By Jasmine Sufi, R.TCMP, Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist
Did you know that the thyroid gland weighs only 20 grams (Bjergved Jorgenseh, 2014) and is responsible in regulating the body’s metabolism, energetic system and when healthy can improve fertility while when in dysfunction may contribute to miscarriage? It is responsible for regulating the function of every tissue in our body! This small gland maintains and modulates metabolism and growth rates of every cell by secreting thyroid hormones. An important role for such a small gland. Thyroid disease is on the rise and is seen in the female population more than in the male population (Muller, Liu & Brent, 2014). There are two primary concerns with the thyroid, 1) hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid secreting less than normal thyroid hormones) and 2) hyperthyroidism (producing more than normal thyroid hormones. Symptoms that may indicate that there may be a concern with the thyroid are listed below.
Hypothyroidism
- weak slow heart beat
- muscular weakness and constant fatigue
- sensitivity to cold
- thick puffy skin and/or dry skin
- slowed mental processes and poor memory
- constipation
- goitre (increased size of the thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism
- rapid forceful heartbeat
- tremor
- muscular weakness
- weight loss in spite of increased appetite
- restlessness, anxiety and sleeplessness
- profuse sweating and heat intolerance
- diarrhea
- eye changes
- goitre (increased size of the thyroid)
Source: www.thyroid.ca
If you are experiencing multiple symptoms listed above please seek the advice of your Family Physician and seek a referral to an Endocrinologist.
The thyroid gland is an important mechanism to ensure you feel energetic, manage weight, aids in sleep patterns and may contribute in anxiety and depression. The thyroid is stimulated by the pituitary gland in the brain producing Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), this is what stimulates the thyroid to produce its own hormones T3 and T4, these are the hormones that modulate metabolism within our cells. Low levels of T3 and T4 will cause TSH production to rise. A signal to your Doctor that your thyroid may not be in optimal health. (Thyroid.ca)
Chinese Medicine and its role in thyroid health and fertility.
Chinese medicine always looks at your body as a whole. We examine each of your signs and symptoms that you are experiencing and use this as a tool that helps us understand and diagnose the root cause of your health concern. The proper combination of diet, acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine can be helpful in improving your overall wellbeing by regulating your hormonal balance, aiding in improved metabolism, reducing stress and improving mood and sleep. Fertility is a large component to our overall health. By balancing our body and hormones we are able to help regulate cycles and help the quality of menstrual bleeds and most importantly decrease stress. All of these factors are essential components to our fertility health.
Foods that may help balance hormones.
Seaweed: a healthy anti-oxidant rich food with high levels of iodine and natural sea salts and minerals. You can have it in you sushi, roasted seaweed snack and chips are readily available now too.
Large amounts of iodine can be dangerous, seek the advice of a professional if iodine supplements are being used.
Eat less of these foods if thyroid function is abnormal, as they may block the production of thyroid hormones:
- Almonds
- Cauliflower (Any vegetable that falls into the broccoli family is a goitrogen and shouldn’t be eaten more than twice a week if you have hypothyroidism.)
- Millet
- Pears
- Turnips
- Brussels sprouts
- Corn
- Mustard
- Pine nuts
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Peaches
- Soy (Isoflavones block iodine)
- Canola oil
- Peanuts
- Spinach
Source: www.droz.com
The thyroid is a complex gland that like all of our other part of our body needs care. This article is meant to be informative so that it equips you with the right questions to ask your doctor. If you are trying to conceive pay special attention to your levels and ask your physician if they are at adequate levels to ensure fertility.
References:
Bjergved, Jorgenseh,Perrild, Laurberg, Krejbjerg, Ovesen, Rasmussen, Knudsen. (2014) Thyroid Function and Body Weght: A community-Based Longitudinal Study. National Centre for Biotechnology and Information.
Muller, Liu & Brent (2014) Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism. American Physiological Society
Thyroid Foundation of Canada, accessed December 1, 2014, <http://www.thyroid.ca>
Doctor Oz, accessed December 1, 2014, <http://droz.com>
