Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid Dysfunction

Share This Post

What are Thyroid Disorders?

A deficiency of thyroid hormones can affect virtually all bodily functions as the thyroid gland hormones regulate metabolism in every cell in the body. The two most common thyroid dysfunctions are hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Hypothyroid disorders may occur as a result of:

  • congenital thyroid abnormalities (thyroid deficiency at birth)
  • autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s disease
  • iodine deficiency (more likely in poorer countries)
  • the removal of the thyroid following surgery to treat severe hyperthyroidism and/or thyroid cancer

Typical symptoms are abnormal weight gain, tiredness, baldness, cold intolerance, and irregular heart beat. Hypothyroidism is treated with replacement of the thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is due to the overproduction of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which is most commonly caused by the development of Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced which stimulate the thyroid to secrete excessive quantities of thyroid hormones. It presents with symptoms such as a thyroid goiter (swelling), protruding eyes, palpitations, excess sweating, diarrhoea, weight loss, muscle weakness and an unusual sensitivity to heat. The appetite is also often increased.

Research

This study examined the link between thrombophilia (blood clotting in relation to high homocysteine and hence the MTHFR mutations) and autoimmune thyroiditis. Of the 50 patients assessed, 15 patients were found to have a MTHFR mutation. 3 patients were 677TT, 5 patients held the C677T mutation, 2 patients with the 1298CC genotype, 4 patients with the A1298 allele and 1 compound heterozygous C677T/A1298C mutation. Overall, Bulgar et al (2011) stated MTHFR mutations within this group were common, with further research needed to concretely explain the link between MTHFR and autoimmune thryoiditis.

Article Here

Related Posts

Why are foods fortified with folic acid?
MTHFR

Why are foods fortified with folic acid?

When it comes to fertility, we know that folate is one of the most important nutrients needed for miscarriage prevention as it directly impacts the ...
Read More →
Fertility

A Century-Old Procedure Offers New Hope

Does Flushing The Fallopian Tubes Increase Fertility? Recently, infertility was brought into the spotlight throughout the medical community. Specifically, they were highlighting a century’s old ...
Read More →
Recurrent Miscarriage
Conditions

Recurrent Miscarriage

What is Recurrent Miscarriage/ Pregnancy Loss? Recurrent pregnancy loss is a condition distinct from infertility, and is defined as two or more failed pregnancies. A ...
Read More →
Low Carb Coconut Flour Pancakes from Sweet As Honey
MTHFR

Low Carb Coconut Flour Pancakes from Sweet As Honey

Ingredients: 60 g/2.1 ozs coconut flour  1/4 teaspoon baking soda 15 ml vanilla essence 1 tablespoon 15 ml extra virgin coconut oil melted + extra ...
Read More →
What Is Glyphosate And How Can It Affect Our Health?
MTHFR

What Is Glyphosate And How Can It Affect Our Health?

Roundup is a popular brand of herbicide by Monsanto and has been making rounds not because of how great a product it is but because ...
Read More →
Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know
Genes

Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know

Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know Genetic testing is the examining of DNA to identify alterations in genes and chromosomes that might be responsible ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top
Carolyn Ledowsky

Stay Connected!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter with current MTHFR research, health tips, recipes, special offers and news about upcoming events including Carolyn’s live Q&A.

Subscribe