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Tired all the time? Don’t have the energy you used to have? Gain weight easily and find it difficult to lose? Feel the cold more than others around you?

If this sounds like you, then perhaps it’s time you paid a little more attention to your thyroid gland. Situated just below the ‘Adam’s Apple’ or larynx, your thyroid gland is fairly small, normally weighing less than one ounce, but is completely responsible for running the whole of your body’s metabolism. Since this small, but very significant gland has such an important physiological role to play, it is understandable that when the thyroid gland is under-functioning and all metabolic processes slow down, a multitude of debilitating symptoms can arise. 

What is an underactive thyroid?

An underactive thyroid is when your thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate amount of the hormone thyroxine (T4). Sometimes you may also present with symptoms if there are problems with the conversion of T4 to the active form, T3. You can have tests carried out to find out what your hormone levels are.

What causes an underactive thyroid?

There are several main causes and contributing factors that are worth exploring if you have an underactive thyroid gland. These include family history, advancing age, autoimmune attack, certain medications and surgeries and some nutritional deficiencies such as iodine. Hypothyroidism is also more common in women than in men.

Underactive thyroid symptoms

Symptoms most commonly associated with an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) include:        

• Chronic constipation
• Axillary temperature test below 97.8 ºF or 36.6 ºC
• Slow heart rate
• Sensitive to cold weather
• Chronic fatigue and weakness
• Excess hair loss
• Gain weight easily
• Recurrent infections
• Skin problems (dry, flaky skin)
• PMS
• Depression
• Cold hands and feet
• Cry easily
• Headaches/dizziness
• Slow speech
• Feel worse in the morning
• Increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels
• Feel better after exercising
• Cracking and peeling of skin on heels and hands
• Brittle fingernails
• Short windedness
• Sudden change in personality
• Loss of libido

How common is an underactive thyroid?

Hypothyroidism is much more common than you would think; millions of people are currently hypothyroid and don’t even know it. It is more common in women than men and it is now estimated that as many as 10 percent of women may have some degree of thyroid hormone deficiency. The fact that there are different degrees of thyroid hormone deficiency really is the key to understanding, identifying and supporting this problem.

Different types of hypothyroidism

Clinical Hypothyroidism – This is where blood level abnormalities of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) show up on standard diagnostic tests. Subclinical/ Functional Hypothyroidism – This is where blood levels of the thyroid hormones are in the normal ranges, but temperature tests and other indicators show a mild deficiency state, which can still cause dramatic symptoms.

How to find out if you have an underactive thyroid

The good news is that even though a mild deficiency can be completely missed by conventional testing, natural alternatives have a lot to offer in the way of supporting even a mildly under active thyroid gland.

How do I test for hypothyroidism?

If you think you may have an underactive thyroid, then your first step is to visit your GP for a hormone test and a possible diagnosis. If you are working with a functional medicine practitioner then they may carry out additional functional medicine tests to dive a little deeper into your hormones and why they are imbalanced, but they are unable to provide you with a diagnosis. Many individuals choose to continue with a dual support with treatment from the GP as well as using supportive nutrition. If you are taking thyroid replacement hormone or medications, you should check for any nutrient interactions prior to adding in supplements.

Natural remedies for an under active thyroid gland

Once an under active thyroid gland has been identified as the cause of your symptoms, your practitioner will be able to recommend a suitable nutritional programme to support this. This programme will include a combination of optimum levels of nutrients, herbs and possibly glandular concentrates as well as specific dietary recommendations to promote optimum functioning of the thyroid gland.

1. Nutrients to support optimum thyroid function

Tyrosine is an amino acid and an essential component for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters. In order for thyroid hormones to be produced effectively, the body must be receiving optimum supplies of this amino acid.

Iodine is an essential nutrient for thyroid hormone synthesis. Typical iodine deficiency signs include a metallic taste in the mouth and heavy mucous secretions. Kelp is a concentrated source of bioavailable iodine.

B vitamins and Copper are necessary for the normal manufacturing of the thyroid hormones.

Calcium and Magnesium imbalances can be a problem for thyroid hormone function. It is important that these two minerals are well balanced for optimum functioning of the thyroid gland, which is why you should consider taking magnesium supplements.

Vitamin A supports thyroid hormone production.

Vitamin C, Zinc, and B vitamins all help to support the adrenal glands, which in turn, help to support thyroid function. 

Selenium is essential for balanced thyroid hormone production. The enzyme that converts thyroid hormone T4 into the more physiologically active T3 thyroid hormone is a selenium containing enzyme. Without selenium, this conversion cannot take place, and so can lead to an under- functioning thyroid gland.

2. Herbal support for optimum thyroid function

Liquorice root is an important herbal support for the adrenal glands. It is important to support the adrenal glands because they are closely linked to the thyroid gland.

Gum guggul is a resin derived from the mukul myrrh tree which supports the conversion of thyroid hormones in the body. This herb is an extremely useful addition to a thyroid support programme.

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