The butterfly gland: understanding your thyroid

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is often described as small yet mighty, and rightfully so. Weighing between 20–60 g, this butterfly-shaped gland is located at the base of the neck and is essential for the function of almost every system in the body. (1) The thyroid produces and releases hormones vital for growth and metabolism, temperature regulation, digestion, heart rate, and muscle function. (2)

Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid conditions affect approximately 200 million people worldwide. (3) In Canada, one in 10 individuals suffers from a thyroid disorder, with up to 50% of these cases undiagnosed. (4) Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid disorder, characterized by decreased production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), resulting in low thyroid activity. (2) Symptoms can include weight gain, fatigue, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, decreased libido, cold intolerance, dry hair and hair loss, and constipation. (2,5)

Treatments

Without appropriate treatment, hypothyroidism may increase the risk of coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, neuropsychiatric disorders, and infertility. (5) Any suspicion of hypothyroidism should be further investigated by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances can contribute to thyroid dysfunction and the development of thyroid disorders. (6) Specific nutrient and herbal intake can support the production of thyroid hormones and optimal thyroid activity. ThyroSense® ^, a balanced nutrient and botanical formula, contains several of these ingredients, such as L-tyrosine, iodine, manganese, copper, selenium, pantothenic acid, ashwagandha, and guggul. Together, these nutrients support thyroid function and aid the body in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

• L-Tyrosine:

   This amino acid is a precursor to the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 and neurotransmitters such as dopamine. (7,8) L-tyrosine supplementation has been associated with benefits such as improved alertness and mood, and decreased mental fatigue brought on by physical stress. (8,9)

• Iodine:

   This mineral is essential for the production of T4 and T3, and deficiency can affect thyroid function. (6,10) In one study, supplementation with 200–400 µg of iodine helped restore thyroid function and normalize blood iodine levels in individuals with hypothyroidism. (11)

• Manganese:

   Regulation and metabolism of thyroid hormones are supported by manganese, and low manganese levels have been detected in patients with hypothyroidism. (12,13)

• Copper:

   Insufficient copper levels have been associated with subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism. Copper plays an essential role in the production and regulation of thyroid hormones and is involved in the conversion of inactive T4 to biologically active T3. (6,14)

• Selenium:

   The thyroid gland contains the highest concentration of selenium in the body, a mineral essential for thyroid hormone production. Selenium deficiency reduces the conversion of T4 to T3 and is associated with hypothyroidism. (15)

• Pantothenic Acid:

   Also known as Vitamin B5, this nutrient contributes to energy metabolism and the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients. It is also essential for hormone production and tissue formation.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):

   This Ayurvedic herb is recognized as an adaptogen and may help the body manage stress. Ashwagandha has been associated with improved thyroid hormone levels, which suggests it may support thyroid function. (16)

• Guggul (Commiphora wightii):

   This resin is recognized for its cardiometabolic health benefits. Studies show that guggul contains active phytosterols, called guggulsterones, which may help maintain a healthy blood lipid profile and support thyroid function. (17–20)

ThyroSense® is suitable for individuals with symptoms of hypothyroidism who need support metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. While this formula can be taken in conjunction with hypothyroidism medications under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, it is important to note that ThyroSense® ^is not a replacement for prescribed thyroid medications.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Free of common allergens and GMOs, the recommended dose is 2–4 capsules daily, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Do not use ThyroSense® ^if pregnant or breastfeeding, or when consuming alcohol, other drugs, or natural health products with sedative properties. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are on a low protein diet.

ThyroSense® is one of many products in the WomenSense® ^{line-up designed to help women achieve their full health potential. Each product is carefully formulated to meet the needs of adult women throughout their} lives, whether it’s mental or physical stress, or hormonal changes due to aging.

References
1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. In brief: How does the thyroid gland work? [Updated 2024 May 28]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/
2. Shahid, MA, Ashraf, MA, Sharma, S. Physiology, Thyroid Hormone. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/
3. Zhang, X., Wang, X., Hu, H., et al. (2023). Prevalence and trends of thyroid diseases in adults, 1999–2018. Endocr Pract , 29(11), 875–80.
4. Thyroid Foundation of Canada. About Thyroid Disease. Retrieved February 18, 2026, https://thyroid.ca/thyroid-information/about-thyroid-disease/
5. Godbole, NP, Koester, M, & Marcus, EN (2023). Hypothyroidism in adult women: utility of targeted versus universal thyroid screening. Int J Womens Health , 15, 1515–22.
6. Shulhai, AM, Rotondo, R., Petraroli, M., et al. (2024). The role of nutrition on thyroid function. Nutrients , 16(15), 2496.
7. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (2026). Tyrosine. Retrieved February 2026. Available: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/Data/ProMonographs/Tyrosine
8. Hase, A., Jung, SE, & aan het Rot, M. (2015). Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults. Pharmacol Biochem Behav , 133, 1–6.
9. Jongkees, BJ, Hommel, B., Kühn, S., et al. (2015). Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands—A review. J Psychiatr Res , 70, 50–7.
10. Lisco, G., De Tullio, A., Triggiani, D., et al. (2023). Iodine deficiency and iodine prophylaxis: overview and update. Nutrients , 15(4), 1004.
11. Takeuchi, T., Kamasaki, H., Hotsubo, T., et al. (2011). Treatment of hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency by daily administration of kelp powder in patients receiving long-term total enteral nutrition. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol , 20(3), 51–5.
12. Memon, NS, Kazi, TG, Afridi, HI, et al. (2015). Correlation of manganese with thyroid function in hypo- and hyperthyroidism disordered females. Biol Trace Elem Res , 167(2), 165–71.
13. Soldin, OP, & Aschner, M. (2007). Effects of manganese on thyroid hormone homeostasis: potential links. Neurotoxicology , 28(5), 951–6.
14. Arora, M., Kumar Mahat, R., Kumar, S., et al. (2018). Study of trace elements in hypothyroid patients, with special reference to zinc and copper. Biomed J Sci Tech Res, 6(2), 2018.
15. Zhou, Q., Xue, S., Zhang, L., et al. (2022). Trace elements and the thyroid. Front Endocrinol , 13, 904889.
16. Sharma, AK, Basu, I., & Singh, S. (2018). Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med (New York, NY) , 24(3), 243–8.
17. Shen, T., Li, G., Wang, X., et al. (2012). The genus Commiphora: a review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol , 142, 319–30.
18. Panda, S., & Kar, A. (1999). Guggul (Commiphora mukul) induces triiodothyronine production: possible involvement of lipid peroxidation. Life Sci , 65(12), 137–41.
19. Panda, S., & Kar, A. (2005). Guggul (Commiphora mukul) may ameliorate hypothyroidism in female mice. Phytother Res , 19(1), 78–80.
20. Deng, R. (2007). Therapeutic effects of guggul and its constituent guggulsterone: cardiovascular benefits. Cardiovasc Drug Rev , 25(4), 375–90.yvay