Autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroid disease and Graves’ disease, are several of the most prevalent causes behind thyroid gland dysfunction. Autoimmune thyroid diseases, or AITDs, occur when the human body’s own immune system attacks and damages a healthy thyroid gland. It’s this autoimmune assault on the thyroid which can, over time, lead to the overactive or the underactive function of the buttefly-shaped gland in our neck.
What other factors can cause autoimmune thyroid diseases?
According to numerous research studies, autoimmune thyroid diseases can be caused due to a variety of factors. Environmental factors like iodine intake and selenium deficiency can alter the balanced metabolism of chemicals in the human body necessary for the proper function of the thyroid gland. Additionally, environmental factors such as exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins have been linked to the interference of efficient thyroid hormone secretion.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease & Infection
One autoimmune thyroid disease trigger, however, is often overlooked by healthcare professionals; infection. Researchers today still do not fully understand how�infections trigger autoimmune diseases, however because our immune systems are so complicated and every disease is unique, it’s very likely that there are a number of variables. Recent studies have identified three theories which explain the links between infections and AITDs.
Molecular Mimicry
Autoimmune thyroid diseases triggered by molecular mimicry are virtually hypothesized to occur when the infection is structurally similar to that of the thyroid gland. Therefore, once the network of defense cells, tissues and organs activates, the immune system proceeds to strike the infection and attacks your thyroid gland.
Bystander Activation
In this circumstance, the immune system activates when a virus or bacteria invades the thyroid gland and sends cells into your thyroid to destroy the infection. While these cells are currently all attacking the bacteria or virus, it injures the thyroid gland. More cells are signaled by the inflammation to the thyroid gland where they often continue to attack.
Cryptic Antigens
You can think about this as the “hijacking theory” where an infection (usually due to a virus) hijacks the thyroid cells’ DNA to hide from your immune system. The immune system is intelligent enough to detect the virus anyway, and strikes the virus as well as the thyroid cells it is hiding in.
AITDs as a Response to Infection
In certain individuals, autoimmunity is the price to be paid for the eradication of an infectious agent. Infections are implicated in the pathogenesis of endocrine, and nonendocrine diseases. Either fungal or viral diseases may represent a risk factor for the evolution of AITDs. Viruses have long been suspected as etiological agents in a variety of health disorders, uncluding autoimmune thyroid disease; furthermore, a trigger of AITDs, infecting the thyroid or immune cells, was demonstrated in an avian model. This potential remains unproven although viruses may be agents in AITDs.
An increased frequency of antibodies to the influenza B virus has been observed in a group of patients with thyrotoxicosis. Virus-like particles have been discovered in the thyroid of chickens together with similar particles. Serological evidence of staphylococcal and streptococcal disorders were described in a few patients with AITDs.
Some of the strongest evidence linking infectious agents to AITDs’ induction has been the institution of Yersinia enterocolitica disease with thyroid disorder. This Gram-negative coccobacillus commonly causes diarrhea along with a number of abnormalities that indicate disorder, including arthritis, arthralgias, erythema nodosum, carditis, glomerulonephritis, and iritis. Weiss et al. demonstrated that Y. enterocolitica needed a saturable, hormone-specific binding site for its mammalian TSH that resembled the receptor for TSH from the human thyroid gland.
An immune response against a viral antigen that shares homology with the TSHR might be the inductive event that ultimately leads to autoimmunity. A substantial association between AITDs and hepatitis C has also been found. Antibody titers are shown to increase in patients with the hepatitis C virus, and these patients were more susceptible to AITDs than were hepatitis B sufferers. These patients must be screened for autoimmune thyroid disease.
Infection might induce an autoimmune response by various mechanisms, such as polyclonal T cell activation by microbial superantigens mimicry, and thyroid expression of human leukocyte antigens. Inflammation can alter cell signaling pathways and influence T cell activity and cytokine secretion profiles.
