Description of the blog
Made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones, the endocrine system helps regulate the activity of the body’s cells and organs. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid and adrenal glands help to manage the body's hormone levels and stress responses.
The adrenal glands and thyroid interact with one another consistently (aka the adrenal-thyroid connection). When experiencing prolonged or chronic stress, the adrenals signal for the body to conserve energy. This primal function shifts energy away from metabolism, digestion and reproduction towards fight-or-flight functions such as maintaining an adequate heart rate and pumping blood to the brain and muscles. The cortisol produced by the adrenal glands also diverts energy away from the thyroid, which over time can cause the thyroid gland to malfunction.
Prolonged or chronic stress can lead to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. HPA dysfunction occurs when this chronic stress breaks down the body’s systems needed for a healthy stress response. Instead, the HPA axis tells the adrenals to maintain cortisol levels and near-constant stress response. This is often referred to as “adrenal fatigue.” While this is a common term, it does not accurately encompass the effects that chronic stress is having on the adrenal glands.
Further changes in thyroid function can impact the adrenal gland and vice versa. For instance, conditions that affect the immune system can impact both glands at the same time, leading to hormone imbalances. Maintaining the balance between these glands is an important part of supporting health, affecting everything from how you feel day-to-day to how well you can respond to stress.1
The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland supports metabolism, or how the body uses energy, by releasing thyroid hormones. This gland influences thousands of biological functions, including heart rate, breathing, muscle and digestive function and brain development. In women, it also helps to regulate puberty and menstruation, reproduction, pregnancy and menopause.
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are part of the endocrine system and form a hypothalamus-pituitary complex that serves as the brain’s central command center to control vital bodily functions. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that the pituitary gland releases to trigger the thyroid to produce its own hormones — thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones are essential for maintaining the body’s metabolic rate.
The key to healthy thyroid function and energy regulation is the effective conversion of the less active T4 hormone form to the more active T3 hormone form. Various nutrients have been shown to help with this necessary conversion.
If low thyroid production is suspected, some steps to support improved thyroid production include:
The four common types of thyroid disorders are:
Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can be due to a variety of genetic, nutritional or environmental causes. Hypothyroidism can cause feelings of low energy, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, constipation, hoarseness, dry or thinning hair, brittle nails, memory loss, cold hands and feet, and an overall intolerance to cold.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. It is a type of hypothyroidism where the immune system produces antibodies against the thyroid, leading to a decreased production of thyroid hormones. This affects several areas of the body and causes symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and constipation.
Grave’s Disease – An autoimmune type of hyperthyroidism where the immune system produces antibodies (different from the ones involved in Hashimoto’s) that override the regulation of the thyroid, leading to an increased production of thyroid hormones.
The Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands produce hormones in response to signals from the pituitary gland in the brain, which react to signaling from the hypothalamus, also located in the brain. These hormones help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
The adrenal glands produce cortisol, a hormone that helps the body respond to perceived threats, or stressors. When there is a lot of stress for an extended time, the adrenal glands make more cortisol, which may lead to feelings of being "wired but tired." In addition, high levels of cortisol can interfere with the thyroid gland's ability to function optimally. For example, it can affect the conversion of thyroid hormones, which can influence metabolism and energy levels.
When the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones, this can lead to adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease). Addison’s is characterized by fatigue, body aches, unexplained weight loss, low blood pressure, light-headedness, loss of body hair and skin discoloration.2
Adrenal fatigue is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough cortisol to meet the body's needs, and cortisol levels are out of balance. This adrenal insufficiency is caused by “overuse” of the adrenal glands due to ongoing exposure to mental, emotional and physical stress. In addition, adrenal fatigue may also be experienced when the body’s response systems to high cortisol become conditioned to the constant stimulation and reactions are lessened. The main symptoms of adrenal fatigue are tiredness as well as trouble falling asleep, trouble waking up, salt and sugar cravings, and weight gain.3
Nutritional Support for Thyroid and Adrenal Health
In the past, low consumption of iodine was thought to be the main cause of hypothyroidism. Today, iodized table salt helps to reduce the incidence of iodine deficiency. But even so, many individuals also use a kelp supplement, a natural source of iodine.
Hypothyroidism is more prevalent in women than in men. And we know other hormonal imbalances can have a major impact on thyroid function. That is why a comprehensive vitamin, mineral and herbal formulation, such as Thyroid Support with Zinc, can be most beneficial in supporting overall thyroid health.†
There is a direct link existing between adrenal health and thyroid health. Daily stress, resulting in demands on the adrenal glands, can have an adverse effect on thyroid function and overall energy levels since the adrenal glands compete with the thyroid gland for the same supportive nutrients. Many of these adrenal support nutrients can be found in AdreBoost-NG. When the adrenal glands are properly supported, thyroid function often improves as well.†.
Adaptogens can also help to support the adrenal glands. Ashwagandha has been used in various disease processes and most specifically for its anti-stress and adaptogenic properties. As an adaptogen, it helps to maintain the body’s healthy response to physiological and psychological stress. Adaptogens also help reduce fatigue and improve energy.†
For further information on adrenal and thyroid support, consult with a healthcare professional.
References
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.