Defining Thyroid Resistance Syndromes

Thyroid Resistant Syndromes are the result of the body’s tissue being resistant to the effects of thyroid hormone. This occurs because the pituitary gland fails to respond to the thyroid hormone, specifically the thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones. As a result, the body may overproduce thyroid hormone, with no actual improved effect on the pituitary. The overproduction of thyroid hormone that is not being utilized by the body leads to the swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland itself (goiter).

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of hormone resistance can vary depending on the severity of the abnormality. Individuals may have no symptoms at all and have the ability to fix the abnormality by increasing the amount of thyroid hormones they produce.

Patients with this syndrome may present with symptoms of both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which include:

• Weight gain
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Heat intolerance
• Muscle weakness
• Sleep problems

Other common symptoms of Thyroid Resistance Syndromes include:

• Goiter
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Delayed bone maturation
• ADHD
• Sensorineural deafness

Potential Causes and Factors

Thyroid Resistance Syndromes are predominantly an inherited condition that occurs in 1 out of every 40,000 births*. It is usually caused by a genetic mutation resulting in a defective beta receptor (a type of thyroid hormone receptor).

This condition affects men and women equally and can be discovered at any age.

Diagnoses and Treatment

Due to fluctuating symptomatic presentations, patients are often misdiagnosed if their doctor is unfamiliar with the condition. This is not only emotionally and physically draining for patients as their symptoms do not improve, but they can also lead to incorrect treatment that worsens their condition such as radioactive iodine ablation.

Thyroid Resistance Syndromes can be correctly diagnosed based on abnormal lab work completed on the thyroid hormone. In patients with thyroid resistance, their blood levels of the thyroid hormone are elevated because the pituitary gland is not responding to the thyroid hormone.

Treatment will depend on whether the patient has an underactive or overactive thyroid.

Regaining Your Health

Although Thyroid Resistance Syndromes can be exhausting and difficult, you are not alone. Thyroid disorders are increasingly common in the United States and many go misdiagnosed. In fact, approximately 20 million Americans suffer from some form of a thyroid disorder, according to the American Thyroid Association. However, up to 60% are unaware they have a thyroid issue or have been misdiagnosed with another condition.

At Holtorf Medical Group, our doctors are trained to provide you with cutting-edge testing and innovative treatments to properly diagnose and treat your autoimmune thyroid disease, optimize your health, and improve your quality of life. If you think you are suffering from a Thyroid Resistance Syndrome, contact us today to see how we can help you!