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A link between thyroid dysfunction and previous infection from Covid-19 has been discovered by scientists from the University of Milan.
The research team studied 120 patients admitted to hospital with severe Covid-19 and analysed their levels of thyroid stimulating hormone as well as other indictors of thyroid dysfunction. All patients included in the study had no known existing thyroid condition prior to infection with Covid-19.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) was found in a high number of the study participants, however for most people, indictors suggesting thyroiditis returned to normal in the months after they recovered from Covid-19.
These 120 patients were followed up a year later and this time scientists performed an ultrasound to visually ascertain if areas of thyroiditis remained. This test found that 50% of the study participants still had regions of thyroiditis remaining 12 months after they had recovered from Covid-19. In addition, four out of six of the cohort still bore other hallmarks of thyroiditis such as decreased uptake of iodine during scans.
Authors of the study concluded, “Thyroiditis-areas at US (ultrasound scan) occur frequently and may persist after one year, even if reduced in size; long-term consequences are unknown.”
“The association of thyroiditis-areas with low TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and high FT4 (Free Thyroxine) and IL-6 (interleukin 6) serum concentrations support the hypothesis of direct thyroid gland involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection.”
The researchers admit that the long term consequences of Covid-19 infection on thyroid function are unknown and that more longitudinal studies need to be conducted in this area.
What is Thyroiditis?
Our thyroid glands regulate the amount and type of hormones that are produced and released into the body. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, simply means that the thyroids are not producing enough of the hormones that give us our daily dose of energy. No one’s really come up with the definitive answer as to what causes thyroids to underperform, however some theories include:
- Prolonged Stress
- Other illnesses
- Food or medication allergies
- Poor gut health
- Chemicals in household cleaning and hygiene products
- Genetics.
Note from National Custom Compounding: We regularly makes up orders of Thyroid Extract Capsules. However just like all pharmacies around Australia, we can only supply medication on presentation of a script from a GP or other suitably qualified medical practitioner. Talk to your health care provider about your interest in Natural Thyroid Extract. Alternatively we regularly work with integrative doctors around the country who understand the services offered by compounding pharmacies.
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