In the first post Running progressions / Health regressions, I mentioned my health issues which have been worse since late last year. Throughout my adult life, I've struggled with early mornings, hormone imbalances, gut issues, malabsorption, and depression. I've seen doctors and naturopaths, I've cleaned up my diet and I continued running because it is the only thing that helps the way I feel mentally.
At the beginning of the year I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (and Hashimotos, an autoimmune thyroid condition). However my doctor had a suspicion something else was going on.
I went to an Integrative GP and she believes my main issue is oestrogen dominance. She tested and diagnosed MTHFR gene defect (explained below). Some doctors think it's worth investigating and others don't. I don't know what I think.
It does help explain oestrogen dominance, malabsorption, toxicity and depression. Seemingly insignificant test results i.e. low zinc-high copper and high histamines, also make sense. My biggest challenge at the moment is to control oestrogen dominance and detoxify.
The thyroid is secondary and needs to be monitored but doesn't require medication at this stage. Thyroid and adrenals still make mornings difficult (more like... impossible) but hopefully that will get better as my general health improves.
MTHFR explained...
MTHFR stands for methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase. It is an enzyme that converts folate you eat into the active form (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate).
What does a MTHFR gene defect mean?
I went to an Integrative GP and she believes my main issue is oestrogen dominance. She tested and diagnosed MTHFR gene defect (explained below). Some doctors think it's worth investigating and others don't. I don't know what I think.
It does help explain oestrogen dominance, malabsorption, toxicity and depression. Seemingly insignificant test results i.e. low zinc-high copper and high histamines, also make sense. My biggest challenge at the moment is to control oestrogen dominance and detoxify.
The thyroid is secondary and needs to be monitored but doesn't require medication at this stage. Thyroid and adrenals still make mornings difficult (more like... impossible) but hopefully that will get better as my general health improves.
MTHFR explained...
MTHFR stands for methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase. It is an enzyme that converts folate you eat into the active form (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate).
- 5-methyltetrahydrofolate helps convert the amino acid homocysteine to another essential amino acid, methionine, which is used to make proteins, utilize antioxidants and assist your liver. Methionine helps with depression, inflammation and convert estradiol (E2) to estriol (E3).
- Methionine is converted in your liver into SAM-e (s-adenosylmethionine), which is anti-inflammatory, supports your immune system, helps produce chemicals i.e. serotonin, dopamine and melatonin, and is involved in the growth, repair and maintenance of your cells.
- A MTHFR gene defect makes it difficult to eliminate and detoxify toxins and heavy metals, which increases your risk of cancer and health issues, and put stress on your adrenals.
What does a MTHFR gene defect mean?
- Decreased ability to break down toxins or heavy metals which could result in toxicity i.e. High copper. High copper can cause low ferritin, even though your iron levels look good. High copper also results in low zinc.
- Homocysteine is poorly converted to glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifier.
- Homocysteine is poorly converted to methionine, which increases risk of arteriosclerosis, liver disease, anemia, inflammation, free radical damage and produces less SAM-e
- Less SAM-e can increase depression
- MTHFR defect can increase risk of cancers, stroke, heart problems, congenital defects, depression, Irritable bowel, miscarriages, migraines, chemical sensitivities and more.
- Sometimes you may have high folate or B12 because you have problems converting to active forms. The inactive folate or B12 will build up in your bloodstream.
The are two main variants of the MTHFR gene:
- MTHFR C677T
- MTHFR A1298C
A defective gene is quite common and can affect up to 40% of the population. You can not change it however you can help by taking supplements and avoiding chemicals and toxins. Some people may have the defective gene that has not been turned on yet.
One recommendation is avoid folic acid because the inactive form will build up in your bloodstream. You can have natural forms of folate in foods and the active form of folate called methylfolate as a supplement, also called 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) or P-5-P. When B12 is high, you should avoid the synthetic supplement called cyanocobalamin and use methylcobalamin (methylB12), which will help detoxify. You need to be careful and start with small doses.
Another recommendation is avoiding toxins and chemicals. You should eat clean, and use organic beauty and cleaning products.
Antioxidants are important and are readily available i.e. Vitamin C.
High copper is common and results in low zinc levels. High copper can result in hyperactivity, depression, headaches, low immunity, sensitive skin, hypothyroidism, adrenal stress and more. High copper can also make it difficult to raise iron levels, including your ferritin.
To be continued again...
