| Thyroid Problems | | | | A blood test can measure the levels of the thyroid |
| The thyroid gland converts iodine and the amino acid | | | | hormones and if the body is producing antibodies |
| tyrosine, found in our food, into the thyroid hormones: | | | | against its own thyroid (Hashimoto's Disease). |
| thyroxine and triiodothyronine which are abbreviated to | | | | However some doctors have found that the cells may |
| T4 and T3 respectively. | | | | not be taking up the hormones efficiently and that the |
| | | | blood hormone levels can be in normal range, but the |
| Look at the dietary sources and try to include them | | | | patient still exhibit signs of under-activity. |
| into your food. For example Iodine is found in | | | | The temperature test is a quick non invasive test, |
| seaweeds (kelp). Tyrosine can be synthesized in the | | | | however it is advisable to follow this up with more |
| body from the essential amino acid Phenylalanine | | | | thorough tests if you suspect an underactive thyroid. |
| which is found in many high protein and dairy products. | | | | How To Do A Basal Temperature Test |
| The Thyroid Hormones | | | | Before going to sleep, shake down a glass |
| The thyroid gland releases T3 and T4 into the blood | | | | thermometer to below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and |
| stream where it is then transported throughout the | | | | place it within easy reach. Do not use a digital |
| body to control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and | | | | thermometer because they are often not as accurate |
| calories to energy). We would quickly die if the thyroid | | | | as the glass version. First thing in the morning make |
| were to be removed and the hormones not replaced. | | | | sure you take your under arm temperature before |
| The normal thyroid gland produces about 80% T4 and | | | | getting out of bed. The temperature should be |
| about 20% T3, however, T3 possesses about four | | | | recorded after ten minutes. The correct range should |
| times the hormone "strength" as T4. Within the brain | | | | be 97.8 - 98.2. However a couple of things can alter |
| the hypothalamus, releases a hormone know as | | | | this: women's temperature can rise around 1 degree at |
| Thyroid Releasing Hormone. | | | | the point of ovulation. This needs to be factored into |
| This alters the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone | | | | the reading. More importantly, in female hair loss it is |
| released. It can be viewed like a thermostat. As levels | | | | wise to see if your temperature does actually rise at |
| of T3 and T4 rise the thermostat kicks in and shuts of | | | | ovulation because it can indicate a hormonal cause to |
| TRH, which reduces TSH and then tells the thyroid to | | | | your hair loss. |
| cut it's production of thyroid hormones. If this delicate | | | | Treatment For Under-active Thyroids |
| hormonal balance should falter the thyroid can become | | | | If your thyroid is found to be under-active the |
| under active (or overactive). | | | | conventional treatment is thyroid hormone |
| Thyroid Problems and Hair Loss | | | | replacement. This is where you are given a drug that |
| The most common pattern of hair loss we see with | | | | resembles the body's thyroid hormones. |
| an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a diffuse | | | | Certain drugs contain only T4, while others contain only |
| pattern of loss (general thinning across the top of the | | | | T3 and yet others a combination of both. |
| scalp). However it is common in alopecia areata too, | | | | There are basically two different approaches: thyroid |
| so needs to be excluded if you have these patterns | | | | replacement started with desiccated pigs thyroid and |
| of loss. | | | | was dominated by the brand Amour. |
| The least invasive way to check the thyroid is by | | | | Synthetic versions were then developed and |
| measuring basal temperature. The logic being that | | | | marketed and are more popular these days. |
| when thyroid function is normal, temperature and pulse | | | | What is extremely important to note is that these |
| rates will be in a given range. When temperature falls | | | | drugs are extremely potent and should only be taken |
| below the ideal range, it is often indicative of | | | | with strict medical supervision. |
| hypothyroidism, so further investigation is needed. | | | | |