Are your patients experiencing weight gain, fatigue, poor concentration, and feelings of sadness? It may be time to check their thyroid function. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a common reason for experiencing these symptoms. It affects nearly 5% of Americans over age 12, with another estimated 5% going undiagnosed (5).
The art of managing hypothyroidism lies in understanding the complexity of the hormonal feedback axis, the nutritional needs of the thyroid gland, and the underlying factors that may affect thyroid hormone levels.
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What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, happens when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck. Thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) help control metabolism, growth, and many other bodily functions by interacting with cells in every organ system in the body. The effects of thyroid hormone are observed in the heart, nervous system, bones, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and reproductive organs. (13)
Hypothyroidism Signs & Symptoms
When thyroid hormone levels are too low, metabolism may slow, and the following symptoms can occur as a result (13, 37):
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Unintentional weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and brittle nails
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Muscle and joint pain
- Irregular menstrual cycles and heavy periods
- Insomnia
- Feelings of sadness
Root Causes of Hypothyroidism
There are many reasons why hypothyroidism may occur. Understanding the root cause helps patients and their providers create effective management plans that address obstacles, support thyroid health, and promote balanced thyroid function.
Autoimmunity
In iodine-sufficient countries like the United States, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common type of hypothyroidism in the United States. This is an autoimmune condition where the body produces proteins called autoantibodies that may affect thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and/or thyroglobulin (TG). This can lead to inflammation and changes in thyroid hormone levels.
Some main factors contributing to autoimmunity include genetics, intestinal dysbiosis and hyperpermeability, emotional stress, infection, exposure to environmental factors, and hormonal imbalances.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Globally, iodine deficiency is a common cause of hypothyroidism. Iodine is a trace mineral the thyroid gland needs to make thyroid hormones. In the United States, iodine deficiency is extremely rare, and excess iodine intake can affect thyroid health.
The body also requires other vitamins and minerals to make and convert thyroid hormones efficiently. Magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D deficiencies have been associated with hypothyroidism. Research shows that iron, selenium, and zinc supplementation may support thyroid health. (14)
Medical Treatments
Some people with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, or Graves' disease (an autoimmune form of hyperactive thyroid) may require surgical removal or radiation to the thyroid gland, which can result in hypothyroidism.
Certain medications can interfere with normal thyroid signaling, induce thyroid autoimmunity, or trigger inflammation within the gland, leading to drug-induced hypothyroidism.
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Congenital hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency at birth) affects one out of 3,000 to 4,000 live births. It primarily occurs due to abnormal thyroid development in utero. (2)
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis refers to inflammation within the thyroid gland that, if not addressed, can lead to reduced thyroid function over time. Common causes of thyroiditis include autoimmunity, viral infection, and hormonal fluctuations associated with the postpartum period.
Damage to the Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland (located in the brain) tells the thyroid how much hormone to make by producing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Pituitary damage from a tumor, surgery, or elevated intracranial pressure can result in insufficient TSH and secondary hypothyroidism.
How to Diagnose Hypothyroidism
When a patient's medical history, clinical symptoms, and physical exam findings raise suspicion of hypothyroidism, a definitive diagnosis should be made by ordering a thyroid panel.
Step 1: Measure Thyroid Hormones
TSH, free T4, and free T3 are the main blood tests ordered to assess thyroid function and measure thyroid hormones. An elevated TSH with low free T4 and/or T3 is diagnostic for hypothyroidism, while an elevated TSH with normal T4 and T3 levels indicates subclinical hypothyroidism.
These are thyroid panels that doctors can order:
- Thyroid Panel by Access Med Labs
- Essential Thyroid Profile Blood Spot by ZRT Laboratory
- Thyroid Health Panel by Ayumetrix
Step 2: Test for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Because Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common form of hypothyroidism in the United States, many doctors will order thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-TG) at the same time as ordering thyroid hormones. Elevations in either or both antibodies confirm a diagnosis of Hashimoto's.
