Hypothyroidism (HRT)--Thyroid--Iodine (IDD)

Hypothyroidism (HRT)--Thyroid--Iodine (IDD)

Hypothyroidism is treated with Hormone Replacement Therapy while Iodine Deficiency Disorders must be prevented through appropriate use of iodine as used in iodized salt. There is no prevention for hypothyroidism.  Screening newborns for hypothyroidism can detect congenital hypothyroidism thereby leading to early treatment of the condition.  Preventive Medicine would seem more acceptable if used to in this way.

It is widely accepted that not treating hypothyroidism in the individual can be catastrophic.  Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body’s level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low.  Myxedema coma is rare and can result in death.

The Thyroid Gland

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.  The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box/larynx.  It releases hormones that control metabolism.  The thyroid gland controls every chemical reaction in every organ of the body.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in the late 80’s, I ruled out every cause that could have been linked to my condition.  I suffered no inflammation of the thyroid gland, it was not autoimmune related nor could it be called “postpartum thyroiditis.”

I ruled out congenital/birth defects, radiation treatments to the neck to treat different cancers, radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid, surgical removal of part or my entire thyroid and viral thyroiditis; this leaves only one cause for my hypothyroidism; drugs/chemicals.  Drugs that are known to cause the symptoms of the condition known as hypothyroidism are amiodarone, propylthiouracil (PTU), methimazole and lithium.  Doubtless, there are other drugs or combinations of drugs not mentioned; that can also cause hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

One does not want to be sensitive to the cold while living in Alaska.  I was so cold I became housebound for most of the winter.  In addition, there were problems with constipation, depression, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, dry skin, brittle hair, muscular weakness and the dreaded unintentional weight gain.

Blood Tests for Hypothyroidism

There are two blood tests used to determine thyroid function, TSH test and T4 test. My TSH tests came back normal, it was only after the T4 test was done that I was actually diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

The only treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy (HRT.)  Too much HRT can cause palpitations, rapid weight loss, restlessness or shakiness and sweating.  Osteoporosis, angina or heart attacks are serious problems encountered after taking too much Levothyroxine.  Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication.

They say…One will need to take Levothyroxine for life.  I do not necessarily believe that to be true.  I believe certain medications can cause thyroid “storms” wherein the thyroid and its hormones become unbalanced.  Correction of the imbalance may be due to discontinued use of the medication that causes the imbalance.  On the other hand, correction may be due to natural forces in the body correcting the imbalance.

Thyroid and Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)

In October of 2007, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Kul Gautam, delivered an historical review of the entire issue of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) at a symposium titled "A public health triumph in the making" hosted by the American Thyroid Association.  He declared a moral imperative with these words:

 "IDD is the single greatest cause of preventable mental retardation.  Severe deficiencies cause cretinism, stillbirth and miscarriage.  Nevertheless, even mild deficiency can significantly affect the learning ability of populations.

  Scientific evidence shows alarming effects of IDD.  Even a moderate deficiency, especially in pregnant women and infants, lowers their intelligence by 10 to 15 IQ points, with incalculable damage to social and economic development of nations and communities. 

Today over 1 billion people in the world suffer from iodine deficiency, and 38 million babies born every year are not protected from brain damage due to IDD.  These 38 millions, or nearly 30 percent of the world’s newborns, come from families that are the least educated, most isolated and economically disadvantaged. 

The mark of a civilized society is how well it takes care of its most vulnerable and deprived communities.  If we continue to fail to reach these newborns, we will be consigning them to an inter-generational cycle of poverty and injustice."

·        In the United States, during the First World War, many young men from America's Midwest were declared unfit for duty due to iodine deficiency.  This led to a widespread movement to add iodine to salt.

·        Today 30% of households around the world lack access to iodized salt despite the strong, vocal consensus and extremely modest cost.

·        Very little of the salt used in processed foods is iodized.

·        The transformation of eating practices in the U.S.  and many other countries has led to an erosion of the iodine available in the U.S. diet.  This erosion is caused by consuming meals prepared outside the home, consuming processed foods and using plain salt for home-cooked foods.

Shebolith Says…

“I read an article in the New York Times a couple of months ago.  The article focused on Japan’s, earthquake and tsunami driven nuclear meltdown that has resulted with the Japanese people buying all the iodine that is available to them.  The article skimmed over ideas that the Japanese women wanted to protect their unborn and newborn children from the effects of radiation on the thyroid gland.  Evidently, they think radiation effects iodine levels in the thyroid gland.  The Japanese people have had since the end of World War II, with modern scientific methodology to discover and document the results of radiation poisoning and its effects.  If they believe iodine can protect their children’s health, then I have to believe…”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001393/

http://www.saltinstitute.org/Issues-in-focus/Food-salt-health/Iodized-salt-other-additives