The Adrenal & Thyroid Gland
Written by David Vasenden, RPh |
In today’s society, we are inundated with stress. Mental/emotional stress caused by rushing around all day, financial worries, and relationship issues affects not only emotional health, but also insulin production and levels of reproductive, growth, and thyroid hormones. Chronic stress forces the adrenal glands to maintain high levels of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to adrenal fatigue, and symptoms such as weight gain, suppressed immune system, fatigue, insomnia, fuzzy thinking, osteoporosis, hypertension, depression, cravings and mood swings. Adrenal exhaustion can lead to much more serious health concerns. It is impossible for a person with tired adrenal glands to respond to the body’s needs or to achieve optimal hormonal balance. Recommendations to improve adrenal health include eating wholesome food, getting plenty of sleep, regular moderate exercise, stress management, slowing down to regain a proper perspective on life, and replacement of deficient nutrients and hormones.
If only the adrenal deficiency is treated without addressing deficiencies of other hormones, results may be disappointing. The analogy has been used that while the adrenal glands provide the gas, the thyroid gland is the body’s accelerator. Although the normal thyroid gland secretes two forms of thyroid hormone, T4 and T3, most hypothyroid patients are treated only with levothyroxine (synthetic T4). Despite treatment with levothyroxine, some hypothyroid patients remain symptomatic, and a combination of levothyroxine and T3 may be required for optimal thyroid replacement therapy. However, the only commercially available form of T3 for replacement therapy is synthetic liothyronine sodium. Liothyronine is an immediate release formulation which is rapidly absorbed, and may result in higher than normal T3 concentrations throughout the body causing serious side effects, including heart palpitations. The ideal medication might be a slow release T3 preparation to avoid adverse cardiac effects.
The best known form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women involves replenishment of declining levels of estrogen and
progesterone. A study done at Harvard Medical School reported that postmenopausal women who were prescribed conventional synthetic HRT (conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate) often discontinue this therapy within one year, most frequently due to side effects such as bloating and breast swelling/tenderness. The goal of hormone replacement therapy should be to optimize function and minimize age-related health risks, without harmful or annoying side effects. The ideal process for achieving hormonal balance begins with an assessment of hormone levels. This can be done using non-invasive saliva or blood spot testing. Based on test results and a complete evaluation of signs and symptoms, if a hormone deficiency is diagnosed, experienced practitioners can prescribe customized hormones in the most appropriate dose and dosage form for each woman.
It is essential that a woman works with a health care provider that understands her physical problems, knows how to identify and treat adrenal dysfunction, and can customize a treatment plan to address her particular needs.
References:
1. Wilson, James L. Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome. Smart Publications, 2001.
2. N Engl J Med. 1999 Feb 11;340(6):468-470
3. Horm Res 2001;56 Suppl 1:74-81
4. Journal of Women’s Health & Gender-Based Medicine. May 1, 2001, 10(4): 343-350.
For more info, contact David Vasenden, RPh at (775) 772-1185.
