To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of hypothyroidism we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow hypothyroidism symptoms to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind hypothyroidism consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Hypopituitarism | 94% | Confirm |
Megaloblastic Anemia | 30% | Unlikely |
Iodine Need | 20% | Unlikely |
Autoimmune Tendency | 5% | Ruled out |
Adrenal Fatigue | 2% | Ruled out |
Fluorosis** | 2% | Ruled out |
Low Progesterone | 2% | Ruled out |
Copper Deficiency | 1% | Ruled out |
Hypothyroidism
Possible responses:
→ Never had it / not sure / don't know→ Probably had it/minor episode(s) now resolved → Major episode(s) now resolved → Current minor problem, confirmed → Current significant problem, confirmed |
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.
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.
Low iodine intake can cause hypothyroidism in adults.
Pernicious anemia is associated with other autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's disease, a form of hypothyroidism.
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.
A suggestive but unresolved issue is the connection between the thyroid and the adrenal glands. An altered sensitivity of tissues to thyroid hormone may take place when there is a reduction in adrenal hormones.