Thyroid antibodies can be ordered individually or as part of a comprehensive thyroid panel:
- Thyroid Peroxidase Abs by Access Med Labs
- Thyroglobulin Abs by Access Med Labs
- Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment by Genova Diagnostics
Step 3: Thyroid Ultrasound
Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a thyroid ultrasound as part of the initial diagnostic evaluation for hypothyroidism. A thyroid ultrasound is usually ordered if a doctor finds any of these findings during physical exam:
- Thyroid nodule
- Thyroid goiter
- Enlarged cervical lymph nodes
Step 4: Order Additional Testing to Uncover Root Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction
Other tests can help provide insight into the underlying reason behind hypothyroidism.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA)
Leaky gut, intestinal inflammation, and dysbiosis can impair the optimal absorption of thyroid-essential nutrients and trigger autoimmunity. A CSA analyzes various fecal biomarkers to screen for these possible hypothyroid triggers.
The following tests are examples of popular CSAs:
- GI-MAP + Zonulin by Diagnostic Solutions
- GI360 by Doctor's Data
- GI Effects Comprehensive Profile - 3 day by Genova Diagnostics
Micronutrients
Micronutrient testing measures the levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients in an individual's body to provide insight into nutritional imbalances that can impair thyroid function.
These are micronutrient testing options:
- Micronutrient Test by SpectraCell
- Cellular Micronutrient Assay by Cell Science Systems
- NutrEva FMV by Genova Diagnostics
Comprehensive Hormone Testing
Because hormonal imbalances can contribute to the development of thyroid autoimmunity and thyroiditis, hormone testing may be warranted, especially for patients with symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, infertility, low libido, and mood swings.
The following comprehensive hormone panels are an excellent place to start:
- DUTCH Plus by Precision Analytical (DUTCH)
- Hormonal Health by Genova Diagnostics
- Comprehensive Hormone Profile by Doctor's Data
- Saliva Hormone Opendx Supreme by Access Med Labs
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Management Plan for Hypothyroidism
Below is a step-by-step management plan that can be personalized for patients experiencing hypothyroidism.
1. Support Thyroid Hormone Levels
Here's Why This Is Important:
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to potentially severe health consequences. Supporting thyroid hormone levels helps maintain a normal range to prevent these complications, in addition to helping manage hypothyroid symptoms.
How Do You Do This?
Thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine (synthetic T4) is a common approach to support thyroid hormone levels. Starting at a dose of 1.5-1.8 mcg/kg body weight per day, the dose may be adjusted every 6-8 weeks until the patient experiences symptom relief and TSH normalization. (20, 41)
Liothyronine is synthetic T3. It is not typically recommended as a first-line treatment but may benefit patients who do not feel completely normal with T4 monotherapy. (20, 41)
Porcine-derived desiccated thyroid extract is considered a more "natural" pharmaceutical option for thyroid support. It is derived from pig thyroid glands and contains a fixed ratio of T4 and T3 in each dose.
To ensure thyroid hormones are absorbed, they should be taken on an empty stomach around the same time each day. The most popular administration method is taking thyroid hormones in the morning 30-60 minutes before eating breakfast. (19, 41)
Certain medications and supplements can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone. These should be taken 3-4 hours after taking thyroid hormone (19, 41):
- Fiber supplements
- Calcium
- Iron
- Multivitamins
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Bile acid sequestrants
- Soy products
2. Address Nutrient Needs
Here's Why This Is Important:
Nutrient needs can affect the thyroid's natural ability to produce the appropriate amounts of thyroid hormone. Nutrient support provides the micronutrient building blocks and cofactors the thyroid needs to synthesize its hormones.
How Do You Do This?
Nutrient levels can be supported through dietary supplementation and maintained with a diverse, healthy diet.
Research shows that the following dosages of nutrients may support thyroid health. Supplements should be personalized based on lab results and each patient's needs.
