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Alternative Names: Hypothyroidism is often referred to as an "underactive thyroid gland".
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, does not make sufficient thyroid hormone to meet the body's requirements. Caused in almost all cases by autoimmune disease, the result is that the immune system goes awry and begins gradually to destroy the thyroid gland. This process is not usually associated with thyroid gland discomfort but may cause the gland to enlarge or shrink in size.
There is a variation of hypothyroidism called Wilson's Syndrome, named after E. Denis Wilson, MD. Wilson's Syndrome is also known as Multiple Enzyme Dysfunction or MED. All of the details of this condition can be found in his book Wilson's Syndrome, The Miracle of Feeling Well. This book is somewhat controversial and although many doctors are using variations of his therapeutic approach, it contains much useful information and many testimonials of people helped by using T3 therapy. Sufficient additional information may be found on the Internet and by conferring with a knowledgeable doctor.
Dr. Wilson reports that when a body is under stress, such as illness, fasting, cortisol from stress, T4 (thyroxin - a thyroid hormone) is converted to Reverse T3 instead of T3 (triiodothyronine - the primary hormone that regulates the metabolic rate). As the T3 hormone levels in the blood drop to low levels, the patient's body temperature can subsequently drop below normal. When the body temperature decreases so does the function of important enzymes, as their activity is determined by temperature.
Wilson's Syndrome is a state of chronic low body temperature. It may be genetic, or triggered by stress or inactivity, as well as diet, selenium or zinc deficiency, heavy metals or starvation. It appears to be part of the body's method of conserving fuel: Wilson's Syndrome occurs when someone drops into this "conservation" mode and is not able to later recover back to the normal "productive" mode of functioning. An interesting side note is that Dr. Fahrenheit considered normal body temperature to be 100°F. Some say the present average temperature is 98.2°, and may be as much as 1½° lower than it was 150 years ago.
Incidence; Causes & Development; Risk Factors
Hypothyroidism is relatively common. It affects between 1 in 100 to 3 in 100 women of child-bearing age. It is more common in women than in men, and it becomes more common with age. Hypothyroidism occurs in up to 5 to 10% of older women; up to 20% of women over 60 have evidence of hypothyroidism.
A common cause of hypothyroidism is the treatment of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), which often causes the thyroid gland to fail after a number of years.
With regards to Wilson's Syndrome, difficulty arises when low metabolism conditions continue for too long: various repair functions are deferred too long, and the body begins to show signs and symptoms. For every degree of body temperature lost, biochemists say the loss in efficiency of enzymatic processes can be up to 20%. Chronic low body temperature is related to many syndromes and symptoms, including: allergies, apathy, chronic fatigue, "brain fog", "personal failure", depression, dizziness, hypoglycemia, lethargy, passive/aggressive syndromes, skin and joint conditions, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, past sexual abuse, yeast problems, porphyria, and many other poorly-defined chronic low health states. Obviously, not all chronic problems are related to chronic low body temperature but it would be prudent to measure one's body temperature from time to time to see if this is a possibility. It is interesting to note that a common time of death is in the very early morning, when the body temperature is at its lowest.
Hypothyroidism tends to "run in families". If you have a history of either hypothyroidism, or paradoxically, hyperthyroidism in your family, it increases the chance that you may someday develop the condition. However, except for a few rare disorders, hypothyroidism is not transmitted in a typical dominant or recessive manner. If you have a strong family history of underactive or overactive thyroid disease, you should mention this to your physician.
Signs & Symptoms
Hypothyroidism slows metabolism and affects essentially every system in the body. Symptoms include generalized fatigue, weight gain, thinning (brittle) hair, dry scaly skin, thin nails that break easily, constipation, alterations in menses, aching muscles, and slow heart rate. You may notice changes in behavior, such as decreased ability to concentrate, reading and calculating are more difficult, and you may experience decreased interest in personal relationships or work. Hypothyroidism can cause or worsen depression.
Other symptoms include loss of appetite, painful pre-menstrual periods, muscle weakness, a yellow-orange coloration in the skin (particularly on the palms), yellow bumps on the eyelids, hair loss (including eyebrows), recurrent infections, depression, slow speech, lowering of the voice, premature aging and drooping swollen eyes.
Diagnosis & Tests
Hypothyroidism is more common than is typically diagnosed. It is possible to have some laboratory values be returned in the normal range when you have low thyroid symptoms. Oral temperatures during the day of less than 98.0°F (36.7°C) are very suspicious.