In conclusion, research studies have shown that autoimmune thyroid diseases may also be the response of environmental factors such as infections. Infections can lead to AITDs when the human body’s own immune system attacks and damages the thyroid gland cells in addition to those of bacteria and viruses. Ultimately, treating bacterial and viral infections can be an essential way to prevent autoimmune thyroid disease or complications.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
The thyroid gland is a large, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. Although it may seem insignificant in nature, this ductless gland is fundamental for the human body’s overall function. The thyroid gland secretes an essential collection of thyroid hormones which aid in the growth and development of the systems through the rate of metabolism.
What is the purpose of the thyroid gland?
The continuous release of thyroid hormones activate numerous bodily functions, including proper heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain growth and development, bone maintenance and even body temperature.
As important as the thyroid gland is, however, the human body’s own immune system can sometimes attack and damage a healthy thyroid gland, a condition medically referred to as autoimmune thyroid disease. Autoimmune thyroid diseases, or AITD’s, such as Hashimoto’s thyroid disease and Graves’ disease can ultimately alter the overall function of the body. Autoimmune thyroid disease is believed to have no apparent cause, but, research studies have hypothesized that exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can bring an onset of AITD’s.
Environmental Pollutants and Toxins
The exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins have been previously implicated in the induction of autoimmune thyroid diseases throughout various research studies. Similar studies have also linked AITD’s to other environmental factors, such as iodine intake and selenium deficiency. However, in cases where autoimmune thyroid disease cannot be attributed to diet and nutrition, healthcare professionals have suspected the influence of other environmental factors.
Polyhalogenated biphenyls are commonly used compounds with a variety of applications. Polybrominated biphenyls are flame retardant, and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB’s, are used as lubricants, adhesives, inks, and plasticizers. PCB’s are known to accumulate in rivers and lakes and then in the adipose tissue of fish and humans. AITD’s might be triggered by these compounds by interfering with iodide transport, causing oxidative stress. There is proof that thyroid hormone levels in rat pups decrease with exposure to perinatal PCB’s. In adults, adolescents, and children from such areas, the concentration of PCB’s in blood samples negatively correlated with levels of circulating thyroid hormones.
Populations with long-term exposure to PCB’s have increased prevalences of antibodies, which can be linked to the increased effects of these compounds in the environment. Pollutants and toxins from heavy industry and auto emissions, in addition to coal pollution and agricultural fungicides, are also implicated in development of AITD’s.
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing Graves’ disease, an autoimmune thyroid disease which causes hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, as well as a remission rate after thionamide treatment. Even more striking is the impact of smoking on Graves’ orbitopathy, which tends to become more serious in smokers. Smoking might contribute to the pathogenesis of Graves’ disease by altering the structure of the thyrotropin receptor, making it more immunogenic and causing the creation of thyrotropin antibodies that react with retroorbital tissue.
Smoking increases antigens by cells that are damaged and induces the polyclonal activation of T and B cells. Hypoxia can play a part in Graves’ orbitopathy when cultured under hypoxic conditions because retrobulbar fibroblasts show a significant increase in proliferation and glycosaminoglycan production. The impacts of smoking on thyroid function in fetuses or infants that are 1-year-old offer insight into the interrelationship between smoking and autoimmune thyroid disease. The latter study found that the mothers and fathers of babies whose had higher cord serum levels of Tg and thiocyanate than did infants whose parents did not smoke. The result observed in adolescents exposed to passive smoking could be due to direct stimulation of sympathetic nervous activity from smoking in addition to the increase in thyroid hormone secretion. The association of smoking with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is less well-defined.
In conclusion, various research studies have demonstrated that exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins, including smoking, may have a connection with autoimmune thyroid diseases. While the thyroid gland is virtually an essential part of the function of the human body, it can no doubt be sensitive to environmental factors.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of the neck. It’s in charge of releasing essential thyroid hormones which control the body’s metabolism, the way the body uses energy. The thyroid gland’s hormones regulate vital body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, central and peripheral nervous systems, body temperature and more.
