Thyroid Health Flashcards
How can the thyroid gland be described?
It is the epicenter of the body:
It regulates heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
It impacts weight, fertility, menstruation, skin tone, energy levels, sleep, memory, digestion
It impacts nearly every other body organ
What are thyroid cells designed for?
To absorb iodine to make hormones
What are the thyroid hormones?
T4, T3, TSH
What T4 hormone?
It is produced by the thyroid and is inactive, as well a the most common hormone
What is T3 hormone?
It is produced by the thyroid gland and is the active form of thyroid hormone
What is TSH?
It is produced by the pituitary gland and it’s levels run opposite to thyroid hormone levels (low level TSH=high thyroid function)
It maintains daily rhythm, so levels differ depending on the time of day
Thyroid testing should include which hormones?
TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Total T4, Total T3, Free thyroxine index, T3 Uptake
What are different forms of thyroid malfunction?
Hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter
What is hypothyroidism?
Low thyroid hormones in the blood & typically high TSH
What is subclinical hypothyroidism?
Elevated TSH, but normal hormone levels with similar symptoms to hypothyroidism
What is hyperthyroidism?
High thyroid hormones in the blood and body doesn’t respond to signals to decrease production
Also, TSH is typically low
What is goiter?
Swelling of thyroid and often normal thyroid function
The swelling may be due to iodine deficiency, Hashimoto’s, or graves’ disease
How can a health coach supple a client with thyroid health?
Encouraging them to get medical evaluation and treatment
Exploring possible root causes
Empowering & supporting them with dietary & lifestyle choices
Providing a safe space for emotions
Continuing to consult with doctors
What is HPT and HPA?
-Hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis & hypothalamic-pituitary-axis
-Because they are intimately connected, stress affects the HPA it also affects the thyroid
-The HPT is also connected to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
What are 5 common effects of thyroid dysfunction of the reproductive system?
Irregular periods
Infertility
Pregnancy complications
Miscarriage
Postpartum thyroiditis
Are women more likely to develop thyroid disease?
Yes, 5 to 8 times more likely
What are three contributing factors of thyroid dysfunction?
Birth control pill use, menstruation, pregnancy
What are some results of birth control pill use on the thyroid?
Depletes the body of crucial nutrients required for thyroid function
Estrogen dominance
What are some results of menstruation and thyroid dysfunction?
Constant hormone fluctuations can predispose women to imbalance (estrogen dominance which can contribute to autoimmune thyroid disease
What are the results of pregnancy with thyroid dysfunction?
Decreases a woman’s immune system
Puts a huge demand on thyroid
Antibodies can attack mother and baby contributing to autoimmune thyroid disease
Are men susceptible to thyroid conditions?
Yes, such a low sex drive, premature ejaculation, or delayed ejaculation
How do environmental toxins interfere with the thyroid?
The thyroid is very sensitive to toxins, particularly with those that interfere with iodine bioavailability. Because of more prevalence of these toxins, thyroid disease is becoming more prevalent.
What are 8 environmental toxins that can disrupt the thyroid?
BPA & phthalates, dioxins, flame retardants, PCBs, Perchlorate, radiation, soy isoflavones, triclosan
What is BPA & phthalates?
Chemicals used to soften plastics (water bottles, plastic food containers)
Xenoestrogens that cause estrogen dominance