Diagnosis involves a simple blood test which measures your thyroid hormone (thyroxine or T4) and TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels. An elevation of TSH is a very sensitive index of reduced thyroid function. Somewhat like the thermostat in your home, when thyroid hormone levels fall, TSH (the furnace) is switched on to stimulate the thyroid gland. When thyroid hormone levels are low for a long time, TSH levels remain high. Thus, hypothyroidism is characterized by a TSH level that is above the normal range and a thyroxine level that is below or at the low end of the normal range (everyone's set point is a little different). Your physician can assist in the interpretation of these results, or you may wish to see a physician (an Endocrinologist) who specializes in hormonal disorders.
Treatment & Prevention
A medication called L-Thyroxine (L-T4) is used to replace the missing thyroid hormone. Some preparations also include a second form of thyroid hormone, tri-iodothyronine (L-T3). These hormones are chemically identical to those made by your own thyroid gland. Consequently, when the correct doses are prescribed and restore your metabolism to normal, the treatment is not accompanied by side-effects. The medication is in the form of a tablet, taken once a day. Taking too much thyroid hormone will, of course, speed up metabolism and can cause rapid or irregular heart rate and loss of calcium from the bone. However, excess thyroid hormone levels are unlikely to occur when the treatment is carefully prescribed and monitored.
When hypothyroidism is diagnosed, most doctors will prescribe thyroid medication and many use Synthroid (T4). However, a recent blinded study demonstrated that T4 and T3 in combination produced greater benefits than T4 alone, especially in the area of mental functioning.
Hypopituitarism (low functioning pituitary) and hypothyroidism (low functioning thyroid) can both result in deficient production of T4, which is the raw material the body uses to produce the active thyroid hormone T3. Your doctor should be able to help determine which medications are best for you.
The treatment of choice preferred by conventional doctors is T4 (Synthroid) because of its long half-life in the body (which helps provide steady T3 levels), once-a-day administration, and effectiveness in the treatment of such cases. Patients with hypopituitarism and hypothyroidism may, however, suffer with Wilson's Syndrome at the same time. In such cases, T4 therapy may not be adequate because impaired conversion of the T4 to the active compound T3 may prevent sufficient normalization of body temperature patterns and, in some cases, can even feed the vicious cycle of Wilson's Syndrome. The simultaneous use of T4 with T3 may be the best approach for hypothyroidism, especially if Wilson"s Syndrome is suspected. Many doctors prefer using the standard T4/T3 combination found in desiccated thyroid products such as Armour thyroid and other generic brands. Additional adjustments in the T4/T3 ratio can be made to meet the needs of individual patients.
Aside from taking a daily tablet, containing L-thyroxine, you should not have to change your lifestyle.
Is there a way to prevent hypothyroidism? Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism but this is very unlikely in North America where the iodine supply is abundant. There are no other preventative measures you can take to avoid hypothyroidism.
Prognosis; Complications
The underlying cause of hypothyroidism (autoimmune thyroiditis) is not reversible. However, the consequences of hypothyroidism can be treated very effectively by taking thyroid hormone replacement medication. The dose of thyroid hormone can be carefully regulated so that your body's metabolism is restored to normal. You should have your blood tested at least once a year, or more often if necessary, to be certain that the thyroid hormone dose you are taking is satisfactory.
Recognition and proper daily treatment of low thyroid function using thyroid hormone replacement therapy will result in resolution of deficiency symptoms usually beginning within the first month of therapy and reaching a maximum at 6-12 months of treatment. Nevertheless, it is probable that the patient will require thyroxine replacement for the rest of his or her life.
Problems with the thyroid can be the cause of many recurring illnesses and fatigue.
Patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) and treated with radioactive iodine are more likely to develop hypothyroidism. Approximately 50% of patients treated with radioiodine, and many treated with antithyroid drugs, eventually develop hypothyroidism and should be tested at about yearly intervals.
