The Thyroid gland is found in front of the trachea (air pipe) in the neck. The thyroid gland releases hormones that circulate in the blood stream and are distributed to all the body tissues where they act as catalysts increasing oxidation processed in the tissue cells. The Thyroid gland releases 2 hormones T3 and T4. The release is stimulated by the hormone TSH, released from a gland in the brain. T3 and T4 regulate various enzymes controlling energy metabolism.

Thyroid antibodies are only found in people where somewhere along the line there has been thyroid cell injury. Raised thyroid antibodies cause the T3 and T4 to be less effective.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

1. An underactive thyroid gland is caused by insufficient release of the thyroid hormones into the blood stream, reducing the rate of energy production in the cells. The overall effect is tiredness, increased weight gain, the skin and hair deteriorates and most important from a fertility perspective the egg and uterine lining preparation and development are poor. Poor uterine preparation results in recurrent miscarriages.

2. An overactive thyroid will speed up oxidation rate in the cells. Body temperature increases, there is profuse sweating, raised heart beat and respiration. The person becomes excitable and apprehensive and often the eyeballs protrude

TREATMENT

Medication (Eltroxin) will boost the functioning of the thyroid gland. When the medication is administered a follow up thyroid test should be done to check medication dose is correct. Thyroid investigations and medication need to be overseen by a qualified enocrinologist.

It needs to be noted that both the thyroid gland and prolactin levels are influenced by stress. The stress factor should therefore be dealt with.