Hyperthyroidism and HTMA
Assessing hyperthyroidism can be challenging as symptoms, temperature tests, and blood tests alone may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition. The regulation of the thyroid gland is a complex process, and it can be confusing to interpret the results accurately. To gain a better understanding of the condition, hair analysis may offer valuable insights.
Thyroid Physiology
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological function by secreting three hormones: thyroxine (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. T4 is the most abundant hormone, while T3 is four times more potent but secreted in smaller amounts. Peripheral tissues convert some T4 to T3. Calcitonin helps to lower calcium levels in the body.
The secretion of these hormones is regulated by the pituitary hormone thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the hypothalamic hormone thyroid-releasing factor (TRF). Additionally, cyclic AMP is a secondary messenger that plays a role in regulating thyroid activity.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by symptoms of excessive activity of the thyroid hormones, which can be due to either excessive secretion of the hormones or excessive tissue effects of the hormone.
The medical causes of hyperthyroidism are often unclear. Graves' disease and Plummer's are examples of toxic diffuse and nodular goitres, respectively. However, the names of these diseases do not explain their underlying causes. Enlargement or nodules can also occur without excessive hormone production.
Thyroid tumours may or may not produce excessive hormones, while a pituitary tumour can overstimulate the thyroid gland. Extreme hyperthyroid symptoms may occur due to acute stress, or some cases may be related to autoimmune antibodies that overstimulate the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include nervousness, weakness, sensitivity to heat, sweating, restlessness, weight loss, increased appetite, fine tremors, palpitations, and bulging eyeballs. Other symptoms may include diarrhea, a high pulse rate, and other heart problems. The temperature test for thyroid activity is based on a high body temperature, but adrenal dysfunction can also affect body temperature.
Fast Oxidation and Hyperthyroidism
Individuals who are familiar with the oxidation types may observe that the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are consistent with those of fast oxidation. Symptoms of fast oxidation include a fast pulse, nervousness, irritability, sweating, diarrhea, sensitivity to heat, and tremors. Fast oxidation is associated with excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increase in thyroid and adrenal gland activity. However, it is worth noting that hyperthyroid symptoms can also occur in slow oxidizers.
Fast oxidation is a metabolic state characterized by a rapid breakdown of carbohydrates and an increased rate of energy production. It is associated with an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which can increase thyroid and adrenal gland activity, resulting in hyperthyroidism-like symptoms.
On the other hand, slow oxidizers have a slower metabolic rate and may experience fatigue, weakness, and sluggishness. Despite this, some slow oxidizers may also experience hyperthyroidism-like symptoms due to various factors such as autoimmune disorders, tumours, or other underlying health conditions.
While hyperthyroidism symptoms are typically associated with fast oxidation, slow oxidizers may also experience similar symptoms due to various underlying health conditions. Therefore, proper medical diagnosis and treatment are essential in managing hyperthyroidism regardless of one's oxidation type.
Copper and Thyroid
Copper plays an essential role in thyroid activity by enhancing the production of biogenic amines, which can boost metabolic activity. Individuals with copper toxicity may exhibit symptoms similar to those of fast oxidizers, even if they are slow oxidizers.
Copper toxicity can cause an increase in tissue levels of calcium and magnesium, which can impact cell membranes and hinder the transport of thyroid hormones and other substances into cells. This can result in a perceived cellular deficiency, triggering a feedback mechanism that causes increased thyroid hormone secretion to correct the deficiency.
However, the challenging aspect of copper toxicity is that hair analysis usually reveals a slow oxidation rate, even though the patient may display symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Additionally, serum T3, T4, and/or TSH levels may be abnormal, leading to medical therapy for hyperthyroidism, such as surgical removal of part of the thyroid or irradiation of the gland.
It is crucial to note that copper toxicity can adversely affect thyroid activity and cause symptoms that may resemble hyperthyroidism. As such, proper medical diagnosis and treatment, including the regulation of copper levels, are necessary to effectively manage such conditions.
Other Nutrients
The synthesis of thyroxine requires several essential nutrients, including manganese, iodine, and tyrosine. In addition, potassium is necessary to sensitize tissues to the effects of thyroid hormones. Cyclic AMP and various enzymes are also critical for proper thyroid function.
Toxic metals can impact the thyroid in multiple ways. Cadmium toxicity can increase the metabolic rate and raise tissue sodium levels, leading to lower calcium and magnesium levels. This can contribute to a fast oxidation state, where excessive thyroid hormone can enter the cells and produce symptoms of hyperthyroidism, even if thyroid blood tests are normal.
This can be a confusing situation as the blood test results may not match the symptoms, and the hair analysis may reveal a fast oxidation rate while not indicating cadmium toxicity. Cadmium may be sequestered in organs such as the kidneys rather than in the hair, and it may take several months on an individualized nutrition program before the toxic metal is mobilized and revealed in a hair mineral analysis.
Other heavy metals or toxic chemicals can affect thyroid function by competing with vital nutrients or poisoning metabolic pathways, leading to thyroid hormone production or utilization imbalances.
Addressing Hyperthyroidism
In cases where the cause of hyperthyroid symptoms is a fast oxidation rate, implementing a Mineral Balancing Program that specifically targets fast oxidizers may provide relief. However, if the root cause is related to copper toxicity, a tumour, or another toxic condition, a different nutrition program or approach is required. It's important to note that stress, regardless of the cause, can also contribute to hyperthyroid symptoms. In summary, it's possible for both slow and fast oxidizers to develop symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and it's unlikely that a single test can provide a complete picture of the underlying cause. Utilizing hair analysis may aid in determining the root cause, reduce confusion, and potentially prevent invasive treatments for hyperthyroidism.