Three Types of Hypothyroidism: Unveiling the Hidden Aspects
Summary:
1. Hypothyroidism is a prevalent condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide.
2. While most people are familiar with primary hypothyroidism, there are also two lesser-known types.
3. Central hypothyroidism and peripheral resistance hypothyroidism present unique challenges and require a different approach to treatment.
4. Understanding these three types of hypothyroidism can illuminate the complexities of thyroid function and metabolism.
5. Dr. Eric Balcavage, a renowned expert in metabolic disease, insulin sensitivity, and nutrition, shares his insights on this fascinating topic.
Welcome, dear readers! Today, we embark on a unique journey to unravel the hidden aspects of hypothyroidism – a condition that affects individuals far and wide. While most of us are familiar with primary hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate thyroid hormones, two lesser-known types can confound even the savviest physicians. So, buckle up and prepare for a mind-blowing exploration of three types of hypothyroidism!
First, let’s dive into the ocean of primary hypothyroidism. Picture a small gland in your neck, diligently working to produce hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and countless other bodily functions. This gland, popularly known as the thyroid, sometimes encounters glitches. Primary hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes impaired, leading to decreased hormone production.
But wait! There’s more to the hypothyroidism saga. Enter stage left: central hypothyroidism. Unlike primary hypothyroidism, this type arises from a malfunction within the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which regulates the thyroid gland. The intricate interconnectedness of this system means that even a minor disruption can have cascading effects, throwing the delicate balance askew. Individuals with central hypothyroidism often display subtle symptoms, making the diagnosis challenging.
Prepare yourselves for a mind-boggling twist as we introduce the final piece of this thyroid puzzle – peripheral resistance hypothyroidism. Here, the thyroid gland functions as it should, happily secreting thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. However, the body’s peripheral tissues resist these hormones, impeding their actions. This type of hypothyroidism parallels the concept of insulin resistance, where the body fails to respond adequately to the hormone insulin. Dr. Eric Balcavage, an expert in metabolic disease, insulin sensitivity, and nutrition, highlights the intriguing link between these two conditions.
“Imagine a roadblock preventing a hormone from reaching its intended destination,” Dr. Balcavage explains with a whimsical analogy. “This roadblock distorts the communication between the hormones and the body’s cells, creating confusion within our metabolic pathways.” This confusion often leads to frustrating symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog, leaving individuals seeking answers in a sea of uncertainty.
Now that we’ve explored the three types of hypothyroidism at a general level let’s examine their distinctive characteristics in more detail. Primary hypothyroidism, the well-known troublemaker, is typically caused by an autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, can wreak havoc on hormone production. It affects predominantly females, so ladies, consider yourselves warned!
On the other hand, central hypothyroidism primarily stems from underlying issues within the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Traumatic brain injuries, tumors, or genetic defects can disrupt the delicate dance between these two brain regions, leading to a lack of stimulation for the thyroid gland. This rarity among hypothyroidism cases often evokes fascination among medical professionals and researchers, teasing them into exploring the intricate web of the endocrine system.
Ah, but peripheral resistance hypothyroidism offers an unexpected curveball. Although less commonly recognized, this type can significantly affect the overall thyroid puzzle. Dr. Balcavage reveals that it shares a deep connection with insulin resistance, a prominent issue in modern society. The interplay between these two hormone resistances showcases the astonishing complexity of our bodies and underscores the importance of understanding metabolic diseases as a whole.
As we wrap up this enthralling journey through the realms of hypothyroidism, let’s bear in mind the invaluable insights shared with us by Dr. Eric Balcavage. His expertise in metabolic disease, insulin sensitivity, and nutrition has elucidated the interconnections between hypothyroidism and our intricate metabolic pathways.
Remember, dear readers, offer them a glimmer of hope the next time you encounter someone grappling with the enigmatic symptoms of hypothyroidism, be it primary, central, or peripheral resistance. Share the knowledge gained on this expedition, and together we can unravel the secrets of the human body, one fascinating fact at a time.
*****
Source Description
There are TWO major hypothyroid-related illnesses: glandular and subclinical. But studies show a new phase on the rise that is being heavily ignored. 🤔
I sat with Dr. Eric Balcavage to discuss his work with thyroid physiology, chronic illness, and healthy habits. Dr. Balcavage has made it his mission to change how medicine looks at hypothyroidism.
Listen and learn about the third kind of hypothyroidism here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-105-thyroid-physiology-chronic-illness-dr-eric-balcavage/id1435214303?i=1000484235222.
Listen on my site: https://cynthiathurlow.com/podcast-1/ep-105-thyroid-physiology-and-chronic-illness-with-dr-eric-balcavage
—————————————————————————————————————————
Connect with Cynthia Thurlow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_cynthiathurlow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-thurlow-50395a9/detail/recent-activity/posts/
Website: https://cynthiathurlow.com/
About Everyday Wellness Podcast
Everyday Wellness is not just another health podcast. Your host, Cynthia Thurlow (nurse practitioner and nutrition/IF expert), has over 20 years of experience in clinal medicine and wellness. Her mission is to bring you the best, science-backed yet practical information to improve your physical and mental wellness every day. She is a busy mompreneur and knows how important your time is. She has designed this podcast to be short in time and big on impact. She interviews a variety of guests in the field of health and wellness, discusses important issues and provides practical strategies that you can use in your real life.
This video is for educational and informational purposes and is solely a self-help tool. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat health problems or illnesses without consulting your medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your medical practitioner and mental health provider about your specific health situation.
