NORMAL THYROID FUNCTION CAN CHANGE: SEE HOW THIS HAPPENS AND HOW TO PROTECT YOUR GLAND PRESENTED BY: MARIA SCUNZIANO-SINGH, MD March 31, 2016

1. PRESENTED BY: MARIA SCUNZIANO-SINGH, MD
March 31, 2016
NORMAL THYROID FUNCTION
CAN CHANGE:
SEE HOW THIS HAPPENS AND HOW
TO PROTECT YOUR GLAND
1

2. 1) What is the thyroid?
2) Function of the thyroid gland.
3) Problems start early
4) Hypothyroidism is very common-Hashimoto’s, Goiter
5) Hyperthyroidism needs help- Graves, Goiter and Nodules
6) Thyroid resistance
7) Other conditions associated
8) Conventional medicine
9) Alternative medicine
10) What more can you do for yourself?
11) Resources and references for help
2
Contents

3. WHAT IS THYROID?
Your Thyroid Gland is one of the largest endocrine
glands in the human body that weighs about ½ ounce.
3

4. An endocrine gland is one which is ductless,
meaning that it secretes its own contents
directly into the bloodstream without any
tubes, ducts or special pathways. Other glands
in this category include the parathyroids
within the thyroid gland, pituitary in the brain,
the adrenals that sit on top of the kidneys, the
pancreas, the ovaries and testes.
4

5. The THYROID is located in the mid-to-
lower part of the front of the neck, just
below the “Adam’s apple”(thyroid
cartilage) with a middle part called the
isthmus and adjoining wings on either
side known as the right and left lobes.
Within the winged lobes are found the
parathyroid glands that total 4 in all and
are tiny like grains of rice, 2 in each of
the lobes. These glands are regulators of
calcium movement in blood and bones.
They work to increase blood calcium (see
calcitonin below, an opposing hormone).
The word thyroid originates from the
Greek word thyreoiedes meaning “shield-
shaped”.
5

6. 1) It provides thyroid hormones that are critical in brain development in
the fetus.
2) Controls how the body uses energy, i.e. metabolism. By formation and
secretion of thyroid hormones the gland regulates all movements of
biochemicals in and out of cells, development of tissues and their
differentiation.
3) Controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones.
4) Makes proteins.
5) Produces calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate calcium. Calcitonin
reduces excess calcium in blood and helps prevent calcium loss from the
bones.
WHAT DOES THE THYROID GLAND DO?
6

7. THYROID FUNCTION IS
ITSELF REGULATED by the
front or anterior part of
the pituitary gland in the
brain that secretes TSH or
thyroid stimulating
hormone. This TSH then
stimulates or “directs” the
thyroid gland to produce
hormones T4 and T3
7

8. T3 is a more
active form of the
hormone.
There is an uptake
of T4 or T3 by all
body cells
8

9. AND
when there is sufficient hormone sensed
by the body, there is a FEEDBACK
mechanism from the blood to the
pituitary to SLOW down the TRH which
then slows down TSH and keeps the level
of thyroid hormone balanced for all that
it works to do in the body.
9

10. GOT THE IDEA YET?
Let’s move on a bit more…
10

11. The Thyroid Gland requires
two very important
biochemically active
substances to function
properly:
IODINE and TYROSINE
11

12. IODINEis a trace element
that must be taken in from
the environment in food or
supplement form.
12

13. TYROSINE is a non-
essential amino acid
that is made in the
body from
Phenylalanine, an
essential amino acid
found naturally in
poultry, seaweed, soy,
peanuts, pumpkin
seeds, avocados and
bananas.
13

14. IODINE is probably the one element that is most
deficient in the average or standard American
diet. Table salt has a form of iodine that is
LIMITED in its absorption in the body and when
people are told to REDUCE salt, this translates to
very low iodine intake in general.
This is where the problems begin for many . . .
14

15. PROBLEMS START EARLY
15

16. 1) Reduced or low iodine intake
2) Excessive or very high iodine intake
3) Autoimmune antibodies that are generally inherited but can be
acquired.
4) Pituitary abnormalities
5) Tumors
6) Pre-pubescent or pubescent use of Growth hormone for stunted
growth.
7) Exposure to large amounts of chemicalized food and drink
Some of the major factors contributing to altered or abnormal
function of the thyroid gland from early childhood onward:
16

17. 8) Exposure to radiation in the forms of radiation treatment as occurs in
many cancers, diagnostic xrays and other technological emissions
9) Mental and physical stressors that are overwhelming or excessive
10) Pregnancy
11) Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland
12) Drugs: lithium, amiodarone, beta blockers, estrogen in replacement
or birth control are examples
13) Chronic illness
14) Heavy metal toxicity
15) Malnutrition
17

18. HYPOTHYROIDISM VS. HYPOTHYROIDISM
18

19. HYPOTHYROIDISM
19

20. One of the most common endocrine disorders, second
to Diabetes Mellitus, is HYPOTHYROIDISM.
Statistics are showing that at least 27 million people
are affected by this condition and a better estimate is
more than 50 million since many of those afflicted are
UNdiagnosed.
Hypothyroidism involves a slow or even sudden
reduction in the function of the thyroid gland that can
render a person almost functionless in extreme cases.
20