What causes autoimmune thyroid disease?
As essential as the thyroid gland is, however, the body’s own immune system can sometimes malfunction and attack this important endocrine organ, ultimately affecting its function. Autoimmune thyroid diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroid disease and Graves’ disease, have been on the rise in the United States. While the diagnosis of thyroid disease has increased, many doctors still don’t know the cause of the issue, but these have been linked to several factors.
Environmental Factors for AITD
A number of environmental factors have been associated with the development and growth� of autoimmune thyroid disease in individuals, including iodine intake and selenium deficiency as well as pollutants like tobacco smoke, infectious diseases, particular medications, and physical and emotional stress. Herein, we focus on the causes that are preventable. It’s also suggested that, in addition to genetics, some variables can also be important to the development of AITDs, such as growth spurts in childhood, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, aging, and sex.
Iodine Intake
Dietary iodine plays a significant part in the presence of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Epidemiological studies have indicated that increases in AITDs occur in parallel with increases in the consumption of dietary iodine and that AITDs are common in areas of iodine sufficiency than of deficiency. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is common in countries with a low iodine intake, according to research statistics.
The thyroid gland requires the right amount of iodine in order to perform it’s everyday functions. Thyroid issues are caused by either too much or too little iodine intake. Decreased levels of iodine brings the adaptive immune mechanisms of the thyroid into action, but despite this natural solution, iodine deficiency disorders may result. Too much iodine can also affect the thyroid. Immune mechanisms of the thyroid associated with increased levels of iodine include diminished trapping of iodide by the thyroid gland and iodide organification. In experimental thyroid disease studies, Tg epitopes were discovered, including some containing conformational epitopes as well as some iodine and hormones.�Increasing the iodination of Tg makes the protein more antigenic Optimally, the iodine intake of a population should be kept inside a relatively narrow interval that prevents iodine ailments, but avoid it being too high.
The mechanism of action of iodine intake in contributing to autoimmune thyroid disease isn’t apparent. Iodine may stimulate B lymphocytes to increase the creation of immunoglobulin and so induce AITDs by enhancing the activity of lymphocytes which have been primed by thyroid-specific antigens. Iodine may enhance the antigen-presenting capacities of macrophages, resulting in enhanced lymphocyte stimulation and increased activity. Additionally, a high iodine intake increases the content of the Tg molecule. Lastly, iodine may cause issues by turning normal thyrocytes that are genetically predisposed to thyroid follicular cells to become APCs and thus potentiate AITDs.
Selenium Deficiency
The next factor which plays a significant part in the presence as well as the progression of autoimmune thyroid disease is the trace component selenium, or Se. Selenium is a constituent of selenoproteins (SePs), in which it is incorporated as selenocysteine. Relevant actions of Se and SePs consist of antioxidant effects, proper operation of the immune system, antiviral effects, influence on fertility, and a beneficial effect on disposition.
Selenium deficiency is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease by lengthening the duration and exacerbating the severity of the illness; these effects might occur via activity of this SeP glutathione peroxidase, which leads to an alteration of hydrogen peroxide within the body. Another class of SePs are the selenodeiodonases D1 and D2, that are accountable for producing exceptionally T3 through 5 -deiodination in extrathyroidal tissues. Deficiencies and combined Se contribute to cretinism. Adequate Se nutrition protects the thyroid gland from harm from excess iodine exposure and supports metabolism and effi-cient thyroid hormone synthesis. In areas having acute combined de-ficiencies of Se and potassium, it is compulsory to normalize the Se supply before the initiation of supplementa-tion that is potassium to prevent hypothyroidism.
