The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the lower front of the throat. This gland's function is to produce thyroid hormones, which are carried to most tissues in the body. Once in the tissues it increases cellular activity and regulates the body's metabolism. In order for the thyroid gland to know how much thyroid hormone to make, the pituitary gland must produce and release thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH, controls how much of the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, are secreted. It is a peptide hormone, controlled by the pituitary gland. When the pituitary sees small amounts of T4 in the bloodstream it releases more TSH. If the body has ample amounts of T4 the pituitary gland stops producing TSH.
TSH Testing
A TSH level will be prescribed by your doctor if you are feeling any of the most common symptoms associated with thyroid issues. These can include fatigue, heat or cold intolerance, unintentional weight loss or significant weight gain, difficult concentrating, depression, abnormal menstrual periods, and thin or brittle nails. The levels of TSH can be found by performing a simple blood test. Normal values are 0.4 to 4.0 mlU/L. Higher than normal levels may indicate congenital hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone resistance, TSH-dependent hyperthyroidism or primary hypothyroidism.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that the body produces. It is synthesized from phenylalanine, another amino acid in the body, and is a major part of most proteins in the body. Tyrosine also has many purposes in the body, including aiding the organs responsible for producing hormones such as the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. It can be found in soy products, chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, avocados, dairy products and many other dietary sources.
Tyrosine and TSH
High TSH usually indicates hypothyroidism, or a low-functioning thyroid. Because tyrosine is involved with the activation of T3 and T4 hormones; supplementation of tyrosine is an option for people who have elevated TSH. Tyrosine will bind with iodine to form thyroid hormones. However, tyrosine supplementation should never be started without consulting a physician first. Those who take thyroid medication or have high blood pressure should not take tyrosine.
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