<br> <br> <h1><p>the thyroid system</p></h1><br> <a href="http://www.wix.com/UDIDYA/MEDICINE-CONSULT" target="_self"><br> <p><p>home</p></p></a><br> <p><p>When there is a discussion about any one specific organ or gland, remember that they are not isolated in the body. They are affected by, interact with, and affect other organs, glands and tissues. That stated, this discussion will isolate the thyroid gland and discuss its functions, physiology, common dysfunctions, laboratory and therapeutic guidelines for analyzing this most amazing gland. </p><p></p><p>The thyroid gland controls the metabolic rate of the body by either increasing or decreasing the output of throid hormone. When we need to increase our metabolic rate the pituitary gland secretes TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH then passes by the thyroid </p></p><br> <p><p>gland and increases the release of T4(Thyroxine, or 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodothyronine). Conversely a decrease in release of TSH will decrease the amount of T4 secreted into the blood stream thus decreasing the metabolism. Once in the bloodstream the T4 enters the cell and most is converted with the help of the proper enzymes to T3(triiodothyronine) the much more active form of thyroid hormone. </p><p></p><p>There are several problems that can either affect the output of thyroid hormone, the ability of the hormone to get to its target tissue, or even the target tissue to respond to the hormone. Some symptoms of low thyroid function are the inability to tolerate excessive heat or cold; fatigue even with proper sleep; dry skin; hair loss; weight gain even with low caloric intake; lack of perspiration even with excercise; reproductive and digestive disorders. Some symptoms of over function of the thyroid system include eye disorders(bulging eyes, pressure behind eyes, blurry vision), fast heart rate; high blood pressure; excessive heat production; excessive perspration; insomnia; nervousness and jitteriness; reproductive disorders and digestive disorders.</p><p></p><p>Some important things to look for in a physical exam are enlargment of the thyroid gland(located just above the breast bone at the lower end of the neck), nodules in the gland, fast pulse, high or low blood pressure, abnormal deep tendon reflexes,extremely dry skin, weight gain or loss, constipation, diarrhea, abnormal menstrual cycles and loss of memory. There are many more and other problems can also cause these things so we have to look at the over all picture before making a diagnosis.</p><p></p><p>Let's take a look at the way we can test the thyroid gland. Generally a blood test is performed with a TSH and possibly a total T4 level. What does this really tell us if the tests are normal? Unfortunately not a lot. Without more information we cannot in good faith make any type of decision regarding the full spectrum of order or disorder of the thyroid system. To really understand the thyroid system we need to see a TSH, free & total T4, free & total T3, reverse T3, TPO(Thyroid Peroxidase) and Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. Sounds like a lot? Well it is. That won't even tell you all you need to know unless you also do a BBT(basal body temperature test) and several daytime temperature tests. These should be performed with a glass thermometer. The BBT is done before you get out of bed in the armpit for 10 minutes, laying perfectly still or asleep. The daytime temperature readings are under the tongue for 7 minutes, and can be done while you are moving around. There is a physician who treats thyroid disorders solely by dignosing with temperature readings. If anyone is interested, his site is<a href="http://www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com" target="_blank">www.wilsonstemperature syndrome.com This is fine in some cases but this method wil miss some cases of thyroid disorder that can be very dangerous if allowed to progress.</a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com" target="_blank">The TPO & Anti-thyroid antibody tests allow us to see if the body is trying to destroy its own hormones. This would be a dis-ease that can be categorized as an auto-immune disorder(see allergies & auto-immune disease). In some cases the body responds by over production of hormones and a severe hyper thyroid state such as Hashimoto's hyper thyroidism occurs. The ramifications of this problem will if untreated have effects such as tachycardia, high blood pressure, eye disorders, weight loss, besides making one disabled can end in an early death. The other end of the spectrum is a state of severe hypo thyroidism that will also make one disabled and present as severe weight gain, fatigue, gastro-intestinal and reproductive disorders. On an initial visit to any physician, if you suspect any disorder of your thyroid, please suggest that you be screened with these tests.</a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com" target="_blank">To keep a healthy thyroid one needs to eat bio-available sources of iodine such as sea salt, kelp & sea weed. It is also important to get cardio excercise and end showers with cold water. The cabbage family(cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, etc) will make the body dump iodine so be careful of how much of these you eat if you happen to have low thyroid function. Additionally, any type of severe stress can make the thyroid system shut off. This can be either a physical or emotional traumas.</a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com" target="_blank">If you believe that you have any type of thyroid disorder go to a physician who is informed on all these issues.</a></p></p>
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