In celiac disease, the inability to absorb Se may modu-late SeP gene expression and promote intestinal mucosal damage, and this deficiency could additionally predis-pose to complications such as AITDs. Derumeaux et al. found that between selenium status and thyroid gland as well as echo-structure in adults and reasoned that Se may protect against autoimmune thyroid disease. Duntas et al. found effects when treating patients with autoimmune thyroid disease for 6 weeks because of its ability using selenomethionine. In the category treated with LT4 together with Se, these effects were prominent after 6 months of therapy. A majority of the patients reported an improvement in well-being.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
The thyroid gland plays a major part in the human body; it’s in charge of creating the hormones necessary for providing our body’s energy levels for an active life. These hormones have a critical impact on the development and growth of our body. At the same time, however, the thyroid is highly vulnerable to autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs).
Why is the thyroid gland vulnerable to autoimmune thyroid disease?
Autoimmune thyroid diseases often occur as a result of genetic factors. These seem to affect disease progression after the thyroid gland becomes the target of autoimmunity cells. It can create a large array of cytokines, adhesion molecules, and also growth factors. The susceptibility of the thyroid to AITDs can come from the complexity of hormonal synthesis, oligoelement conditions and particular capabilities of the defense mechanisms of the thyroid.
Genetic Factors for Thyroid Disease
The thyroid gland is essential in the human body due to it’s production of thyroid hormones. These compounds have fundamental effects, playing critical roles in somatic growth, brain development, bone maturation, and the mRNA synthesis of more than 100 proteins which govern each and every physiological function of the body.
The incidence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, abbreviated as CAT, and Graves’ disease, another autoimmune thyroid disease, has increased dramatically over the last few decades, afflicting up to 5 percent of the overall population. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis has become the most common cause of hypothyroidism, according to recent studies.
Initial research on the association between early fetal nourishment and the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease has led to some controversial data. In twin studies, Phillips et al. found that one monozygotic twins, the smaller twin, had greater levels of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies. In instances of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the hypothesis suggests excess weight and obesity in children can be a major contributing factor to thyroid disease, even among the population of children with type 1 diabetes, those who were more overweight or obese demonstrated a higher prevalence of thyroid and autoimmunity issues. Obese children have also been found to have increased interferon (IFN)-?-secreting T helper cells along with altered thyroid structure and hormonal status.
Recent advances in genome-wide research have made it feasible to effectively identify complicated genes. Using both the candidate gene approach and whole-genome linkage studies, 6 AITD susceptibility genes have been identified and verified; the very first group includes the immunomodulatory gene products HLA-DR, CD40, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated variable (CTLA-4), and protein tyrosine phosphatase 22 (PTPN22), and the second category involves the thyroid-specific receptor goods thyroglobulin (Tg) and also thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR).
Genetic factors predominate as the leading cause of thyroid dysfunction, accounting for roughly 80 percent of the odds of developing autoimmune thyroid diseases, whereas at least 20 percent are due to environmental or other variables. On the history of AITDs, a number of research studies have been published in the last few decades.
An increased frequency of AITDs is reported in Turner syndrome and in additional nondisjunctional chromosomal disorders such as in Down syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome. The concept that autoimmunity can lead to the survival of a fetus with chromosomal aneuploidy is fascinating but remains unproven. The most prevalent disorder in Turner syndrome appears to be chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, with a reported thyroid autoantibody incidence of 30. Hypothyroidism of autoimmune origin is indeed common in TS that every other TS girl will likely develop hypothyroidism.
Analyzing the Thyroid Cell
The thyroid cell produces a variety of immunologically active factors, as shown on Table 1, and has complicated nutrient conditions for hormonal synthesis, as shown on Table 2, both of which influence susceptibility to AITDs. It is increasingly clear that the target thyroid cells interact with the body in ways that look defensive and protective, yet they can malfunction and exacerbate under circumstances that are particular, according to the research.
