Your thyroid hormones could be the reason why you’re tired all the time
05/31/2018 // Ralph Flores // Views

Researchers may have caught a break in understanding chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a debilitating and poorly understood condition marked by bouts of persistent extreme fatigue, weakness, and depression. In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, researchers established a link between the condition and decreased thyroid levels. In particular, lower thyroid hormones, not necessarily a thyroidal disease, could provide an explanation for the onset of CFS.

This explanation, of course, is much needed. CFS, already a complicated disorder, cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. At best, there are theories on how people get the condition, which range from viral infections to psychological stress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 2.5 million people in the U.S. have CFS; however, most of them remain undiagnosed. Currently, there is no effective cure for the condition, with treatments mainly focusing on addressing symptoms as they appear.

The study, however, pointed out that these symptoms are very similar to hypothyroidism, an endocrinal disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. What differs, however, is how the body reacts to the condition: In hypothyroidism, the body releases hormones to stimulate thyroid function, which does not happen in cases of CFS. This led researchers to suggest the link between CFS and lower thyroid activity. (Related: Hypothyroidism Reaches Epidemic Proportions, Causing Fatigue and Weight Gain.)

Brighteon.TV

To test their theories, the researchers, led by Dr. Begoña Ruiz-Núñez of the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, examined thyroid function and inflammation markers for both people with CFS and those without the condition – a total of 98 patients with CFS and 99 healthy people used as controls. Based on the results, they found that those with CFS had lower levels of key thyroid hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), but normal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. T3, in particular, is a hormone that regulates functions such as metabolic rate, heart and digestive functions, muscle control, cognitive development and function, and bone maintenance. T4, the main hormone released into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland, is mainly used by the liver and kidneys.

CFS patients also had lower levels of iodine in their urine and low-grade inflammation, both of which are also symptoms of hypothyroidism. A stark difference between the two conditions, however, is the increased level of a thyroid hormone called "reverse T3" or rT3 in patients with CFS. Researchers posited that this could be an indication of a shift in hormone production, where the body converts T4 to rT3 instead of T3. This leaves the body severely starved of T3 hormones in tissue.

"One of the key elements of our study is that our observations persisted in the face of two sensitivity analyses to check the strength of the association between CFS and thyroid parameters and low-grade inflammation," explained Dr. Ruiz-Núñez. "This strengthens our test results considerably."

The team also suggested that adding certain information in future studies could establish a stronger link between the condition and a patient's biochemical profile. While the study explores a possible link between CFS and certain thyroid levels, they maintain that there is still no definitive cause for CFS.

"Our study needs confirmation and extension by others," the researchers concluded. "If confirmed, trials with, e.g., T3 and iodide supplements might be indicated."

Learn more about CFS and hypothyroidism by heading to Health.news today.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

MayoClinic.org 1

MayoClinic.org 2

CDC.gov

YourHormones.info 1

YourHormones.info 2



Take Action:
Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website.
Permalink to this article:
Copy
Embed article link:
Copy
Reprinting this article:
Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NaturalNews.com (including a clickable link).
Please contact us for more information.
Free Email Alerts
Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.
App Store
Android App
eTrust Pro Certified

This site is part of the Natural News Network © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing International, LTD. is not responsible for content written by contributing authors. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms and those published here. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.

This site uses cookies
Natural News uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
Learn More
Close
Get 100% real, uncensored news delivered straight to your inbox
You can unsubscribe at any time. Your email privacy is completely protected.