Thermogenesis is the process by which the body generates heat. The body’s thermogenic actions are usually classified as obligatory (OT) or facultative (FT, also known as adaptive thermogenesis). OT represents all the life-promoting activities in your body that transform energy into heat, such as the burning of calories. FT refers to body actions that kick in to generate heat when the body gets too cold, such as shivering.
Thyroid hormones influence oxygen consumption and enzyme function in a way that raises metabolism and triggers heat production – unleashing a powerful thermogenic effect. For nearly a century, we’ve known that thyroid hormones influence OT. But more recent research has suggested that thyroid hormones may also influence FT – and in doing so, may hold promise for treating obesity.
Brown adipose tissue, also known as brown fat, is very important for FT in humans and all mammals. Brown fat is stored energy, capable of generating heat as an adaptive (FT) response to cold. Researchers have suggested that T3 concentration in brown fat tissues is responsible for the peak thermogenic response to adrenal stimulation. In other words, T3 is believed to directly trigger the burning of brown fat for heat generation as an adaptive response to cold exposure.
Researchers have suggested that if we could ever isolate T3’s direct brown fat burning influence as a standalone mechanism, it could be used as a novel way to treat overweight and obesity.
I am a 61 year old woman. My entire thyroid gland had to be removed in two surgeries due to damage from Hashimoto’s Disease. I also have lupus that seems pretty well controlled by hydroxychloroquine.
I am now on Synthroid. For years I felt half alive…or less. Finally I found a clinic around 5 hours from home that treated me with t3. For the first time in over 25 years, I started feeling alive. They would only allow me to buy the t3 from a compounding pharmacy in California, and I am in SE Iowa. After a few months, the clinic had to close due to pressure from the local hospital. (Afraid of losing business?) …So I was back to square one. I did finally find a doctor who would let me hang out on the lower end of the TSH Third Generation Range, using a higher dose of Synthroid, but no amount of Synthroid feels like t3 did. And yes, I am obese. The only time I could diet and lose weight was when I was on t3. I go to a local gym…45 minutes minimum on the elliptical and another 30 minutes on weight machines. It is not easy being the fat girl at the gym, but it seems to be the only way that I can keep from gaining more weight. All local doctors refuse to let me t3. Any suggestions?
Hi, I’m hearing you say that T3 is the only thing that’s ever helped you. So when you say if there are any suggestions, I presume you mean do we have any suggestions on how you can get a doctor to help you with T3. Obviously, if local doctors won’t help then you may have to find someone outside your town (such as Karan Baucom MD in Overland Park, KS) and the doctors on the wilsonssyndrome.com website and the restorativemedicine.org website.