Table 1
Table 2
In the majority of human autoimmune disorders, the events which trigger autoimmunity remain unknown. It is unclear whether results mostly from an immune defect, are secondary to target organ alterations, or even both. The thyroid gland demonstrated increased oxidation and iodine uptake prior to infiltration concomitant in the case of autoimmune thyroid disease. Modifying thyroid function influences the growth of thyroid autoimmunity. The thyroid, contrary to other cells from the endocrine system, is exceptional in function since it releases hormonal goods on its basal surface instead of its surface, hence allowing for the proper transportation of iodine which is essential across the cell.
Thyroid cells are capable of producing different factors (Table 1), such as IGF I, IGF II, and EGF, which could stimulate angiogenesis. The half-life of those molecules is short and they induce only localized (nonsystemic) effects. Thyroid follicular cells secrete several necessary growth factors. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3 (LFA-3) by thyroid cells is enhanced by IFN-?, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin (IL)-1. Thyroid cells express CD44, which functions as a homing receptor for hyaluronan, mediates leukocyte rolling (the very first step in tissue homing), and may (like ICAM-1) induce lymphocyte activation under certain circumstances. Thyroid cells are now known to produce many cytokines (particularly after stimulation with IL-1), including IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-13, and IL-15. Activated lymphocytes can create TSH.
Low dose substance tolerance can easily be altered, and the thyroid gland is not well taken by the immune system. Autoantigens in autoimmune thyroid disease, as in other autoimmune endocrine disorders, include tissue-specific membrane receptors, enzymes, and secreted hormones. Mixed cellular and antibody autoimmune responses are probably pathogenic to some level. Circulating anti-Tg autoantibodies can also be present in GD and CAT, as are autoantibodies to triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The human (h) TSHR is the principal antigenic target in autoimmune hyperthyroidism. The TPO autoantibody appears to be unlikely to have much pathogenic importance as it’s restricted access to TPO is due to its location inside the cell. What’s more, anti-TPO autoantibodies don’t inhibit the action of this enzyme. Therefore, their clinical significance is principally to record thyroid gland autoimmunity.
In humans, excess thyroid gland hormones can lead to the attenuation of natural killer (NK) cell activity, which in theory could cause the continuation of an autoimmune disease. Upon return to some euthyroid status along with the consequent normalization of NK activity, a reversion to management of this abnormal immune reaction would occur with perpetuation of GD. Furthermore, an anti-idiotype may be the agonist for the original antigen. Therefore, an antibody to a antibody (anti-idiotype) into TSH may pertain to the TSHR and stimulate the thyroid gland. A more likely hypothesis is that anti-idiotypic antibodies are rarely generated at a detectable degree. Hodkinson et al. recently found a positive association between thyroid hormone concentration and NK-like T cells in the elderly.
Antigen Presentation
Bottazzo et al. first indicated that antigen presentation by HLA-DR-expressing thyroid gland hormones may be a vital aspect of thyroid autoimmune disease. It rapidly became clear in the research that the only stimulus capable of causing MHC class II expression on thyroid cells was the T cell cytokine IFN-?. Regular cells react precisely the same as AITD thyroid gland in IFN-?, and in animal models of AITDs, class II expression on thyroid cells is constantly followed by the amount of lymphocytes. Along with inducing MHC class II expression, IFN-? increases MHC class I expression on thyroid cells, thus allowing the recognition of thyroid cells from cytotoxic CD8+ T cells.
It is likely that direct antigen presentation by the thyroid may occur in individuals who inherit T cells; such a circumstance would skip the standard mechanism. The HLA-DR antigen-expressing thyroid cell may be as successful as the macrophage at introducing thyroid-specific antigens to the immune system, but the thyroid cell is incapable of supplying the costimulatory signals that practitioner antigen-presenting cells (APCs) do. Any stimulus that causes increased DR expression on thyrocytes, for example IFN-? produced by T cells in response to infection, combined with increased TSH stimulation may allow thyrocytes to function properly. Though thyroid cells can perform this function they are localized, allowing for production of the previously established occurring low levels of antibodies, leading to autoimmune thyroid disorder in the human body.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
Thyroid diseases, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, both caused by the altered function of the thyroid gland found in the neck, have been reported to develop due to a variety of factors. Among these factors, however, research studies have recently found a connection between the use of pesticides and thyroid disease.