- Vitamin D 2,000 IU daily
- Selenium 200 mcg daily
- Myo-Inositol 600 mg daily
The Mediterranean diet's principles encourage consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins that supply adequate amounts of thyroid-essential nutrients, including iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, and vitamins B12, D, and A. These tips can help you get started with a Mediterranean diet:
- Eat 2-3 servings of fruit and at least four servings of vegetables daily
- Substitute refined grains for whole grains. Examples include brown rice, quinoa, oats, farro, and buckwheat.
- Eat seafood 2-3 times weekly
- Use olive oil as one of your primary fat sources.
- Season your food with herbs and spices.
3. Support Gut Health
Here's Why This Is Important:
Poor gut health is correlated to nutrient needs, hormonal imbalances, immune function, and inflammation.
How Do You Do This?
A 5-R protocol is a framework used to support and maintain digestive health:
- Remove foods, environmental factors, medications, and other stressors that may trigger inflammation
- Replace digestive enzymes to support healthy digestion and absorption of food
- Reinoculate the gut with beneficial bacteria through the use of prebiotic and probiotic foods and supplements
- Repair the gut lining with foods (e.g., bone broth) and supplements (e.g., l-glutamine, zinc carnosine, marshmallow root)
- Rebalance the body to support digestive health by prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits, such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management.
4. Promote Hormonal Balance
Here's Why This Is Important:
The endocrine system comprises various glands and over 50 hormones that interact with one another. An imbalance in one hormone can lead to an imbalance in another. For example, excess estrogen has been implicated in thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism. High cortisol, often caused by chronic stress, can affect TSH and the thyroid's signal to produce thyroid hormones.
How Do You Do This?
Make mindful dietary choices that support detoxification pathways. Specifically:
- Eat fiber- and phytonutrient-rich foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and berries.
- Incorporate cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale, which are rich in diindolylmethane (DIM), which supports liver health and estrogen metabolism.
- Avoid ultra-processed foods and refined sugars.
Get the recommended amount of sleep based on your age. Adults should sleep 7-9 hours every night.
Manage stress healthfully by fostering healthy relationships, practicing mind-body medicine, and exercising regularly.
5. Follow Up
Here's Why This Is Important:
Routine thyroid testing helps ensure that thyroid hormones remain within the optimal range for proper bodily function. Monitoring thyroid hormone levels helps evaluate the efficacy of the current management plan, ensuring that the prescribed medications effectively support hormone balance. If not, abnormal results prompt timely adjustments.
How Do You Do This?
A repeat thyroid panel should be checked 6-10 weeks after initiating or modifying a pharmaceutical protocol. Once thyroid hormones are optimized, labs can be remeasured every 6-12 months as long as the patient is stable and the management plan does not change. (30)
The Risks of Untreated Hypothyroidism
Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema coma, a serious condition that requires emergency medical treatment. Its symptoms include intense cold intolerance, extreme lack of energy, and loss of consciousness.
Hypothyroidism can also increase the risk of developing:
- Thyroid enlargement (goiter), which can cause problems with swallowing and breathing
- High cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease
- Peripheral nerve damage
- Infertility
- Physical and mental developmental problems in untreated babies born with congenital hypothyroidism
- Babies born to people with untreated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of being born with birth differences
Hypothyroidism Case Study
You can read about an actual hypothyroid-related case study here:
Tinnitus Due to Hypothyroidism: How Lauren's Doctor Connected the Dots: A Case Study
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Key Takeaways:
- Hypothyroidism is a common medical condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland. Because thyroid hormones are required by every cell in the body to help fuel metabolism, the effects of hypothyroidism are profound and systemic.
- Hypothyroidism can't always be cured, but it can be well-managed with thyroid hormone support.
- A holistic management plan encourages patients to address underlying imbalances contributing to thyroid function. Management goals include supporting thyroid health, promoting balanced hormone levels, and optimizing thyroid function. In some cases, it is possible to enhance thyroid function naturally and decrease the body's requirement for hormone support.
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