GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Thyroid hormone is normally produced in adequate amounts by the thyroid gland, a small
butterfly-shaped gland situated just below the Adam’s apple
region of the neck. People who are suffering from
hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland) and those whom have had their thyroid removed need to
take synthetic thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine and
Liothyronine to stay healthy. In the past patients were
often given thyroid gland preparations from beef or
pork, however most doctors now choose to prescribe synthetic thyroid hormone. It is important
that hypothyroidism is diagnosed and managed by a physician,
as severe hypothyroidism can be fatal.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Thyroid hormone plays an important role in
controlling the metabolic activity of all body tissues, thus it is required to regulate the
metabolic rate of the body. Although
levels of thyroid hormone generally do not decline
with age, many anti-aging specialists believe that hypothyroidism is common and when present speeds
the development of heart disease as well as the aging
process in general. Thyroid hormone also helps to promote
weight loss, however it should never be taken for this reason alone. Because of its effects
upon fat metabolism thyroid hormone can also help to lower
cholesterol levels. It also improves cerebral metabolism and
helps to prevent cognitive impairment.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism)
is a relatively common disorder, typically caused by autoimmune destruction of the thyroid
gland. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, feeling cold,
dry skin, hair slow, and mental slowness. Severe cases of
hypothyroidism (myxedema) can cause coma. In infants, hypothyroidism can cause cognitive
impairment and abnormal development of the skeleton, a
condition often known as cretinism.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
It is important to receive medical treatment if
hypothyroidism is suspected, thus therapeutic amounts will be determined by a physician and will
vary with each individual case.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Determined by physician
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICTIONS:
Thyroid hormone can interfere with certain
medications and should only be used with caution in people with cardiovascular disease, thus
it should only be taken when prescribed and as directed by a
physician. Iron supplements can interfere with the
absorption of thyroid hormone; therefore, it is important
not to take them during the 2 hours before or after your thyroid hormone dose. Soymilk and foods may interfere with the absorption
of thyroid medication in infants; furthermore, it may also
directly interfere with thyroid function. Thus, it may be
necessary to adjust the dosage of the hormone.Women taking estrogens (either for hormone replacement therapy or birth control) may also need
to take more thyroid hormone.
