Hashimoto’s, not just measuring TSH:

How the thyroid gland controls our body

The thyroid gland and its many influences on our Health

Our thyroid gland is like the accelerator pedal of the car and influences almost every organ and tissue. About Us and white adipose tissue, the released hormones levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3) control, for example, thermogenesis and lipolysis, energy consumption up to core body temperature and appetite via leptin. Both hyper- and hypothyroidism therefore lead to the generally known symptoms. Hypothyroidism manifests itself in symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, chronic constipation and even depressive moods. Hair loss is also common. Patients with hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, complain of sweating, nervousness, weight loss, diarrhea, sleep disorders and even high blood pressure.

Iodine deficiency, benign as well as malignant nodules and autoimmune diseases can be the cause of functional disorders. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is widespread. In this chronic autoimmune disease, antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO antibodies) and thyroglobulin (Tg-AK) typically develop. The diagnosis is usually made by means of a blood test with determination of the TSH value, the free hormones fT3 and fT4, antibody determination and ultrasound of the thyroid gland. Its cause is multifactorial and depends on genetic factors as well as environmental conditions. Therapy depends on the clinical manifestation, with chronic progressive inflammation and reduction in size of the thyroid gland usually occurring over the course of the disease, which often requires lifelong substitution with levothyroxine (T4).

Text and image source: Clinical and laboratory aspects of 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine (reverse T3)

aminoplus® dayfit

Practical tip: About Us: Stress can disturb the sensitive balance of the thyroid gland by increasing the formation of rT3. Even with a normal TSH value, non-specific symptoms of hypothyroidism can occur, such as tiredness, listlessness and a depressed mood. At the same time, a substrate deficiency can occur with increased stress levels due to the synthesis of noradrenaline and adrenaline. This is because both catecholamines and thyroid hormones are formed from the semi-essential amino acid L-tyrosine.

If patients complain of stress and exhibit corresponding symptoms despite borderline or good TSH values, a broad basic supply, especially with the amino acids tyrosine and the antioxidant taurine, with Selenium, activated B vitamins, vitamin C and co. can be a good supplement (for example aminoplus® dayfit). A good supply of nutrients supports stress management and has a positive effect on hormone balance. However, when taking L-thyroxine, patients should keep a time interval of 2 hours to supplements in order not to disturb the absorption of L-thyroxine.

Below we take a closer look at some of the nutrients that play an important role for patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:

Selenium: Selenium fulfills several functions in relation to the thyroid gland and pathogenesis. As the activity of the deiodases is selenium-dependent, all patients on L-thyroxine supplementation are dependent on an adequate supply of Selenium. Selenium supplementation often leads to an improved quality of life for patients due to better conversion of T4 to T3. It also plays an important role as an antioxidant. This is because the synthesis of thyroid hormones produces hydrogen peroxide, which is Detoxified by glutathione peroxidases. This enzyme also requires Selenium. A meta-analysis in 2024 (PubMed: Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials ) recently showed that Selenium reduces TPO antibody titres and lowers TSH levels in Hashimoto’s.

Practical tip: The intake of iodide or iodized table salt, for example, is controversial in Hashimoto’s disease. High doses can trigger an acute exacerbation of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and fuel the development of acute inflammation. However, this does not apply to low doses – especially if there is an adequate supply of Selenium. Selenium has a protective effect.

Vitamin D: also important in summer

Due to its pleiotropic and anti-inflammatory effects, a sufficient supply of vitamin D is essential for Hashimoto’s patients. Almost all immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, antigen-presenting cells and dendritic cells express vitamin D receptors. 1,25(OH)2D is able to suppress an excessive immune response of the adaptive Immune System and support immune tolerance. It is therefore not surprising that vitamin D supplementation can have a positive effect on autoimmunity and lead to a reduction in disease activity and TPO antibody titers. One study showed that Hashimoto’s patients are more likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurred 2.28 times more frequently with a 25(OH)D3 level <20 ng/mL (PubMed: Vitamin D Deficiency and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in Children and Adolescents: a Critical Vitamin D Level for This Association?).