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Thyroid Physiology  

• Thyroid Hormones
• NIS Symporter
• Thyroid Hormone Synthesis   
• Thyroid Regulation
• Iodine Deficiency
• Iodine Excess
• Thyroid Iodine

Thyroid Disease

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Goiter
• Nodules
• Thyroid Cancer
• Autoimmune Issues
• Various Issues

IODINE AND THYROID DISEASE

Although the role of iodine in thyroid disease has been extensively researched, there is presently significant conflict.  In general, the Orthoiodosupplementation perspective emphasizes the benefits of inorganic iodine (e.g., iodide and molecular iodine).  The traditional researchers and clinicians emphasize the dangers of inorganic iodine and the benefits of radioactive iodine and iodine drugs.  

It is prudent to monitor thyroid function (e.g., TSH, fT4, fT3) when supplementing with iodine.  There seem to be significant differences in individual response to iodine.  Therefore, consulting with a qualified health practitioner who knows your individual circumstances is strongly recommended.

There are six major categories of common thyroid problems:

1.  Hypothyroidism -- when there is too little thyroid hormone

How does iodine deficiency or iodine excess contribute to hypothyroidism?  How important are other factors, such as selenium and goitrogens?  What are the best therapies for hypothyroid issues?

2.  Hyperthyroidism -- when there is too much thyroid hormone

How does iodine deficiency or excess contribute to hyperthyroidism?  What are the most effective therapies for hyperthyroidism?

3.  Goiter -- when the thyroid gland gets too big

What causes the thyroid to grow?    What are the best therapies for goiter?

4. Nodules -- when lumps develop within the thyroid

What are "autonomous nodules" and why are they important?

5.  Thyroid Cancer -- when malignant tumors develop

What role does iodine play in the development of the major types of thyroid cancer?  Can iodine be helpful in the prevention or treatment of thyroid cancer?  What are "Tg" levels, how are they related to iodine, and why are they important in thyroid cancer?

6.  Autoimmune Issues -- when the body starts attacking itself

What are Hashimoto's and Graves disease?  Is supplemental iodine helpful or harmful?

7.  Various Diseases -- articles on more than one thyroid disease

Some research articles discuss more than one type of thyroid disease, or different thyroid complications than the five above.  These articles can be found here.

Thyroid Physiology

To understand these diseases better, it is useful to understand how iodine operates in the thyroid.  The section on iodine physiology discusses a number of related issues.  For example, what is the nature of T3 and T4 and how are they synthesized?  How does iodide get into the thyroid?  How is the thyroid regulated by TSH and iodide?  What happens with iodine deficiency and excess?

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  Copyright: Zoe, 2006.