The thyroid gland, not to confused with the parathyroids, are located I the neck area. The thyroid gland produces hormones that help maintain metabolism of fats and production of energy. In addition the thyroid gland releases a hormone, known as calcitonin, which is responsible for putting calcium into bones. The thyroid gland is regulated by the pituitary gland, which is regulated by the hypothalamus, both in the brain. The process starts as the hypothalamus gland releases a hormone known as thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). This tells the pituitary to release a hormone, known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin). Finally the TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce its hormones. Though the thyroid produces 4 primary hormones T1, T2, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxin, tetraiodothyronine).

There are multiple reasons for low thyroid function. Improperly functioning hypothalamus or pituitary glands, estrogen dominance, chlorine or fluorine exposure, lack of iodine intake, chronic stress, and Hashimoto's thyroidosis are a few examples. I diagnosis of hypothyroidism is often made with a blood test to determine levels of the pituitary hormone Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Though laboratory tests frequently do not detect mild cases of hypothyroidism, and they often cannot determine the source for the low thyroid. The main problem with laboratory thyroid tests is that mild stress can slightly raise thyroid values. When you go to the doctor the thought of getting stuck with a needle can raise your anxiety levels.

The thought of your doctor bill can further raise your anxiety levels. This increase stress increases the demand of energy by the body to deal with the stress. So the thyroid responds by increasing its output of thyroid hormones to meet the increased demand for energy by the body. When the doctor reads the lab reports the thyroid can appear normal for this reason. Though when you return to a relaxed state thyroid hormone levels returned to their "normal" levels, which is really below normal. These tests also do not detect the presence of other substances that can interfere with thyroid function, such as elevated estrogen, and chlorine or fluorine from municipal water sources. Hypothyroidism is often misdiagnosed also because symptoms of hypothyroidism can mimic many other disorders.

A more accurate way to determine if the thyroid is low is to do a procedure known as basal body temperature. To perform this procedure you'll need a glass thermometer. Shake the thermometer down before you go to bed, and place the thermometer on your nightstand. When you first wake up in the morning reach over and grab the thermometer. Place the thermometer under your armpit for 10 minutes holding your arm against your body. Read the temperature, and write the temperature down on a log. Do this first thing in the morning for at least one week. It is very important that you do not get up or move around before taking your temperature. Getting up or otherwise moving will raise your body temperature, due to muscle heat, giving a false reading. Your temperature should be at least 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit each morning

A lower reading down to 97 degrees Fahrenheit indicates mild hypothyroidism. A reading below 97 degrees Fahrenheit indicates more severe hypothyroidism. Note that menstruation alters the body temperature, which may also create a false reading. So I recommend taking the basal body temperature for one to two weeks to get a good average.

An underactive thyroid can have other symptoms of the then low body temperature. A person may also have one or more of the following symptoms. Weight gain, goiter, dry and thick skin, thickened nails, falling hair, low energy, slow heart rate, memory problems, cold intolerance or cold hands and feet or, constipation, low sex drive, memory problems, depression, infertility, and heavy menstruation.

Another, and often overlooked, side effect of low thyroid function is heart disease. One role of the thyroid is in the metabolism of fats, including cholesterol. Therefore low thyroid function increases the risk of fat deposits on arterial walls. Compounding this problem is the fact that low thyroid function also increases levels of the inflammatory compound homocysteine. Increased homocysteine levels in turn increase inflammation of the arterial walls, allowing arterial plaque to form. That autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's thyroidosis was once considered a rare condition. Now Hashimoto's thyroidosis is considered the leading cause of hypothyroidism. Diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroidosis is generally made by the findings of elevated TSH, and low T3 and T4.

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) will increase body temperature slightly above normal, and can cause symptoms including nervousness, irritability, tremors, insomnia, increased heart rate or palpitations, increased blood pressure, weight loss, heat intolerance, thin skin and nails, muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass, vision problems, bulging of the eyes, increased frequency of bowel movements, fatigue, impotence, and decreased menstruation. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is another autoimmune condition known as Grave's Disease. A diagnosis of Graves' Disease is generally made from lab results showing an elevation of free T4 levels, and a low level of all TSH. Radioactive iodine, or surgical removal of the thyroid, is the general method used to treat hyperthyroidism. Though patients undergoing these procedures will require the use of substitute thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives. The herbs Melissa (lemon balm), and bugleweed are the alternative choices for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Several foods, known as goitergens, interfere with thyroid function if consumed raw in large doses. These include foods from the cabbage family, such as broccoli, turnips, peanuts, and soy. Cooking can inactivate goitergens.

Ingredients

Zizyphus seed- Elevates cAMP, which helps balance thyroid function.

Black walnut hull- Rich in iodine, important for production of thyroid hormones

Nettle leaf- Has a regulatory effect on thyroid function. Helps with adrenal function to prevent stress induced thyroid dysfunction.

Alfalfa- Nourishes the pituitary gland, and supports proper pituitary function.

Ashwagandha- Helps in the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 in to the more active thyroid hormone T3. Helps with adrenal function to prevent stress induced thyroid dysfunction.

Coleus forskohlii- Elevates cAMP, which helps balance thyroid function.

Sargasso seaweed- Provides iodine for thyroid hormone production. Helps balance thyroid function. Helps with adrenal function to prevent stress induced thyroid dysfunction.

Dan shen- Used in Chinese medicine to improve thyroid function. Helps with adrenal function to prevent stress induced thyroid dysfunction.

Tyrosine-Amino acid building block of thyroid hormones.

Note: The herbal claims being made are based on historical uses and scientific research from outside the U.S.A. They have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a guide for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease.