The thyroid gland, not to be confused with the parathyroids, is located in 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 located in the brain. The process starts as the hypothalamus gland releases a hormone known as thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). This in turn tells the pituitary to release a hormone, known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin). Finally, TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce its hormones. The thyroid produces 5 primary hormones; calcitonin, T1, T2, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxin, tetraiodothyronine). Although T1 and T2 have no known functions in the body.

Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) has a multitude of causes. Improperly functioning hypothalamus or pituitary glands, estrogen dominance, chlorine, fluorine (fluoride), or bromine exposure, lack of iodine intake, chronic stress, hormone imbalances, and the autoimmune condition Hashimoto's thyroidosis are a few examples.

A 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 primary reason conventional thyroid testing often misses cases of hypothyroidism is that temporary stress can lead to temporary rises in thyroid hormone levels. The thyroid responds to the stress by increasing its output of thyroid hormones in order to meet the increased demand for energy by the body. Therefore, if a person who is really hypothyroid is racing to the doctor in heavy traffic their stress levels will elevate their thyroid hormones temporarily. When they arrive at the doctor they are thinking about the doctor bill, which further raises their stress and hormone levels. Then they are going to get stuck with a needle, which will cause great anxiety in most people, leading to a spike in thyroid hormone levels. When the doctor reads the lab reports the thyroid appears normal because of these rises, even though the person's thyroid functions below normal. When the person returns to a relaxed state, thyroid hormone levels return to their below normal levels.

Chronic stress can also lead to a missed diagnosis of hypothyroidism. When a person is under chronic stress another hormone, known as reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) can be formed. This hormone is very similar in structure to T3, but is biologically inactive. When rT3 levels are elevated the hormone can block T3 receptors preventing T3 from having any effect on the body. If this occurs, the conventional thyroid hormone tests can show normal even though the person is hypothyroid due to the fact they are unable to utilize their own thyroid hormone properly. There is a test specifically for rT3, but it is rarely utilized.

Another reason hypothyroidism is often misdiagnosed is 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 around will raise your body temperature due to muscle heat, which leads to a false reading. Your temperature should read 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 creates false readings. Therefore, I recommend taking the basal body temperature for one to two weeks to get a good average.

An underactive thyroid can result in symptoms other than low body temperature. In addition, a person may have one or more of the following symptoms. Weight gain, goiter, dry and thick skin, thickened nails, falling hair (especially in women), low energy, slow heart rate, memory problems, cold intolerance, 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 a greatly increased risk of heart disease. One role of the thyroid is in the metabolism of fats, including cholesterol. 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, which leads to depositing of cholesterol on the arterial walls.

The autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's thyroidosis was once considered to be a rare condition. Now Hashimoto's thyroidosis is considered, by some, to be 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 TSH.

Radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid, or surgical removal of the thyroid are the general methods used to treat hyperthyroidism. Patients undergoing these procedures though 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 (cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts), turnips, cassava, peanuts, and soy. Cooking or fermentation will inactivate goitergens.

Ingredients

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

Black walnut hull- Rich in iodine 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. Helps to prevent estrogen induced hypothyroidism.

Ashwagandha- Helps in the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 in to the more active thyroid hormone T3. Helps with adrenal function and has a calming effect due to its effect on GABA receptors. Both help 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 by supporting the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Supports adrenal function to prevent stress induced thyroid dysfunction and to help with T4 to T3 conversion. Helps to prevent estrogen induced hypothyroidism.

Dan shen (red sage root)- 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.

Recommended use is 1/2 teaspoon of the powder 3 times daily on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before meals. The powder can be mixed in juice, water, or unsweetened applesauce, or may be placed under the tongue and washed down with water.