Hypothyroidism Type II - The Hidden Epidemic

By John M. Burgstiner

Classic (Type I) Hypothyroidism is a familial (inherited) disorder that is known to affect about seven percent of the American population.  Caused by the thyroid's failure to secrete adequate hormone levels, it is typically diagnosed through blood tests.  However, there is a far more prevalent form of the disease (some say up to 50-80% of the population) that cannot be detected with blood tests and is therefore ignored by modern medicine.  Is your healthy future being stolen by your genes, your environment and by the ignorance and arrogance of current medical dogma?

 

Type II Defined - Peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones at cellular level.

-        inability to convert thyroxine (T4) to T3 and other metabolites

 

Thyroid Pathways 

Hypothalamus - Pituitary- Thyroid- Cells

 

Mitochondrial Degradation - Mitochondrial DNA is inherited solely from the mother.  Faulty genetic expression has been preserved by modern medicine.  One of the principle functions of thyroid hormone is to increase the number and activity of mitochondria.  When thyroid hormones are lacking, cellular energy levels plummet, affecting virtually all aspects of metabolism.

 

Dr. Sonkin - Cellular energy declines impact the central nervous system, heart and skeletal muscle, kidneys and hormone producing tissues - in that order.

 

Primary Hypothyroid Symptoms - Low Basal Temp (below 97.6 degrees), Heart disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue, mental and/or growth disturbances, goiters, hypoglycemia, chronic pain, headaches and/or migraines (30%), muscle weakness, depression, anxiety, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, weight gain, menstrual problems, dementia,  infertility, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, constipation, cold, clammy hands and/or feet, flat feet, cold intolerance, bone thickening and weakening.

 

Hyperthyroid Symptoms - Increased heart rate, palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, frequent stools, increased tremor, high basal temp

 

Diagnosis - Autopsy study 1992 - (Correct diagnosis from medical history 76%, physical exam 12%, lab tests 11%)

 

Family history, myxedema, low basal temperature , low Basal Metabolic Rate, hair loss, osteoporosis, flattening of nose and widening of nostrils, fatty deposits over collarbones, hips and pubic bone, enlarged tongue, puffiness along jaw line and around eyes, inability to sweat, sluggish reflexes, enlarged heart, immune suppression, chronic infections, asthma and/or allergies, rheumatoid pain and joint deformations, mental and growth disturbances, short neck, protruding abdomen, delayed or precocious sexual development, menstrual problems, acne and other skin problems, hoarseness, memory loss, and problems with speech and/or swallowing.

 

Treatment - Dessicated thyroid vs levothyroxine (Synthroid )

- Adrenal deficiencies

- Selenium

- slow process, requires monitoring

 

Detoxification - Chemical toxins, heavy metals, xenoestrogens, etc.