no longer available. This article will focus on a newer concept of hypothyroidism, Hypothyroidism Type 2, also known as “thyroid resistance”. Drs. E. Denis Wilson M.D., David Brownstein M.D. and Dr. Mark Starr M.D. each have done extensive research in the area of thyroid resistance, Hypothyroidism Type-2.

In Hypothyroidism Type-2 thyroid hormones, T-4 and T-3, appear normal in the bloodstream, but they are inactive (resistant) at the receptor-sites. Type II Diabetics have resistant insulin, and plenty of it. It is not just the quantity of hormone produced; it is a matter of activity of these hormones at the receptor site. Some 70 trillion cells in our body depend upon active thyroid hormone for optimal function. Clearly, a more thorough evaluation of thyroid hypo function is necessary for proper diagnosis.

Another problem in many people is the inadequate conversion of T-4, the weaker form, to T-3 the more active form inside the cell at the energy-producing sites of the mitochondria. With inadequate mitochondrial function there is a reduction in temperature and a diminished production of enzymes needed for every metabolic pathway in the body. This will result in a low basal body temperature. An under arm temperature taken first thing in the morning, without getting out of bed, for 5 minutes for 5 consecutive days should produce an average of 97.8- 98.2 degrees F. For menstruating patients, the temperature should be taken on days 2-6 of the cycle. A low basal temperature, with symptoms and a complete patient history and additional blood evaluation is necessary for diagnosis. Nutrient deficiencies, medications and other factors contribute to poor T-4 to T-3 conversion.

Nutrient deficiencies effecting thyroid conversion are: Iodine, Iron, (especially ferretin- <30 or >100), Selenium, Zinc, Vitamins A, B2, B6, B12 and D. The enzyme that converts T-4 to T-3 is iodothyronine 5’deiodinase. Its main constituents are Vitamin-D, Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, and Manganese. Medications also inhibit the conversion action. Beta Blockers, Birth Control pills, Estrogen, Lithium, Phenytoin, Theophyllin, SSRIs (antidepressants). Soy, alcohol, fluoride, heavy metal toxicity (lead, mercury), pesticides, radiation, surgery, fasting, smoking, high stress, and aging contribute to decreased conversion of T-4 toT-3. When a patient is diagnosed with hypothyroidism and given synthetic thyroid (Synthroid, Levothroid L-thyroxine) this is only T-4. The blood values may appear normal because of the low conversion phenomena mentioned above.

A better choice of thyroid therapy is Armour Thyroid and Naturethroid. I recommend Naturethroid because it is hypoallergenic. These are FDA approved prescription medications containing both T-4 and T-3 in exact ratio normally produced by the human body. The New England Journal of Medicine stated that Armour Thyroid is better than Synthroid, yet most physicians will prescribe the later. Other options include custom compounded formulation of T-4 and T-3. More information can be found on websites www.westernreasearchlabs.com.

Type-2 hypothyroidism is fully recognized by Integrative Physicians throughout the country as a viable condition. Many patients suffer needlessly because conventional physicians have come to rely on laboratory tests as the sole criteria for diagnosing hypothyroidism. Laboratory analysis alone does not take into consideration thyroid hormone activity at the cellular level where it has its impact. Therefore thyroid hormone resistance needs to be recognized and treated appropriately to help individuals overcome the conditions related to hypothyroidism.

Final Note: I will be presenting a seminar on this subject in our facility.

Check our website www.lionrx.com for more information.

Next time: Andropause – Male menopause