Summary
Recent studies show a relationship between low Vitamin D3 levels and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Additional studies still need to be done, but a study of 75 patients with Hashimoto's were given Vitamin D3 weekly for eight weeks. After the eight-week study, thyroid antibodies were "significantly decreased by Vitamin D" 1. Additionally, HDL cholesterol improved in the euthyroid Hashimoto's group!
In a separate 12-week study, 2, 201 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism were given Vitamin D supplementation. The results showed improved TSH levels and calcium concentrations!
Indication
These studies have several takeaway points and can be interpreted in a few ways.
Vitamin D influences function of all organs in the body. Low Vitamin D levels decrease function of all organs, but for some their "weak link" is the thyroid and therefore dysfunction presents here first.
Vitamin D helps to balance an overactive immune response. Low Vitamin D levels could lead to inappropriate autoimmune responses.
Vitamin D is essential for thyroid hormone to be absorbed and utilized. Low Vitamin D levels would hinder the absorption and utilization of thyroid hormone, and downstream, the thyroid appears to be not functioning properly. However, the thyroid is fine, but the body cannot access and utilize thyroid hormone due to Vitamin D deficiency.
In the 3 interpretations above, the thyroid is not diseased nor dysfunctional. The thyroid is simply responding to a deficiency.
The deficiency should be addressed - not the result of the deficiency.
RH Thoughts
Unfortunately, many people are quick to deny the role that natural support and supplementation serve in overall health and are even quicker to accept the idea that their body has somehow failed and betrayed them. The simplest solution is commonly the correct solution, yet conventional medicine overlooks these modalities - worse yet, these forms of support are ridiculed out of ignorance.
Before electing to take a synthetic hormone indefinitely, I would encourage at least getting Vitamin D levels checked and/or requesting a full thyroid panel. Commonly, hypothyroidism is diagnosed by TSH which is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. Based on TSH levels, synthetic thyroid hormone is prescribed without even knowing current thyroid hormone levels. This type of "care" is such a disservice to the patient who is suffering.
There are other factors that influence thyroid function, and you can learn more clicking the button below.
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