The Thyroid Pathway
Understanding the Thyroid Pathway: A Simple Guide
The term "Thyroid Pathway" isn't a medically recognized term—it's a Kylie term! It’s my way of simplifying a complex process and making it easier to understand. Think of it like a game of Chinese Whispers, where each step passes vital information along, and ideally, we end up feeling amazing. But if you're reading this, chances are that pathway isn't running smoothly.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Hypothalamus Makes TRH
The hypothalamus (a region in the brain) senses if the body needs more thyroid hormone.
It releases Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) to communicate with the pituitary gland.
Think of TRH as the first whisper in the game, starting the communication chain.
Potential Roadblocks:
Chronic stress can disrupt hypothalamus function.
Poor sleep quality.
Potential Solutions:
Prioritize quality sleep.
Manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise.
Step 2: Pituitary Gland Makes TSH
The pituitary gland receives TRH and produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
To produce TSH, your body needs Vitamins A and Vitamin E.
TSH tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce:
High TSH: Your body is shouting, “Make more thyroid hormone!”
Low TSH: Your body is whispering, “We have enough, slow down.”
Potential Roadblocks:
Vitamin A and E deficiencies.
Pituitary gland dysfunction.
Chronic inflammation.
Potential Solutions:
Include foods rich in Vitamins A (carrots, liver) and E (nuts, seeds).
Address chronic inflammation through an anti-inflammatory diet.
Regular health check-ups to monitor pituitary health.
Step 3: Thyroid Releases T4 and T3
The thyroid produces mostly inactive T4 and a small amount of active T3.
To produce T4, your body needs:
Tyrosine, Iodine, Iron, Selenium, Vanadium, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin C.
To produce Tyrosine, you also need protein, Zinc, Vitamins B1 and B6, and good stomach acid.
If everything lines up, the thyroid releases the right amount of T4.
Potential Roadblocks:
Deficiencies in Iodine, Selenium, or Iron.
Poor stomach acid production.
Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
Potential Solutions:
Include iodine-rich foods (seaweed, fish).
Support stomach acid production with apple cider vinegar or digestive enzymes.
Test and manage autoimmune conditions with professional guidance.
Step 4: Conversion of T4 to T3
T4 needs to be converted into the active hormone T3 to be usable by your cells.
About 70% of this conversion happens in the liver, and 20% happens in the gut.
Essential players in this step include Selenium and Progesterone.
Potential Roadblocks:
Poor liver function.
Imbalanced gut microbiome.
Selenium deficiency.
Potential Solutions:
Support liver health with bitter greens, dandelion tea, and liver-supportive herbs.
Improve gut health with probiotics and a fiber-rich diet.
Include selenium-rich foods (Brazil nuts, seafood).
Step 5: Transporting T3 into Cells
Active T3 needs to enter your cells to do its job.
T3 travels via TBG (Thyroxine-Binding Globulin), which acts like a one-man taxi cab.
Potential roadblocks:
Excess estrogen
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
If these are clogging up the taxis, T3 can’t reach your cells.
Potential Roadblocks:
High estrogen levels.
Excessive intake of processed oils high in PUFAs (sunflower, canola, grapeseed oil etc)
Heavy metal toxicity (mercury, cadmium, aluminum, nickol, arsenic, lead)
Potential Solutions:
Balance estrogen through diet and liver detox support.
Avoid processed oils; opt for coconut oil or ghee.
Detox heavy metals with chelation therapy under professional supervision.
Step 6: The Cell Door Guard - Reverse T3 (RT3)
Even if T3 reaches the cell, there’s one final hurdle.
Stress triggers the production of Reverse T3 (RT3), which blocks T3 from entering the cell.
This happens because your body thinks keeping you low on energy will prevent further stress or damage.
It’s a safety mechanism, but it often backfires.
Potential Roadblocks:
Chronic stress (physical, mental or emotional).
High cortisol levels.
Persistent inflammation.
Potential Solutions:
Incorporate stress management techniques (e.g., yoga, journaling).
Support adrenal health with adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha.
Address inflammation with an anti-inflammatory diet.
Why Doesn’t the Thyroid Pathway Run Smoothly?
For most people, at least one step in this pathway is disrupted.
Blood tests usually measure hormone levels in the blood, not whether T3 is getting into your cells.
This is why tests can look "normal" while you still feel terrible.
What Now?
Improving your thyroid health isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about daily habits.
Support liver health and gut function.
Reduce stress.
Detox heavy metals, excess estrogen, and toxins.
These small, consistent steps can help the Thyroid Pathway run smoothly.
For more practical steps, check out my book, Thyroid Habits. Because at the end of the day, isn’t the goal to feel well?
Watch the full explanation on my YouTube channel for a deeper dive into each step!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