What is the connection between thyroid disease and pesticides?
One of the most recent research studies, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (AJE), discovered that exposure to fungicides and organochlorine pesticides increased the rate of hypothyroidism among women by 20 and 40 percent, respectively. Thyroid disease is most often diagnosed in women than in men.
Thyroid Disease and Pesticides
Thyroid disease can ultimately affect overall health and wellness, manifesting in symptoms of fatigue, weight fluctuations and mental issues. Some thyroid diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroid disease and Graves’ disease, are autoimmune thyroid diseases which cause the body’s own cells to attack the thyroid gland.
Researchers in the University of Nebraska Medical Center derived these figures from clinical information collected from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS), conducted in North Carolina and Iowa between 1993 and 1997.
All those enrolled in the AHS were the female partners of agricultural workers. Nearly seven percent of them reported suffering from hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid function. The typical speed of the disorder among Americans is five percent, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). In the AJE, several agricultural chemical classes weren’t associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. These comprised of fumigants herbicides, organophosphates, pyrethroids and carbamate.
However, any exposure to organochlorine pesticides or fungicides resulted in a greater rate of hypothyroidism. Pesticides are an extremely toxic class of neurotoxins which includes DDT, as stated by the University of Connecticut Center for Environmental Health. This exposure can affect the proper function of an otherwise healthy thyroid.
Other studies have made similar associations between pesticides and thyroid disorder. A 1998 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that 10 percent of pesticides analyzed from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were carcinogenic in laboratory rodents.
A 2003 report in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) – compounds used to dilute pesticides, seem to impact the volume, hormone levels and the incidence of nodules in the thyroid glands of individuals most exposed to PCBs.
Hypothyroidism slows down many of the human body’s functions, leading to fatigue, weight reduction, brittle hair and constipation, the NIDDK reports. The report adds that women are more likely to develop the illness. If you begin to notice any of the above symptoms, be sure to seek immediate medical attention in order to diagnose the presence of any thyroid disease and begin a proper treatment plan to correct the thyroid hormone disbalance.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
The thyroid diseases, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, are important to take care of in pregnancy, and unfortunately, they can occur relatively frequently. The thyroid gland is an organ found in the neck which releases hormones that regulate your metabolism, heart and nervous system, weight, body temperature, and many different processes within the body.
What are the risks of thyroid disease in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, in case you have preexisting hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you may require more medical attention to control these conditions, particularly in the first trimester. Pregnancy may cause symptoms much like those common in these thyroid disases, in the first trimester. Should you experience palpitations, weight loss, and persisting vomiting, you should contact your doctor.
Untreated thyroid diseases in pregnancy may lead to early birth, preeclampsia (a severe increase in blood pressure), miscarriage, and low birth weight among other problems. It’s very important to talk to your healthcare professional if you have some background of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism so you may be monitored before, and during pregnancy and have your treatment adjusted if needed.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may mimic those of normal pregnancy, such as an increased heart rate, sensitivity to warm temperatures, and exhaustion. Additional symptoms of hyperthyroidism include the following:
Irregular heartbeat
Nervousness
Severe nausea or vomiting
Slight tremor
Trouble sleeping
Weight loss or low weight gain for a typical pregnancy
Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as extreme tiredness and weight gain, can be easily confused with normal symptoms of pregnancy. Other symptoms include:
Constipation
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Sensitivity to cold temperatures
Muscle cramps
Causes of Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy
The most common cause of maternal hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is the autoimmune disease Grave’s disease. In this disorder, the body makes an antibody (a protein created by the body when it thinks a virus or bacteria has invaded) called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) which causes the thyroid to make an excessive amount of thyroid hormone.