Hypothyroidism can cause carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon; it can also lead to significant increases in cholesterol levels and homocysteine levels and is implicated in about 10% of cases of high cholesterol levels. Correcting hypothyroidism can lead to a 30% drop in cholesterol and homocysteine levels.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Hypothyroidism:
Conditions that suggest Hypothyroidism: | | | | | Circulation |  Megaloblastic Anemia / Pernicious Anemia
Counter-indicators:
 Anemia (Iron deficiency) | If anemia is identified as a problem then the likelihood of Hypothyroidism is reduced. Therefore, it is wise to rule out anemia first, because both can contribute to similar symptomology. Of course, it is not impossible for both to occur simultaneously, but this is less likely. |
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Digestion |
 Constipation
Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux |
Hormones |
Low Sex Drive
Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin |
Inflammation |
Tendonitis |
Lab Values |
High Total Cholesterol
High Levels Of Triglycerides |
Mental |
Depression |
Metabolic |
Problems Caused By Being Overweight
Edema (Water Retention)
Hypoglycemia| | Patients suffering with Wilson's Syndrome, a form of hypothyroidism, occasionally experience intense and previously unfamiliar cravings for sweets. The low body temperature patterns may affect the function of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism that could result in lower blood sugar levels which might contribute to sweet cravings. |
Problems Caused By Being Underweight |
Musculo-Skeletal |
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
Organ Health |
Retinitis Pigmentosa| | There is an increased occurrence of thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. [ Am J Ophthalmol, 1996 Dec, 122:6, pp.903-5 Abstract] |
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Respiratory |
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) |
Skin-Hair-Nails |
Cold Hands and Feet
Female Hair Loss| | In rare cases, diffuse hair loss may be the only symptom of hypothyroidism, but in many people with hypothyroidism the hair is not affected. Once thyroid hormone is administered, regrowth of hair occurs in approximately 2 months. |
Dry skin
Dandruff |
Symptoms - Glandular |
 Hypothyroidism (confirmed) |
Uro-Genital |
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)
Amenorrhea
Metrorrhagia |
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Risk factors for Hypothyroidism: | | | | | Autoimmune | Autoimmune Tendency |
Diet |
A Vegan Diet| | Sub-clinical hypothyroidism, with raised thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels but mild or absent overt symptoms, has been found to be more common among vegans than the general population. Most vegans have low iodine intakes but a significant minority consume excessive amounts of iodine from seaweed, particularly kelp. Both low and excessively high iodine intakes in vegans have been linked to elevated TSH levels. The optimal range for TSH appears to be 1-2 mIU/l with values below 0.5 suggesting hyperthyroidism and values above 5 suggesting hypothyroidism. |
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Family History |
Hypothyroidism in family members| | Hypothyroidism tends to "run in families". If you have a history of either hypothyroidism, or paradoxically, hyperthyroidism in your family, it increases the chance that you may someday develop the condition. However, except for a few rare disorders, hypothyroidism is not transmitted in a typical dominant or recessive manner. If you have a strong family history of underactive or overactive thyroid disease, you should mention this to your physician. |
Hyperthyroidism in family members |
Hormones |
Hypopituitarism
Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance| | Progesterone increases sensitivity of estrogen receptors, and can therefore redirect estrogen activity and inhibit many of unopposed estrogen's undesirable side-effects, which includes interference with thyroid hormone activity. |
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Lab Values - Chemistries |
(Very) low HDL level
Counter-indicators:
 Excellent HDL level |
Nutrients |
Iodine Requirement
Copper Deficiency| | There are a limited number of studies that suggest low copper levels may reduce thyroid function. In cases where hypothyroidism is not responding properly to medication, make sure that copper levels are normal. |
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Supplements and Medications |
T3-T4/T3-only/animal-derived/T4-only thyroid hormone use |
Symptoms - Food - General |
History of frequent/history of occasional dieting |
Symptoms - Food - Intake |
High iodine consumption| | Amongst adults, low iodine intake or very high intakes can cause hypothyroidism. Excessive iodine has a complex disruptive effect on the thyroid and may cause hypothyroidism in susceptible individuals. |
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Hypothyroidism suggests the following may be present:
Hypothyroidism could instead be: | | | | | Environment / Toxicity | Fluoride Toxicity| | Though apparently vague and non-specific, most of the symptoms of fluoride toxicity point towards some kind of profound metabolic dysfunction, and are strikingly similar to the symptoms of hypothyroidism. |
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Mental |
Schizophrenia| | The book Natural Healing for Schizophrenia reports that 10% of patients diagnosed with "schizophrenia" have been found to have thyroid imbalances. |
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Recommendations and treatments for Hypothyroidism: | | | | | Botanical |  Ginger Root| | The liberal use of ginger, cayenne and other spicy herbs has helped restore a normal body temperature for some people with hypothyroidism. |
Bladderwrack| | People living near oceans or seas have a historically low rate of hypothyroidism that is due, in part, to ingestion of iodine-rich food, such as seafood and seaweeds like bladderwrack. Either hypothyroidism or goiter due to insufficient intake of iodine may possibly improve with bladderwrack supplementation, though human studies have not confirmed this at the time of writing. |
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Diet |