21. HYPOTHYROIDISM affects women more than men. Statistics
reveal that 7-8 out of 10 people with this condition are
women. Researchers have found that there is not a strong
connection to estrogen since hypothyroidism occurs both
before and after menopause.
The FEMALE GENDER is more PRONE TO AUTOIMMUNE
DISEASES and one of the most common causes for
hypothyroidism is an autoimmune antibody process that
causes the thyroid to undergo a “self-attack”. This leads to a
sluggish gland and a serious list of symptoms!
21

22. • Fatigue
• Slow or foggy
mentation
• Memory problems
• Weight gain, hair loss
• Heavy or irregular
periods
• Cold or heat
intolerance
• Low body
temperature
• Infertility
• Dry skin
• Swollen legs
• Swollen or puffy eyes
• Loss of outer third of
eyebrow
• Depression
• Constipation
• High blood pressure and
cholesterol
• Hoarse voice
• Slow heart rate
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF
HYPOTHYROIDISM
22

23. (AKA: LYMPHOCYTIC THYROIDISTIS)
23

24. Hashimoto Thyroiditis was named after Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto who first
recognized this condition in the early 1900s in Japan.
It is unknown HOW it develops but genetics and viral infections are both invoked.
This is the most common underlying cause for hypothyroidism.
The condition was first recognized in Western medicine in the 1930s.
This surgeon found in autopsy specimens a change in the gland that was
DIFFERENT from the usual GOITER (enlarged thyroid). He found a large amount of
white cells called LYMPHOCYTES that accumulated in the gland.
These cells are part of the immune or “defense” system that were “attacking”
the gland- a strange finding. The condition may start out with a person feeling
like TOO MUCH hormone (hyperthyroidism) is the problem- and it is.
24

25. HYPERTHYROIDISM
25

26. SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
26
1) Racing heart
2) Sweating
3) Weight loss that is rapid
4) Diarrhea
5) Agitation
6) Nervousness/Anxiety
7) Eye Bulging
8) Mania with Depression
9) Enlarged Thyroid Gland (Goiter)

27. GRAVE’S DISEASE
(AN AUTOIMMUNE HYPERTHYROIDISM)
27

28. These symptoms occur because the gland becomes
SWOLLEN or inflamed and it releases a lot of thyroid
hormone. With time, the gland becomes exhausted
and UNDERACTIVE such that a HYPOTHYROID state
develops, as previously addressed. This can be days,
months or years in its development.
Many people will enter a HYPOTHYROID state without
even realizing that the gland had been overactive for a
period of time.
28

29. This condition is also brought on by immune intervention and the
gland becomes OVERACTIVE.
It was discovered by an Irish Dr. Robert Graves in 1835. Like
Hashimoto’s, the underlying cause is UNKNOWN and ANTIBODIES are
involved.
Genetics and viral or other infections can be causative and there
appears to be a trigger- an infection or other stressful illness and
even pregnancy may set the autoimmune attack in motion
AND
once in motion, it will persist unless treated!
Symptoms can be seen in persons of all ages but usually in women
between 20-40.
29

30. GOITER, NODULES
and
OTHER GROWTHS
30

31. The simple enlargement of the thyroid gland is called a GOITER.
The significance is that the gland has been STRESSED by one or
more means and enlarges to compensate for signaling by the
body to increase its output of thyroid hormone.
Goiters can grow very large or can regress. Most often, they
remain about the same size unless treated properly. They can
have nodules (a growth that is less than 1 cm)of varying sizes.
Nodules may be secreting EXCESS hormone that can cause a
hyperthyroid state or not be active at all.
Nodules or other growths may be benign or malignant.
A cyst or mass can be present as well. Any and all of these
developments may go undetected unless a person is examined by
a health professional.
31

32. THYROID RESISTANCE
32

33. Thyroid Resistance is a serious problem that is
gaining more awareness and understanding by
researchers.
The person with resistance to thyroid hormone can
have normal or even SUPRA-normal levels of T4 and T3
with normal TSH with a full clinical picture of
HYPOTHYROIDISM.
This must be managed with proper dosing of thyroid
replacement and nutritional counseling.
33

34. OTHER CONDITIONS
ASSOCIATED with
THE ABNORMAL THYROID
34
• Fibromyalgia
• Adrenal exhaustion
• Chronic mental or physical stress, abuse
• Chronic fatigue
• Cancer
• Coronary artery disease/heart diseases
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Chronic active hepatitis (B and or C)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Infections- candida, hepatitis, HIV, mycoplasma,
tuberculosis, parvovirus, syphilis

35. CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS FOR
HYPOTHYROIDISM
35
1) Replacement of hormone with synthetic thyroxine or T4
and or T3
2) Less often used: Dessicated thyroid that is more active
than T4 or T3 individually
3) Surgical removal of gland that is causing compression
symptoms, afflicted with cancer or severe hypothyroid
symptoms
4) Antidepressants, stimulants, laxatives, weight loss pills,
diet and exercise

36. 1) Radioactive iodine ablation
2) Antithyroid drug
3) Surgical removal
4) Surgical repair of protruding eyes; eye drops
5) Thyroid replacement with synthetic thyroxine after gland
ablation or removal
6) Miscellaneous drugs for control of symptoms of residual
hypothyroidism
(NOTE: this condition must be treated early on
to prevent serious heart and other organ damage).
36
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS FOR
HYPERTHYROIDISM

37. It is your life and health
that you seek to protect . . .
SO . . . please discuss this with a
provider who is knowledgeable and
willing to work with you on recovering
from your symptoms.
37
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS?

