How MTHFR Mutations Affect Thyroid Hormone Production and Regulation

A few years ago I started seeing an increased number of thyroid issues in my clients. At first I though it was due to an increased stress post the pandemic, reduced digestive function, viral affinity for the thyroid gland (you can read about it HERE), lack of nutrition in the current food chain supply. And I was right.

Only.. I started noticing that 60% of those clients also had elevated homocysteine levels (a marker of serious cardiovascular risks), so I started digging deeper. If you know me, you know how much I thrive in reading and analyzing research.

This lead me to a year of study on the MTHFR Gene, its connection to health, and homocysteine and thyroid health. This knowledge and experience on MTHFR Mutations, Thyroid Gland and much more I now share with my clients and my readers. Enjoy!

New to MTHFR? Start your introduction HERE.

MTHFR Gene Mutations

Individuals with MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) mutations often have reduced enzyme activity, which impairs the methylation cycle.

Here’s how this insufficiency in methylation specifically impacts the production and regulation of thyroid hormones, potentially contributing to hypothyroidism and other thyroid dysfunctions:

1. Role of Methylation in Thyroid Function

Methylation is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, neurotransmitter production, and the regulation of gene expression. This includes the genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis.

The thyroid gland requires efficient methylation to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the primary hormones it secretes.

Reduced Methylation

MTHFR mutations reduce the conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a crucial methyl donor. This results in insufficient methyl groups needed for various biochemical reactions, including those involved in thyroid hormone production​.

• This feels like faster aging, poor recovery even after a good-night-sleep, increased weight gain, brain fog, poor memory and decreased energy levels.

2. Impact on Homocysteine Levels

Elevated homocysteine levels, a common issue in individuals with MTHFR mutations, are associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation.

High homocysteine levels can impair thyroid function by promoting inflammatory pathways that affect the thyroid gland, potentially leading to thyroiditis and hypothyroidism​.

• This can feel like frequent heart palpitations, tachycardia, shortness of breath, dizziness, anxiety, brain fog, reduced memory and concentration.

3. Detoxification Pathways and Thyroid Function

Efficient detoxification is crucial for thyroid health as the thyroid gland is sensitive to toxins and heavy metals. These substances can disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis and regulation.

The MTHFR enzyme plays a role in detoxification by influencing the production of glutathione, a major antioxidant. Reduced activity of the MTHFR enzyme due to mutations can lead to lower glutathione levels and compromised detoxification pathways​.

Resulting Oxidative Stress

Increased oxidative stress due to insufficient detoxification can damage the thyroid gland and interfere with hormone production. This can contribute to thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis​.

• This leads to dermatitis including chronic eczema and psoriasis, itchy skin, eye infections, congested nose, allergies, hay fever, fluid retention, anxiety, brain fog, headaches, migraines, body aches and pains, sensitivities to food and smells.

4. Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

Conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Methylation is critical for proper immune function. Insufficient methylation can dysregulate the immune response, increasing the risk of autoimmune reactions against the thyroid gland​​.

• Here all existing autoimmune symptoms are exacerbated, feeling sluggish, tired, overweight and with extreme brain fog.

Summary of Mechanisms of MTHFR Mutations on The Thyroid Gland

1.     Impaired Methylation leads to reduced production of methyl groups necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis.

2.     Elevated Homocysteine Levels cause oxidative stress and inflammation, negatively impacting thyroid function.

3.     Compromised Detoxification reduces glutathione levels, increasing oxidative stress and toxin accumulation, which can damage the thyroid gland.

4.     Insufficient methylation can lead to immune system imbalances, promoting autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Management and Recommendations

There are several steps I will use with my clients to counter the MTHFR gene mutation consqeuances. Please keep in mind that eveyone is different and will have variations to below based on their particular health complications, pathology results, MTHRF gene mutation types and health goals.

Here is the general guidelines:

1.     Support Methylation

Use bioavailable forms of folate (L-methylfolate) and vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) to support methylation processes.

2.     Lower Homocysteine Levels

Supplement with nutrients like betaine, choline, and B vitamins (B6, B12, folate) to reduce homocysteine levels.

3.     Enhance Detoxification

Incorporate antioxidants like glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and milk thistle to support detoxification pathways.

4.     Monitor and Adjust Thyroid Function

Regularly test thyroid hormone levels and adjust treatment plans based on individual responses and needs.

Would like to get tested for MTHFR Gene Variants and start working with me? You can do this HERE, or Book a FREE 15 Minute Discovery Call to discuss more

References

1. Nutripath. (n.d.). Methylation & MTHFR Manual. Retrieved from Nutripath.

2. Seeking Health. (2021). 7 Signs You Need Methylation Support. Retrieved from Seeking Health.

3. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic.

4. MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation. Retrieved from MedlinePlus.

5. Homocysteine and folate status in hypothyroid patients. (2021). PubMed. Retrieved from PubMed.

6. PubMed. (n.d.). Elevated homocysteine levels and thyroid function. Retrieved from PubMed.