 Raw Food Diet| | A short-term (2-4 week) diet of only raw foods, with heavy emphasis on raw greens, seaweed, nuts, seeds, sprouted beans and seeds, and freshly extracted vegetable juices, can improve thyroid function. Although a long-term raw food diet may help you feel warmer, many raw foodists find they tend to be cold. |
Coconut |
Hormone |
 Thyroid Medications
Natural Progesterone| | Within weeks of using adequate natural progesterone cream, symptoms of hypothyroidism may disappear. This is because natural progesterone increases sensitivity of estrogen receptors, and can therefore redirect estrogen activity and inhibit many of unopposed estrogen's undesirable side-effects, which include interference with thyroid hormone activity. |
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Lab Tests/Rule-Outs |
Test Thyroid Function
Test Adrenal Function |
Mineral |
Iodine| | Sometimes a low functioning thyroid gland will improve with the addition of iodine in some form. Seaweeds and kelp have been found helpful. See link between hypothyroidism and selenium. Excessive iodine ingestion can cause either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and should be avoided. |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link | | | Strong or generally accepted link | | | Proven definite or direct link | | | Weakly counter-indicative | | | Strongly counter-indicative |  | | Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Apnea
Cessation of breathing.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A common, painful defect of the wrist and hand. It is caused by pressure on the middle nerve in the carpal tunnel. The syndrome is seen more often in women, especially in pregnant and in menopausal women. Symptoms may result from a blow, swelling, a tumor, rheumatoid arthritis, or a small carpal tunnel that squeezes the nerve. Pain may be infrequent or constant and is often most intense at night.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, Chronic Fatigue)
A disorder of unknown cause that lasts for prolonged periods and causes extreme and debilitating exhaustion as well as a wide range of other symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache and joint pain, often resembling flu and other viral infections. Also known as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (CEBV), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), "Yuppy Flu" and other names, it is frequently misdiagnosed as hypochondria, psychosomatic illness, or depression, because routine medical tests do not detect any problems.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Copper
An essential mineral that is a component of several important enzymes in the body and is essential to good health. Copper is found in all body tissues. Copper deficiency leads to a variety of abnormalities, including anemia, skeletal defects, degeneration of the nervous system, reproductive failure, pronounced cardiovascular lesions, elevated blood cholesterol, impaired immunity and defects in the pigmentation and structure of hair. Copper is involved in iron incorporation into hemoglobin. It is also involved with vitamin C in the formation of collagen and the proper functioning in central nervous system. More than a dozen enzymes have been found to contain copper. The best studied are superoxide dismutase (SOD), cytochrome C oxidase, catalase, dopamine hydroxylase, uricase, tryptophan dioxygenase, lecithinase and other monoamine and diamine oxidases.
Cortisol
A hormone. Its most important function is to help the body respond to stress. It also helps regulate your body's use of protein, carbohydrates and fat; it helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function; it stems inflammation.
Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.
DHEA (DHEA-S)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant one found in humans. DHEA may be transformed into testosterone, estrogen or other steroids. It is found in the body as DHEA or in the sulfated form known as DHEA-S. One form is converted into the other as needed.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Gastric Reflux Disease (Gastric Reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, GERD)
A common relapsing condition affecting approximately 10% of the U.S. population and caused by an abnormal exposure of the lower esophagus to refluxed gastric contents, causing irritation and injury to the esophageal tissues. GERD develops as a result of relaxations of the transient lower esophageal sphincter. Typical presenting symptoms are heartburn, an epigastric burning sensation and acid regurgitation. However, some patients may present with atypical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.
Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.
Goiter (Goitre)
A chronic enlargement of the thyroid gland (visible between the Adam's apple and the collarbone at the front of the neck) produced by the body in an attempt to increase hormone production from limited amount of iodine. It is not due to cancerous growth.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Hyperthyroidism (Hyperthyroid)
An abnormal condition of the thyroid gland resulting in excessive secretion of thyroid hormones characterized by an increased metabolism and weight loss.
Hypoglycemia
A condition characterized by an abnormally low blood glucose level. Severe hypoglycemia is rare and dangerous. It can be caused by medications such as insulin (diabetics are prone to hypoglycemia), severe physical exhaustion, and some illnesses.
Hypothyroidism (Hypothyroid)
Diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, and sleepiness.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Iodine
A essential mineral that is an integral part of the thyroid hormones, thyroxin and triiodothyronine which have important metabolic roles and govern basal metabolism. The best known iodine deficiency symptom is goiter. Other iodine deficiency problems are reduced vitality, hypothyroidism, inability to think clearly, low resistance to infection, loss of control of the muscles of the mouth resulting in mouth contortion and drooling, defective teeth, tendency to obesity and cretinism which is a congenital abnormal condition marked by physical stunting and mental deficiency.
IU (mIU, uIU)
International Unit: An arbitrarily defined but agreed upon unit that depends on what is being measured.
mIU: 0.001 or one thousandth of an IU.
uIU: 0.000001 or one millionth of an IU.
