The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and is responsible for controlling the metabolic rate (or pace) of all the processes in the body. If there is a deficiency of circulating thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), every function of the body tends to slow down. Conversely if there is over production of thyroid hormones, the metabolic rate speeds up. Read more about how we can help hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease or hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease here.
Your thyroid requires vital nutrients to produce thyroid hormones. If you are deficient in these nutrients, the thyroid may not function optimally. Read our published medical paper here about how optimising nutrient levels can restore thyroid function. Knowing your levels will allow us to tailor your recommendations and supplements for you to maintain good thyroid health.
Iodine
The most common cause of hypothyroidism alongside autoimmune conditions is a deficiency in iodine. It is important to know your iodine levels before you supplement as where some people are deficient, others have excess iodine and over-supplementing may have adverse effects including promoting thyroid antibodies.
Minerals
Selenium, zinc and magnesium play a critical role in the production of thyroid hormones. Deficiency in these or iodine can be a major cause of hypothyroidism and if identified, can be supported through nutritional modifications and supplements if necessary.
Vitamin D
This is a crucial vitamin in modulating the immune system. Both excess or deficiency states have negative effects on your immune cells and maintaining the correct levels is important in immune-mediated thyroid conditions.
What is measured in this profile?
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Magnesium (red cell magnesium)
- Iron
- Other supporting minerals – copper, manganese, chromium, calcium
- Vitamin D
- Urine Iodine
Who should take this test?
- Anyone experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction such as fatigue, hair loss, weight changes, digestive issues, mood changes amongst others
- Patients already diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction even if on medication (Eltroxin) but who are still experiencing symptoms
- Patients who may have subclinical thyroid dysfunction or may be in the early stages
- Patients with a TSH of less than 1 mIU/L or over 2.5 mIU/L which is considered ‘normal’ but not optimal, particularly in the case of fertility or pregnancy
- Anyone with unexplained infertility
If you are interested in functional medicine testing: please contact us at clinic@glenvillenutrition.ie or make an enquiry online. We have a number of different tests available and it is most helpful, and cost effective, to carry out an initial assessment with your Nutritionist before testing.
