Your Thyroid Health during Thyroid Awareness Month

With May being Thyroid Awareness Month, we focus on improving your Knowledge about Thyroid health. Whether or not you have a diagnosed thyroid condition, there are some surprising facts to know. If you are unfamiliar with Thyroid conditions or need a quick refresher – read our general information here and here. Chances are you know someone with a Thyroid problem since Thyroid disorders are prevalent, affecting about 10-15% of the population. (2) Many people lack Thyroid Awareness and remain undiagnosed for years as symptoms and dysfunction slowly progress. This is partly because some health concerns are the type of issues that may be addressed independently, without consideration for Thyroid health. Clues about an undiagnosed Thyroid problem could even come from the Dentists chair.

In this BLOG, we look at some lesser-known signs and symptoms to increase awareness about the wide range of Thyroid health problems that can occur in association with poor Thyroid function. We focus from the neck up, including Oral health, Vocal health and Brain health which could show telltale signs that your Thyroid gland and Hormones are effecting a range of change with lasting consequences. One of the reasons for this is that Brain health and teeth can be adversely affected since the central nervous system and the skeleton are two of the most important target tissues(1) of Thyroid Hormones.

Here is what to know and the signs to look out about Your Thyroid Health.

Thyroid Neck Health:

Look for any changes in the neck region. The thyroid gland may become enlarged (diffuse goitre) and/or contain individual lumps called Nodules (Nodular Goitre). (3) Sometimes a Goitre can be visible externally. Medically they are not considered as anything serious since they are only rarely cancer. (3) A thyroid ultrasound is an essential part of the diagnosis and measurement of the gland size is an essential component in the evaluation and follow-up of thyroid pathologies. (4) If you have a diagnosed thyroid condition but have never had a thyroid ultrasound, consider requesting this at your next Doctor or Specialist visit. From a Naturopathic perspective, we aim at improving the health of Thyroid gland by targeting tissue with nutrients and herbal medicines and diet and lifestyle advice, including avoidance of goitrogenic foods.

Important tip: If you have difficulty swallowing or feel any sensations in your throat, seek advice and make sure to enquire about your thyroid health

Thyroid Oral health:

Signs which can be associated with a thyroid problem include:(5)

Macroglossia (enlarged tongue)
Dysgeusia (altered sense of taste)
Delayed eruption or accelerated dental eruption
Poor periodontal health
Altered tooth morphology
Delayed wound healing (e.g. of the oral cavity)
Maxillary or mandibular osteoporosis (affecting the jaw bone)
Burning mouth syndrome
Dry mouth

Important tip: If your dentist needs to take X-rays, or in fact anytime you need X-rays, make sure you ask for protective gear for the thyroid (often called a collar)

Thyroid Vocal Health:

Voice quality can be affected by thyroid disease since there are Thyroid hormone receptors found in the larynx. (6) Hypothyroidism can cause notable voice changes, such as low voice, roughness, reduced range, and vocal fatigue. (6) Important tip: If you are prone to sore throats or losing your voice easily then discuss further investigations relating to Thyroid health with your Doctor

Thyroid Brain health:

The thyroid plays a vital role in the nervous system’s activation, leading to improved concentration and faster reflexes. (3) On the other hand, lack of Thyroid Hormone action in the adult brain causes impaired neurocognitive function and psychiatric states such as severe depression and dementia. (1) The hormones play a crucial role as a regulator of nervous system myelination,(7) preserving a healthy nervous system’s connectivity and functions. (8) Disturbance of hormone synthesis and actions require special attention in specific life phases(1) including infancy and association with pregnancy and advanced age.