38. If you suspect you are hypo or hyperthyroid, check
underarm body temperature.
• Normal temp: 97.8 – 98.2
• Hypothyroid: <97.8 Hyperthyroid: >98.2
NOTE: take temp in early morning before getting out of
bed for 1-2 minutes. Infections can cause falsely high
readings!
Let’s see what is available to you…
38

39.  For those with hypothyroidism: replacement of hormone with
dessicated gland from porcine (pig) or bovine (cow) sources. The
dessicated product has T1, T2, T3 , T4, selenium, & calcitonin. It also
can help alleviate swelling. Armour, Nature-throid, Westhroid are all
porcine brands. Armour has cornstarch, so if allergic, avoid this.
 Compounding pharmacies offer dessicated gland products with
cellulose fillers and can omit cornstarch for those sensitive. These
are better sources for your thyroid hormone replacement.
 Replacement of hormones that are BIO-IDENTICAL for those who will
need the balancing. Compounding pharmacies are the source.
 Men with hypothyroidism will usually have LOW testosterone levels.
Replacement of thyroid can help raise the testosterone.
39

40.  Growth hormone can help the thyroid and using small doses of bio-
identical hormones like DHEA, testosterone and melatonin can
increase GH. Injectable GH is very costly!
 Thyroid support supplements are available from quality companies
for those who need additional help.
 Exercise to increase GH and increase vitality overall. Dance,
swimming, yoga, fast walking, and more can benefit you greatly. Try
to swim in NON-chlorinated pools.
 Have hormone levels checked via SALIVA if possible- a better
indicator of cell activity. Send the results to your health provider.
Levels of cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone
are helpful in planning a program for recovery.
 Ask for check on lymes, Epstein-barr, mycoplasma, hepatitis, gliadin
and all thyroid antibodies.
40

41.  Avoid synthetic hormones as in birth control pills, synthetic estrogen,
progesterone, testosterone if possible.
 Nutritional support with removal of GLUTEN, SUGAR, ALCOHOL,
PROCESSED FOODS, ARTIFICIAL FOODS & SWEETENERS is extremely
important.
 Avoid all HORMONALLY-treated foods like meats, poultry, dairy. The
less animal products, the better overall. Use grass-fed or properly fed
livestock products if you feel you must have them.
 Iodine may be used in supplement form if you DO NOT HAVE
ANTIBODIES as in Hashimoto’s. Doses from 150mcg-12mg can be
used but with professional
 Eat organic always if possible.
41

42.  AVOID aspartame and sucralose especially. Aspartame contains
genetically modified ingredients including phenylalanine that can
disrupt the fine hormone balance. Sucralose has chlorine in it that can
alter the iodine processing of the body.
 Selenium in 200-300mcg doses is helpful.
 Vitamin B12 in 1000mcg sublingual daily
 Magnesium up to 500mg daily
 Vitamin C with bioflavonoids up to 5 grams daily if you do not suffer
with kidney stones.
 Detoxify and cleanse metals if possible. Remove any silver dental
amalgams that contain mercury. Chelation by oral or intravenous
means is very helpful.
 Make every effort to remove all harmful and unnecessary stressors
from your life.
42

43.  Seek the help of a physician or health provider who will
evaluate you fully and provide or recommend a plan of
action.
 Persistent symptoms must be treated.
 Use all resources on the topics to find out who and where
you can obtain good information
 Realize and understand that it can be a challenge and will
take time and perseverance to attain the best recovery
possible.
And. . . 43
WHAT MORE CAN YOU
DO TO HELP YOURSELF?

44. 44

45. 1) Barnes, B., MD. Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness; Harper and
Row; 1976
2) Brownstein, D., MD. Overcoming Thyroid Disorders, 2nd Ed; Medical
Alternatives Press, MI, 2002.
3) Cabrera, C. Fibromyalgia: A Journey Toward Healing; Contemporary
Books, NY; 2002
4) Kharrazian, D., DHSc, DC, MS. Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms
When My Lab Tests Are Normal; Morgan-James, NY; 2010
5) Northrup, C., MD. The Wisdom of Menopause; Bantam Books, NY; 2006
6) Wilson, J. Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome; Smart
Publ., USA; 2002
7) Vanderhaeghe, L. Healthy Immunity; Macmillan of Canada; 2001
8) Wright, Y.L., M.A. Secrets About Bioidentical Hormones; Lulu.com
publisher; 2010
45
Resources and References