The most frequent cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In this condition, the body attacks the thyroid gland cells, leaving the thyroid without enzymes and cells to make enough thyroid hormones.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in pregnancy are identified based on symptoms, physical examination, and blood tests to measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones T4, and for hyperthyroidism, additionally T3.
Treatment of Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy
For women who require treatment for hyperthyroidism, an antithyroid medication that interferes with the production of thyroid hormones is utilized. This medication is usually PTU or propylthiouracil for your first trimester, and methimazole can be used also, following the first trimester, if necessary. In cases in which women don’t respond to these drugs or have unwanted effects from the remedies, surgery to remove part of the thyroid could be critical. After you give birth, hyperthyroidism can get worse at the first 3 weeks, and your physician may have to raise the dose of medicine.
Hypothyroidism is treated with a synthetic (artificial) hormone called levothyroxine, which is comparable to the hormone T4 made by the thyroid. Your doctor will continue to monitor your thyroid function tests every 4-6 months and will adjust the dose of your levothyroxine in diagnosis of pregnancy. In case you have hypothyroidism and are taking levothyroxine, it’s important to notify your physician once you know so that the dose of levothyroxine can be increased to accommodate the increase in thyroid hormone replacement, you are pregnant. Because the calcium and iron in prenatal vitamins can block the absorption of thyroid hormone in the human body, you should not take your vitamin.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
“More children and teens than ever seem to have hypothyroidism, a thyroid gland which does not produce enough thyroid hormone”, says pediatric endocrinologist Andrew J. Bauer, MD, medical director of Medical Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. An underactive thyroid can even put on grip on and interfere with normal growth and development. Additionally, the fatigue hypothyroidism in children and infants causes can ultimately hinder performance at school and leave kids without enough energy for sports and play.
What should we known about hypothyroidism in children?
“We used to think that one or two in 100 kids and adolescents would develop hypothyroidism, but today it looks like two to three in 100 do,” states Dr. Bauer, co-author of a current review of childhood thyroid ailments for pediatricians and family physicians published in JAMA Pediatrics. “We don’t know the entire extent of hypothyroidism in young men and women in the United States, but numbers seem to be increasing along with levels of other autoimmune conditions. We do not know why. It may be that more children as well as teens are being analyzed, so we’re finding it.
The “hygiene hypothesis”, that residing in clean surroundings early in life can throw away the immune system, is just another potential explanation.” Here’s what parents should know about this thyroid condition:
Hypothyroidism is Common in Children
Routine testing at birth uncovers hypothyroidism in one of every 1,500-3,000 newborns. The cause is a problem with the growth of the thyroid gland, the gland found at the base of the neck. “Early identification and treatment of thyroid hormone deficiency is crucial to ensure normal physical growth and normal brain growth,” Dr. Bauer says. “Screening for thyroid disease should be a part of all newborn screening programs in America.”
But, hypothyroidism may also develop later in childhood or the teen years. The risk is four times higher in girls than in boys. And people with a family history of autoimmune disorders or who have Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, type 1 diabetes or autoimmune disease may also be at risk of developing hypothyroidism.
The most typical cause of this “obtained” hypothyroidism is: An immune system assault on cells in the thyroid gland. Additional factors that could damage the thyroid gland or its capacity to produce thyroid hormones include radiation for cancers of the head and throat, some drugs (including lithiumion, some epilepsy medications and chemotherapy drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and, infrequently, iodine deficiency. Thanks to “iodized” salt (fortified with iodine) as well as the pure iodine in milk products, eggs and fish, this nourishment problem is comparatively rare in the U.S.
Symptoms Can Hide in Plain Sight
Tiredness, constipation, feeling cold and dry hair and skin are red signs but doctors and parents may not suspect that a sluggish thyroid as these indicators are common complaints of life, not specific to thyroid disorder. A slow-down in development, a delay in growing at puberty and, for women, irregular periods, are symptoms that are key.
