TSH Symptoms and Your Thyroid

When you are experiencing possible problems with your thyroid, your doctor will order a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test. TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which is a small pea sized gland that is located beneath the brain.

The pituitary gland produces many different hormones that control the function of many other endocrine glands. TSH enters the blood stream from the pituitary gland and travels to the thyroid gland where it binds to special structures called receptors, this process stimulates the thyroid gland to take iodine and produce thyroid hormones which are released into the bloodstream.

TSH causes the thyroid gland to produce two hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and then the T3 and T4 hormones help to control your body's metabolism. A TSH blood test can be done at the same time as a test to measure your levels of T3 and T4.

A blood test for TSH is done to make sure your thyroid gland is functioning properly. If you are experiencing:

weight gain
fatigue
dry skin
constipation
intolerance to cold
frequent menstrual periods

A TSH blood test may uncover an underactive thyroid gland which is known as a condition called hypothyroidism. Or if you are experiencing:

weight loss
rapid heart rate
nervousness
diarrhea
intolerance to heat
irregular menstrual periods

With these symptoms a TSH blood test may show an over active thyroid gland which is known as a condition called hyperthyroidism.

An Alternative Herbal Remedy for Hypothyroidism - Thyax

If the results of your TSH blood test show that you have hypothyroidism, then Progressive Health has a treatment option for you. Thyax is a high-potency supplement, designed to adjust the metabolic and nutritional alterations caused by underactive thyroid disease, or hypothyroidism.

Thyax can be used to reset the balance of nutrients utilized by the thyroid gland. By providing your body with specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support the thyroid, you regain a balance of the many thyroid-related chemical reactions which take place in the body on a daily basis.

The ingredients in Thyax include:

Acetyl L-Tyrosine - Tyrosine is required for synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency of phenylalanine and L-tyrosine has been associated with hypothyroidism.

Zinc - Required for the manufacture of thyroid hormones, zinc is also necessary for overall growth and development. Patients with hypothyroidism may have impaired intestinal zinc absorption and lower levels of plasma zinc.

L-Phenylalanine - As a precursor to the amino acid tyrosine, phenylalanine plays an important role in thyroid function. Deficiency of phenylalanine and L-tyrosine has been associated with hypothyroidism.

Iodine - Iodine is a trace element that is required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Deficiency of iodine causes goiter, thyrotoxicosis and developmental disorders in children. Even mild iodine deficiency can result in hypothyroidism and thyroid disorders, especially in at risk populations. However, excess iodine can actually inhibit thyroid function, and combined dietary and supplemental levels should not exceed 600mcg per day.

Selenium - Selenium is necessary for the production and conversion of thyroid hormones. In addition to iodine supplementation, selenium may mitigate development of hypothyroidism and may be essential for those with congenital hypothyroidism. When combined iodine and selenium deficiencies exist, selenium must always be given with iodine or thyroid hormone.

Copper, Manganese, Molybdenum- These trace minerals are closely tied to thyroid function.

Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5 - These B vitamins are essential for energy production, mood, nervous system function and wound healing. One of the main complaints of hypothyroidism is fatigue, which is mostly caused by low levels of thyroid hormone, but may also be the result of low B vitamin status.

Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid - Required for optimal function of the nervous and immune systems, these B vitamins are useful in reducing levels of homocysteine, a detrimental amino acid associated with heart disease. Patients with hypothyroidism have significantly higher plasma levels of homocysteine. Supplementation with vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid can lower homocysteine.

To learn more about Thyax, click here.