Menstruation (Menses, Menstrual, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Cycles, Menstrual Flow, Menstrual Phase, Monthly Cycle)
The periodic discharge of blood, tissue fluid and mucus from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that usually lasts from 3 - 5 days. It is caused by a sudden reduction in estrogens and progesterone.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Pernicious Anemia
Anemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Pituitary (Pituitary Gland)
The pituitary gland is a small (half-inch), bean-shaped organ that hangs down from the lower center of the brain on a stalk attached to another gland, the hypothalamus. Weighing less than one gram, the pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" since it controls the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands. It regulates many body activities, and is partitioned into front and back lobes. The front lobe is stimulated by the hypothalamus, and produces any one of six different hormones that in turn stimulate the thyroid, adrenal and reproductive glands, and also breast milk production.
Porphyria (Porphyrias)
Any of several usually hereditary abnormalities of porphyrin metabolism characterized by excretion of excess porphyrins in the urine. Porphyrias are relatively rare disorders and can be classified based on the principal site of expression of enzymatic defect in heme synthesis.
Progesterone
This is the hormone secreted after ovulation by the corpus luteum. It is a steroid (similar to a cholesterol), enters receptive cells to stimulate their growth, and acts as an anabolic agent. Estrogen should be viewed as the primary coat underneath all the cycles during a woman's reproductive years, with progesterone, its antagonist, surging for ten or twelve days in ovulatory months. Most of the actions of progesterone cannot occur without estrogen having previously induced the growth of progesterone-receptive binding sites.
Raynaud's Phenomenon (Raynaud's, Raynauds Disease, Raynaud's Disease, Raynauds Phenomenon, Raynauds Syndrome, Raynaud's Syndrome)
Raynaud's disease or syndrome is a disorder of blood circulation, mainly in the fingers and toes. It is of unknown cause and characterized by changes of the skin that are aggravated by exposure to cold: first, becoming white with numbness and pain as a result of inadequate oxygenation of the blood, then red/purple with a burning sensation. The sudden constriction of blood vessels causes decreased blood flow to the extremities and can, in extreme cases, lead to gangrene. Also called "white finger", "wax finger" or "dead finger".
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A long-term, destructive connective tissue disease that results from the body rejecting its own tissue cells (autoimmune reaction).
Schizophrenia
Any of a group of psychotic disorders usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations, and accompanied in varying degrees by other emotional, behavioral, or intellectual disturbances. Schizophrenia is associated with dopamine imbalances in the brain and defects of the frontal lobe and is caused by genetic, other biological, and psychosocial factors.
Selenium
An essential element involved primarily in enzymes that are antioxidants. Three selenium- containing enzymes are antioxidant peroxidases and a fourth selenium-containing enzyme is involved in thyroid hormone production. The prostate contains a selenium-containing protein and semen contains relatively large amounts of selenium. Clinical studies show that selenium is important in lowering the risk of several types of cancers. In combination with Vitamin E, selenium aids the production of antibodies and helps maintain a healthy heart. It also aids in the function of the pancreas, provides elasticity to tissues and helps cells defend themselves against damage from oxidation.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons (structures that attach muscles to bones).
Thyroid (Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland is an organ with many veins, anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood. It absorbs iodine from the diet and releases thyroid hormones - iodine-containing compounds that help govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes), affecting body temperature, and regulating protein, fat and carbohydrate catabolism in all cells. They keep up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and heart rate, force, and output. They promote central nervous system growth, stimulate the making of many enzymes, and are necessary for muscle tone and vigor. To a high degree, metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the thyroid if enough organic iodine is available. An enlarged thyroid gland that is not cancer is sometimes called goitre.
Thyroiditis (Chronic Thyroiditis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis)
Inflammation of the thyroid; there are several forms of thyroiditis, including chronic or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (also called autoimmune or chronic lymphocyctic thyroiditis), subacute thyroiditis, and painless or postpartum thyroiditis. Thyroiditis often results in hypothyroidism.
Thyrotoxicosis (Graves Disease, Graves' Disease)
Also known as Graves' disease, is a disorder of excess thyroid hormone production. It is usually linked to an enlarged thyroid gland and bulging eyes (exophthalmos).
Thyroxin (T4)
A thyroid hormone also prepared synthetically, for treatment of hypothyroidism and myxedema.
Vegan (Veganism, Vegans)
A person who consumes no animal products of any kind. In other words, vegans do not consume meat, fish, fowl, dairy products, eggs, honey, or products containing gelatin or any other animal-derived ingredients such as whey powder or food colorings.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Zinc
An essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Zinc is necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth.
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
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