Thyroid Hormone Replacement

The thyroid is the gland responsible for taking control of the bodys metabolism

, protein production, and other processes related to growth and development. The thyroid hormone, produced by this gland is an important hormone that the body needs to grow and properly develop.

Iodine and Its Role in the Body

To produce the thyroid hormone, the thyroid needs iodine. However, iodine is a trace element and the body cannot produce it on its own. Having a sufficient amount of iodine in the body is essential for the production of the thyroid hormone. Lack of iodine in the body can cause problems that specifically affect the thyroid gland.

There are two leading problems experienced by the thyroid; hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. These conditions lead to over production or an underactive thyroid gland respectively. Symptoms vary but some include weight loss or weight gain depending on the condition, feeling stressed, hair falling out, diarrhea, and problems with the bowel.

Another problem that directly affects the thyroid gland is Hashimotos thyroiditis or Hashimotos disease. It is a form of auto immune disease where the body registers the thyroid gland as a foreign body and attacks to destroy it. In severe cases, the thyroid cells are destroyed and the gland can no longer produce the thyroid hormone.

When this occurs, a person may suffer from symptoms of hypothyroidism with some instances of hypothyroidism. The irregularity of thyroid hormone production is not good but when the thyroid is destroyed, it is permanent.

What is Thyroid Hormone Replacement?

The good thing is that thyroid hormone replacement is available for individuals who need help with thyroid issues. Some conditions of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can last for long periods of time and during this period, it is best to consult a doctor to see if thyroid hormone replacement is an option that an individual can have.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is done when an individual has permanent or long term need of thyroid hormones that the gland is failing to produce. Thyroid hormone replacement is done by using synthetic hormones similar to the thyroid hormone of the body. The synthetic thyroid hormone will then make up for the low or overproduction of hormones from the malfunctioning thyroid gland.

When a persons thyroid is not functioning normally, a blood workup can be done to determine whether that person will need thyroid hormone replacement therapy, especially is the hormones are already too high or too low.

Consulting a doctor to determine the proper dosage of replacement for thyroid hormones is advised for people who have been suffering from thyroid problems for a long time already.

by: Dr. Marc Ott

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