“Delays in diagnosing thyroid problems are also common in children and adolescents with hyperthyroidism (a thyroid gland that produces too much thyroid gland) because of the cross-over in behaviour that is similar to anxiety and/or attention deficit disorders,” Dr. Bauer says. “We are also seeing the flip side –more parents legitimately concerned about their child’s fatigue or weight want to know if it’s a thyroid issue. If parents are concerned–especially if their child is not growing well, isn’t going through puberty when they ought to be, or if they develop unexplained and consistent indications or signs consistent with hypo- or hyperthyroidism — it is well worth mentioning to the doctor.”
Weight Gain and Obesity in Children
“Weight gain and obesity are seldom caused by hypothyroidism in children and adolescents,” Dr. Bauer says. “Parents wonder if a thyroid issue is the cause, particularly when they’re doing all they can to help a kid eat a healthy diet and be active. Children with hypothyroidism may sometimes look as if they’re carrying a few extra pounds because they’re not getting taller. But the majority of the time, it’s being overweight that can lead to changes in thyroid hormone levels.”
Extra body fat may increase levels of the hormone leptin, which then increases levels of thyroid stimulating hormone when the thyroid is currently working normally. That could look like subclinical hypothyroidism. “With weight loss, thyroid stimulating hormone levels return to normal,” Dr. Bauer says
Parents Can Check from Home
An enlarged thyroid gland is an important clue to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. “Along with other ailments, it can help your doctor determine whether it is worthwhile performing thyroid testing,” Dr. Bauer explains. “But you can have hypothyroidism with no enlarged thyroid gland.” Parents can do the basic test ” he says. “We don’t encourage parents to attempt to become physicians, but with your child appear at the ceiling while you look at their neck is a fairly easy. If you are able to see the overview of the thyroid gland in this place, then the thyroid is enlarged.”
The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the neck. It extends about an inch. Check by simply looking at this area of the neck in three places to determine if there is an enlarged thyroid:
While your child looks straight using their chin parallel to the floor.
While your son or daughter looks up with her head and her chin pointing upward so that her neck is extended.
As she looks up while she swallows.
About Thyroid Disease Treatment
Doctors diagnose hypothyroidism by assessing for symptoms, taking a family history, analyzing a child’s thyroid gland and analyzing levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 (free thyroxine). High TSH and T4 can mean hypothyroidism. Amounts of anti-thyroid antibodies, which may be elevated, may also get checked. “If a child or adolescent has hypothyroidism, the typical treatment is levothyroxine–artificial thyroid hormone to replace hormones the thyroid isn’t producing in large-enough amounts,” Dr. Bauer says.
The dose is customized for each child, so that thyroid hormone levels remain within a healthy range. Your child’s physician will recheck his or her thyroid every three to six months before she or he reaches full height–after a change in dose with more checks. “This should look after delays in growth and puberty, stop learning delays, improve energy levels and receive a young man’s life back to normal,” Dr. Bauer says.
But from time to time, that the “brain fog” or exhaustion of hypothyroidism does not fully lift with levothyroxine, ” he notes. “If that is true for your child, it is worth asking the physician whether adding a second thyroid gland, known as T3, could be advantageous,” Dr. Bauer says. “We are beginning to see advantages for many adults and kids utilizing combined T3 and T4 therapy, although, this approach remains controversial and additional research into this approach is required.” This is probably the primary reason why some patients feel better on ‘natural’ thyroid hormone — it is not that it’s a ‘natural’ product when compared with a ‘synthetic’ product but that the ‘natural’ variant of thyroid gland has both T3 and T4 from the formulation.
Meanwhile, some parents detect a sudden “side effect” of therapy: Kids who were silent and relatively inactive today have lots of energy, and may be more interested in playing and just running over sitting down to do homework. “There are usually kids with severe hypothyroidism who get all their assignments done and do not get distracted as they were too tired to do much else but sit around,” Dr. Bauer says. “Following treatment, all of a sudden you have got a typical eight-year-old who is full of energy. It may be an alteration for the patient and the parents.”
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
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