Hormone Course, Module 5

Thyroid Hormones and Metabolism

Objectives: Delve into herbs supporting thyroid function.

Key Topics:

• T3/T4 hormones and symptoms of hypo/hyperthyroidism.

• Key herbs:

• Interactions with medications.

Readings/Resources:

Thyroid Diagnosis

• Extra-Thyroidal Factors Impacting Thyroid Hormone Homeostasis: A Review
  This review article directly addresses the impact of various factors on thyroid hormone homeostasis, including specific herbal preparations. It explicitly mentions Withania somnifera and Commiphora mukul for their ability to improve hypothyroidism by elevating T3 levels, which is highly relevant to adaptogens and thyroid hormones..

• Effects of soyasaponins on lipid peroxidation through the secretion of thyroid hormones.
  This paper investigates the effects of soyasaponins, a type of adaptogen, on lipid peroxidation and its mediation through thyroid hormones. It demonstrates that soyasaponins increase serum thyroid hormone levels, and this effect is decreased by an antithyroid drug, providing direct evidence of an interaction between an adaptogen and thyroid hormone secretion.

Videos:

7 Foods that Support Thyroid Health

The Best Diet for Thyroid Function Part 1

The Best Diet for Thyroid Function Part 2

Activities:

• Weekly: Monitor energy levels with ashwagandha supplementation.

• Assignment: Design a thyroid-supportive herbal smoothie recipe.