The 5 Most Common Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders affect upwards of 20 million Americans and 80% of incidences affect women.Regardless, thyroid health is an issue of importance for both men and women. Your thyroid is part of your endocrine system and if it's out of whack, it's almost certain that your hormones will be as well. A healthy thyroid gland encourages positive well-being, metabolism, and energy levels. If your thyroid isn't functioning properly, concerns can result. Let's take a look at the five most common.
Common Thyroid Disorders
1. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is overactive and produces an overabundance of T3/T4 hormones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include goiter, heart palpitations, anxiety, excess sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, and muscle weakness. Its causes are as diverse as its symptoms. Grave's Disease, thyroid nodules, and goiter all lead to inhibition of necessary hormone feedback loop and contribute to over production of thyroid hormones. Conventional approaches to hyperthyroidism include beta blockers and anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Natural approaches are numerous and often boil down to one thing: diet. Eliminating goitrogenic foods and avoiding fluoride, bromine, and chlorine are important. Reducing gluten and dairy casein may help protect the thyroid gland in some individuals. Nascent iodine, lithium orotate, probiotics, vitamin D3, omega-3 fats, L-dopa (mucuna pruriens), and L-tyrosine are supplements that can help support thyroid health. Getting enough sleep, deep breathing meditation, and general relaxation may also be helpful for reducing thyroid stress. [1] [2]
2. Hypothyroidism
On the opposite end of the spectrum, an under active thyroid which produces inadequate amounts of T3/T4 thyroid hormones is defined as hypothyroidism. Symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, cold intolerance, baldness, depression, dry skin/hair/nails, and irritability. Common causes include a thyroid deficiency from birth, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, nutritional iodine deficiency, pituitary gland abnormality, metal toxicity, and imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria. The conventional approach is a synthetic hormone called Levothyroxine. With the exception of increasing exercise, the natural steps to reduce risk for hypothyroidism are exactly the same for hyperthyroidism. [3] Exercise may help boost thyroid hormones, providing support for a sluggish, under active gland.
3. Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder whereby the thyroid gland is attacked by the immune system in response to antibodies produced by exposure to an allergen. This reacts with the cells and tissues of the thyroid, causing inflammation and destruction of the gland, ultimately leading to hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. Fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, goiter, weight gain, paleness/puffiness in face, sleepiness, joint/muscle pain, dry/brittle hair, and depression are common symptoms. [4] Medical experts believe that viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances initiate the process of Hashimoto's disease autoimmunity. Iodine deficiency in conjunction with fluoride/chlorine/bromine exposure may also be a contributing factor. A gluten allergy may be another hidden culprit behind Hashimoto’s disease. Vitamin D deficiency and flora imbalances are also common concerning factors. The approaches are similar to that of hypothyroidism. Additionally, current research explores selenium supplementation as a possible approach to thyroid health and reducing the effects of Hashimoto's disease.[5]
4. Grave's Disease
Similar to Hashimoto’s disease, Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disorder where the thyroid gland is attacked by the immune system. This confuses the cells of the thyroid, causing inflammation and the overproduction of T3/T4 thyroid hormones, eventually leading to an overactive thyroid.[6] Symptoms include anxiety, heart palpitations, goiter, hand tremors, weight loss, insomnia, irritability, muscle weakness, diarrhea, heat intolerance, and eye concerns. The causes are very similar to Hashimoto’s disease and the approaches are generally the same as hyperthyroidism.
5. Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland and there are a few types:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Postpartum thyroiditis potentially caused by autoimmune response, often in two phases:
- The first phase occurs months 1 through 4 postpartum, resulting in hyperthyroidism.
- The second phase generally lasts from months 4 through 8 postpartum and often results in a hypothyroid condition due to the exhaustion of thyroid hormones in the earlier phase. Recovery usually happens naturally 12-18 months postpartum.
- Silent/painless thyroiditis, similar to postpartum but not related to birth.
- Sub acute thyroiditis, similar to the others but causes pain in jaw/neck/ear, possibly from autoimmunity or infection.
Iodine deficiency in conjunction with fluoride/chlorine/bromine displacement may be a contributing factor for thyroiditis. Gluten allergy, vitamin D deficiency, and dysbiosis may also be factors associated with the condition. Depending on the type of thyroiditis, medications usually vary depending on whether it presents initially with hyper- or hypothyroidism. [7]
How Iodine Affects Your Thyroid
Length: 2 minutes
Is Your Thyroid Healthy?
Thyroid disorders affect millions of Americans yearly, and the numbers grow with each passing year. Research suggests that much of the causation is likely due to lifestyle factors such as constant exposure to a toxic environment, the consumption of chemically laden food and water, as well as a deficiency of certain nutrients. Have you experienced any issues with your thyroid? How did you deal with it?
References (7)
- Delitala G, Masala A, et al. "Plasma prolactin response to Ldopa TRH and metaclopramide in thyrotoxicosis." Biomedicine. 1976 Jul;25(5):1736.
- "Hyperthyroidism." American Thyroid Association, Hyperthyroidism. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
- "Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)." Mayo Clinic, 10 Dec. 2022. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
- "Hashimoto's Disease." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, June 2021, Hashimoto's Disease. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
- Zagrodzki, P, and J Kryczyk. "[The Importance of Selenium in Hashimoto’s Disease.]" Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej (Online). 68. (18 Sept. 2014): 1129–37. 26 July 2016.
- "Graves’ Disease." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Nov. 2021. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
- Office of Women's Health/U.S. HHS. "Thyroid disease." Fact Sheet.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
