Thyroid Disorders - Problems occur when the thyroid produces too few or too many thyroid hormones

Thyroid Hormones T3 / T4 – “Master Metabolism Hormones”

Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) Hypothyroidism	Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. This lowers the metabolism rate of the body’s cells. A DAMAGED thyroid may not be able to produce enough hormones	A malfunctioning, OVERACTIVE thyroid produces too much hormone. This speeds up the rate at which each cell functions. A DAMAGED thyroid may “leak” hormones leading to thyrotoxicosis (high blood levels of TH) and so show symptoms of hyperthyroidism (usually followed by symptoms of hypothroidism, since a damaged thyroid stops producing thyroid hormones and stored hormones are eventually depleted).
Hypothyroidism is seen: When there is an insufficiency of raw materials. E.g. iodine, selenium, and/or the amino acid tyrosine for the thyroid to make sufficient thyroid hormones; In thyroiditis (incl. autoimmune thyroid disease) – generally an attack on the thyroid gland causing inflammation, damage and possible death of thyroid gland cells. Causes include: Autoimmune Thyroiditis produces Anti-thyroid antibodies (most common cause of thyroiditis) – involved in Hashimoto’s disease Infectious microbes Toxic substances / Radiation exposure As a Goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland seen as a swelling at front side of the base of the neck). It can occur as a result of insufficient thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism) or excessive TH production (hyperthroidism) or neither.	Hyperthyroidism is seen: In patients with Grave’s Disease. An auto immune disease with antibodies against the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (whilst also activating the receptor); characteristics include hyperthyroidism, high T4, and diffuse goiter. Graves Disease In certain phases of thyroiditis: Thyroiditis
The mainstream medical treatment for hypothyroidism is to supplement thyroid hormones However, the better solution may be to simply provide the missing raw ingredients (such as iodine / iodide, antioxidants and antioxidant-support nutrients (E.g. selenium, manganese, and zinc) – to enable the thyroid to increase its own production of thyroid hormones without creating uncontrolled, damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Over time, supplementing thyroid hormones can result in a “lazy” thyroid And worse, supplementing with SYNTHETIC hormones has been shown to significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. Thyroid Replacement Hormones