thyroid problems
The thyroid gland converts iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, found in our food, into the thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are abbreviated as T4 and T3, respectively.
The thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that can absorb iodine. Unless we get these two elements in our diet on a regular basis, the thyroid can begin to malfunction.
Look at the dietary sources and try to include them in your food. For example, iodine is found in seaweed (kelp). Tyrosine can be synthesized in the body from the essential amino acid phenylalanine which is found in many high-protein and dairy products.
thyroid hormones
The thyroid gland releases T3 and T4 into the bloodstream, where it is then transported throughout the body to control metabolism (converting oxygen and calories into energy). We would die quickly if the thyroid was removed and the hormones were not replaced.
The normal thyroid gland produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3, yet T3 has about four times the hormonal “force” of T4. Inside the brain, the hypothalamus releases a hormone known as thyroid-releasing hormone.
This alters the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone released. It can be seen as a thermostat. As T3 and T4 levels rise, the thermostat kicks in and turns off TRH, which lowers TSH and then tells the thyroid to reduce its production of thyroid hormones. If this delicate hormonal balance fails, the thyroid can become underactive (or overactive).
Thyroid problems and hair loss
The most common pattern of hair loss we see with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a diffuse pattern of hair loss (general thinning at the top of the scalp). However, it is also common in alopecia areata, so it should be excluded if you have these patterns of loss.
The least invasive way to monitor your thyroid is by measuring your basal body temperature. The logic is that when thyroid function is normal, temperature and pulse will be in a certain range. When the temperature falls below the ideal range, it is often indicative of hypothyroidism, so more research is needed.
A blood test can measure thyroid hormone levels and whether the body is making antibodies against its own thyroid (Hashimoto’s disease). However, some doctors have found that cells may not absorb hormones efficiently and hormone levels in the blood may be in the normal range, but the patient still shows signs of underactivity.
The temperature test is a quick, non-invasive test, however it is advisable to follow up with more extensive tests if you suspect you have an underactive thyroid.
How to do a basal body temperature test
Before you go to sleep, shake a glass thermometer below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and place it within easy reach. Don’t use a digital thermometer because they are often not as accurate as the glass version. First thing in the morning, be sure to take your armpit temperature before you get out of bed. The temperature should be recorded after ten minutes. The correct range should be 97.8 – 98.2. However, a couple of things can alter this: Women’s temperature can rise by around 1 degree at the time of ovulation. This must be taken into account in the reading. More importantly, in female hair loss, it is advisable to see if your temperature actually rises during ovulation, as it may indicate a hormonal cause of hair loss.
Underactive thyroid treatment
If your thyroid is found to be underactive, the conventional treatment is thyroid hormone replacement. This is where you are given a medicine that looks like the body’s thyroid hormones.
Certain medications contain only T4, while others contain only T3, and others a combination of both.
There are basically two different approaches: Thyroid replacement started with desiccated pig thyroid and was dominated by the Amour brand.
Synthetic versions were then developed and marketed and are more popular these days.
What is extremely important to note is that these medications are extremely potent and should only be taken under strict medical supervision.