Infants require early diagnosis and treatment of Thyroid pathologies to prevent irreversible and permanent nervous system damage and developmental delay. (7) In pregnancy, inadequate amounts of thyroid hormones impact neurological maturation and development, leading to poorer school performance and lower IQ. (9)

Thyroid hormone has important actions in the adult brain(10), and impairment can become more noticeable with age. Neuropsychiatric symptoms (emotional and cognitive problems) can result from the direct effects of thyroid disease and hormone deprivation in brain tissue. (10) Even mild thyroid failure can have several clinical effects such as depression, memory loss and cognitive impairment. (11) More severe hypothyroidism can mimic melancholic depression and dementia. (10)

Important tip: Treating the cause of the problem is more likely to improve the symptoms, so thyroid needs to be on the radar when it comes to changes in mental and cognitive health

Thyroid Health is a Key Player to Overall Health

The master endocrine gland has a strong influence over organ systems. The overlap in the signs and symptoms experienced that don’t always appear to be a direct result of Thyroid dysfunction means there is a need for increased awareness about a wide range of health issues. Naturopathic treatment applies the principles of Treating the Whole Person and Identifying the Cause, allowing for deeper considerations when it comes to the interrelationship of health concerns that may lead back to Thyroid health. Look out for future blogs in the coming months on Thyroid health-related issues, including Thyroid and Fertility. To further improve your Thyroid Awareness, you may like to read our recent Blog on Toxins impacting Hormone health.

Want to learn more? We have these Blogs that may also interest you. Click HERE or HERE or HERE or HERE

Yours in Health and Happiness

Please phone and talk with us on (07) 3861 5881 or click any of the icons below.

Click here for directions to our Chermside and Cannon Hill Clinics.

A BLOG by Jen Strachan – Naturopath, Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist – Bachelor of Naturopathy, Full Member of Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), Yoga Teacher – Level 1, 350 Hours

1. Brix K, Führer D, Biebermann H (2011) Molecules important for thyroid hormone synthesis and action – known facts and future perspectives Thyroid Res. 4(Suppl 1): S9.
2. Sharma, R, Bharti S, Kumar K. V. S. (2014) Diet and thyroid – myths and facts. Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals 3(2):60-65.
3. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. (2010) How does the thyroid gland work? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/
4. Kandemirli SG, Bayramoglu Z, Caliskan E, Sari ZNA, Adaletli I. (2001) Quantitative assessment of thyroid gland elasticity with shear-wave elastography in pediatric patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. J Med Ultrason 45(3):417-423.
5. Chandna S, Bathla M (2011) Oral manifestations of thyroid disorders and its management. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolis 15:113-116
6. Junuzović-Žunić L, Ibrahimagić A, Altumbabić S. (2019) Voice Characteristics in Patients with Thyroid Disorders Eurasian J Med. 51(2): 101–105.
7. Bettendorf M. (2002) Thyroid disorders in children from birth to adolescence. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 29 Suppl 2:S439-46.
8. Nave KA, Werner HB. (2014) Myelination of the nervous system: mechanisms and functions. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 30:503-33.
9. Poppe K, Glinoer D. (2003) Thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism before and during pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update. 9(2):149-61.
10. Davis JD, Tremont G. (2007) Neuropsychiatric aspects of hypothyroidism and treatment reversibility. Minerva Endocrinol. 32(1):49-65.
11. Schindler AE (2003) Thyroid function and postmenopause. Gynecol Endocrinol. 17(1):79-85.

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Meet The Team

Sean Samuel

Chermside & Cannon Hill

Highly qualified Bowen Therapist & Reiki Master – Sean is able to treat many and varied concerns incl muscle injuries & relief from the symptoms of Stress, Anxiety & Depression.

Emma Pumfrey

Chermside

Emma is a Bachelor Qualified Naturopath currently completing her Masters in Human Nutrition. She is passionate about the combination of Herbal Medicine and Nutrition.

Mark Westhead

Cannon Hill

As a degree qualified Naturopath, Mark is passionate about restoring optimal health through the use of evidence based nutrition and lifestyle changes and where necessary, through the use of quality, practitioner only nutritional supplements and herbal medicines. Mark believes in finding and treating the root cause of chronic illness and treating the whole person in order to restore vitality and a return to good health.

