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Can Immune System Be Affected By Hypothyroidism?

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Posted on Sat, 6 Dec 2014
Question: My Dr. Ordered T3 T4 but jot TSH. I am taking Levothyroxine for Hypothyroid. Should she have ordered TSH? Also I get frequent viral upper respiratory infections and secondary sinus infections. Can my immune system be affected by my thyroid function? Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no need for tsh if t3 and t4 done

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Ordering only T3 and T4 is fine.

TSH is made in part of the brain called the pituitary. This hormone then stimulates the thyroid gland in the neck to make the thyroid hormones , T3 and T4.

When T3 and T4 are low (in hypothyroidism), then a message is sent to the pituitary (where tsh is made) telling it - need more thyroid hormones- more tsh is then released in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism- Low t3 and t4 and high tsh

In hyperthyroidism the opposite is true- there is low tsh (being suppressed by high levels of thyroid hormone) and high t3 and t4

Therefore, your doctor has measured the level of the thyroid hormones directly. It is possible to do the TSH and infer if the levels of thyroid hormones are ok for eg, if she did the TSH and it was high then- the thyroid hormone (t3 and t4) must be too low

She just measured the hormone levels directly so that there is no need to infer from the TSH.

If your thyroid function is impaired then it can affect your immune system slightly.
This can also occur : (1)conditions such as diabetes
(2)use of some medications such as immune suppressants eg steroids
(3)inadequate use or intake of anti oxidants , vitamins and minerals
(4)excess exposure to these illnesses

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (31 minutes later)
Yes I believe that My body is not utilizing nutrients and that's why When I take the EHB I can fight infections better. But the question is why. I take Advair 2 daily doses and hypertensive meds. I also am on pronto nix. I have hiatal hernia and esophageal ulcers. I used to work in schools but I am not being exposed to that environment which is high risk. So it's my body. Really frustrated and do not want to be constantly fighting an infection. It affects my energy level and interferes with reg exercise and social activities. So I'm looking for some direction. Thanks for your answer.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
probiotics may help

Detailed Answer:
HI

You may also want to try the use of probiotics.

Most of our immunity is in our gut and the use of probiotics help to boost this immunity.
They can be obtained on their own or in some yogurts such as activa

Please feel free to ask any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
Yes I've been taking a good Pro 5. It has helped and I am regular these days as opposed to having difficulties previously . But it hasn't helped with viral infections.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you are currently doing what needs to be done

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry to hear that.

Immunity is boosted by the use of these probiotics, multivitamins, healthy diet and exercise but if you are already doing all of this, there is little to add to your current regimen.


If anything else is unclear feel free to say
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Can Immune System Be Affected By Hypothyroidism?

Brief Answer: no need for tsh if t3 and t4 done Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Ordering only T3 and T4 is fine. TSH is made in part of the brain called the pituitary. This hormone then stimulates the thyroid gland in the neck to make the thyroid hormones , T3 and T4. When T3 and T4 are low (in hypothyroidism), then a message is sent to the pituitary (where tsh is made) telling it - need more thyroid hormones- more tsh is then released in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism- Low t3 and t4 and high tsh In hyperthyroidism the opposite is true- there is low tsh (being suppressed by high levels of thyroid hormone) and high t3 and t4 Therefore, your doctor has measured the level of the thyroid hormones directly. It is possible to do the TSH and infer if the levels of thyroid hormones are ok for eg, if she did the TSH and it was high then- the thyroid hormone (t3 and t4) must be too low She just measured the hormone levels directly so that there is no need to infer from the TSH. If your thyroid function is impaired then it can affect your immune system slightly. This can also occur : (1)conditions such as diabetes (2)use of some medications such as immune suppressants eg steroids (3)inadequate use or intake of anti oxidants , vitamins and minerals (4)excess exposure to these illnesses I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions