Thyroid Health

Question 1

How can the thyroid gland be described?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What are thyroid cells designed for?

Answer 2

To absorb iodine to make hormones

Question 3

What are the thyroid hormones?

Answer 3

T4, T3, TSH

Question 4

What T4 hormone?

Answer 4

It is produced by the thyroid and is inactive, as well a the most common hormone

Question 5

What is T3 hormone?

Answer 5

It is produced by the thyroid gland and is the active form of thyroid hormone

Question 6

What is TSH?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Thyroid testing should include which hormones?

Answer 7

TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Total T4, Total T3, Free thyroxine index, T3 Uptake

Question 8

What are different forms of thyroid malfunction?

Answer 8

Hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter

Question 9

What is hypothyroidism?

Answer 9

Low thyroid hormones in the blood & typically high TSH

Question 10

What is subclinical hypothyroidism?

Answer 10

Elevated TSH, but normal hormone levels with similar symptoms to hypothyroidism

Question 11

What is hyperthyroidism?

Answer 11

High thyroid hormones in the blood and body doesn’t respond to signals to decrease production
Also, TSH is typically low

Question 12

What is goiter?

Answer 12

Swelling of thyroid and often normal thyroid function
The swelling may be due to iodine deficiency, Hashimoto’s, or graves’ disease

Question 13

How can a health coach supple a client with thyroid health?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What is HPT and HPA?

Answer 14

-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

Question 15

What are 5 common effects of thyroid dysfunction of the reproductive system?

Answer 15

Irregular periods
Infertility
Pregnancy complications
Miscarriage
Postpartum thyroiditis

Question 16

Are women more likely to develop thyroid disease?

Answer 16

Yes, 5 to 8 times more likely

Question 17

What are three contributing factors of thyroid dysfunction?

Answer 17

Birth control pill use, menstruation, pregnancy

Question 18

What are some results of birth control pill use on the thyroid?

Answer 18

Depletes the body of crucial nutrients required for thyroid function
Estrogen dominance

Question 19

What are some results of menstruation and thyroid dysfunction?

Answer 19

Constant hormone fluctuations can predispose women to imbalance (estrogen dominance which can contribute to autoimmune thyroid disease

Question 20

What are the results of pregnancy with thyroid dysfunction?

Answer 20

Decreases a woman’s immune system
Puts a huge demand on thyroid
Antibodies can attack mother and baby contributing to autoimmune thyroid disease

Question 21

Are men susceptible to thyroid conditions?

Answer 21

Yes, such a low sex drive, premature ejaculation, or delayed ejaculation

Question 22

How do environmental toxins interfere with the thyroid?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

What are 8 environmental toxins that can disrupt the thyroid?

Answer 23

BPA & phthalates, dioxins, flame retardants, PCBs, Perchlorate, radiation, soy isoflavones, triclosan

Question 24

What is BPA & phthalates?

Answer 24

Chemicals used to soften plastics (water bottles, plastic food containers)
Xenoestrogens that cause estrogen dominance

Question 25

What are dioxins?

Answer 25

Found in chlorine bleach including paper products, female products
Disrupts HPT axis
Exposure can also be 90% through foods, mainly meat, dairy, fish

Question 26

What are flame retardants?

Answer 26

Used in upholstered furniture and some electronics
Can have an estrogenic effect and disrupts HPT axis

Question 27

What are PCBs?

Answer 27

Banned in 1979, but may still be in older buildings
Can change the thyroid itself, making it less responsive to TSH
Increase the amount of iodine lost through digestive tract
Makes T4 break down faster so it’s less available in the body

Question 28

What is perchlorate?

Answer 28

Chemical found in rocket fuel, bleach, explosives, airbags, fertilizers
Known pollutants in groundwater and drinking water
Blocks thyroid from taking up iodine
Can lead to hypothyroidism

Question 29

What is radiation?

Answer 29

Damages DNA cells as well as thyroid when received to the head/neck area

Question 30

What are soy isoflavones?

Answer 30

Acts like xenoestrogens which block or overstimulate estrogen receptors
Interferes with thyroid peroxidase (TPO) which is needed for thyroid hormone

Question 31

What is triclosan?

Answer 31

Common antibacterial agent in soaps, lotions, and creams
Disrupts both thyroid hormones and estrogen

Question 32

How can clients be supported with thyroid health?

Answer 32

Addressing underlying gut and menstrual health concerns
Healthy eating
Mitigating effects of stress
Limiting exposure to chemicals and environmental toxins
Including adequate iodine in diet

Question 33

What are 5 interventions to improve thyroid health?

Answer 33

Detoxification
Eating a diet that supports the thyroid
Improving gut function
Improving menstrual health and estrogen dominance
Stress management