Jen Strachan

Cannon Hill

Naturopath, Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist – Jen considers herself to be an Integrative Naturopath, having been mentored by some of the best practitioners in the country. She spent 3 years in a very busy practice, specialising in thyroid conditions. Gut Issues and SIBO is one of Jen’s specialities. In 2017, Jen gained 6 months experience with Dr Nirala Jacobi, Australia’s leading expert in the field. Jen participated in her testing lab, sat in on her consults and greatly benefited from her mentoring. Jen continues to successfully treat patients for SIBO and related gut issues. Jen is familiar with a range of subsequent health concerns and has a special interest in reproductive health including infertility. She is passionate about working with women and couples in the preconception care period.

Jasmine Peris

Cannon Hill

Jasmine is skilled in Acupuncture & Oriental Massage (Acupressure), and has expertise in pain management, women’s health and fertility as well as stress and mental health management.

Sheridan Genrich

Chermside

Sheridan is a both a Clinical Nutritionist & Naturopath who is passionate in treating mood & digestive disorders. She has completed extensive post graduate education in Nutrigenomics (how nutrients impact our DNA) and Functional Medicine. For more than a decade, Sheridan has been helping busy people live life with energy and excitement by correcting the Nutrient, Hormone & Genetic imbalances that many people don’t realise are underlying their symptoms.

Amber Foley

Chermside

Naturopath – Amber is experienced in helping patients with a range of health issues, including: Menopausal complaints including hot flushes, insomnia, fatigue, low mood and anxiety, Skin complaints including eczema, acne and psoriasis, Gut symptoms including heartburn. Indigestion, gas, bloating, cramping, constipation and diarrhoea, Gut complaints including IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disorders including crohn’s disease and diverticulitis), GERD/GORD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and food allergies and intolerances including coeliac disease, Female Reproductive complaints including PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), heavy bleeding, irregular cycles and painful periods, Nervous system complaints related to stress and burnout, including insomnia, low energy, inability to cope and emotional symptoms including low mood and anxiety.

Kelly Zeller

Chermside

Formally trained in Remedial, Sports & Relaxation massage and pregnancy & post-natal massage. Kelly’s goal is to assist clients in reaching their optimum health & wellbeing.

Kylie Skillen

Chermside

Chermside Acupuncturist – Kylie’s acupuncture treatments are tailored to the individual and may include needling, cupping, moxibustion, Chinese herbal formulas, yogic breathing and stretches. Kylie’s complementary medicine journey started 25 years ago culminating in a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture). Kylie is a Workcover Qld provider. Her special interests include Acupuncture for Fertility (pre-conception, IVF/IUI support); Injury, Menopause and pregnancy related symptoms; stress and emotional issues; autoimmune disorders and pain management (acute & chronic).

Emma Ferguson

Cannon Hill

Emma is a passionate clinical nutritionist dedicated to delivering a holistic, results- driven, personalised approach, that not only educates but empowers her clients. Using her knowledge in biochemistry, pathophysiology & pathology to support & maintain desired change, Emma believes optimum health comes from encompassing mental, physical & emotional well-being in conjunction with a balanced diet. Good nutrition is balance, variety and enjoying what you love & completely individual.

Diana Irons

Chermside

Diana is a certified Kinesiologist. Diana’s passion is to help uncover & release what has been holding you back from a life of your dreams & desires. Unlock your personal power with Di.

Fiona Woodhouse

Cannon Hill

A qualified Massage Therapist, Fiona has worked alongside Chiropractors, Physiotherapists & Acupuncturists gaining extra knowledge about our bodies & how they function at their best.

Craig Baron

Chermside

Craig is a Naturopathic Clinician with special interest in Mood, Sleep, Behaviour, Energy, Hormonal & Mens health, integrating health modalities including Herbal, Nutritional & Mind-Body Medicine.

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