The Butterfly Gland: Understanding Your Thyroid


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

Thyroid diseases affect about 200 million people worldwide. (3) In Canada, one in ten individuals has a thyroid condition, and of those, up to 50% are undiagnosed. (4) A common thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism, a condition in which decreased production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) leads to low thyroid activity. (2) Symptoms can include weight gain, fatigue, mood changes, poor concentration, low libido, cold intolerance, dry hair and hair loss, and constipation. (2,5)

If not appropriately treated, hypothyroidism may increase the risk of coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, neuropsychiatric conditions, and infertility. (5) Suspected low thyroid activity should always be confirmed through proper testing by a qualified health care practitioner.

Nutrient deficiencies or imbalances are one potential contributor to impaired thyroid function and the development of thyroid disorders. (6) Providing the body with specific nutrients and botanical extracts may promote thyroid hormone production and optimal thyroid activity. ThyroSense®, a balanced nutritional and herbal formula, includes several of these ingredients, such as L-tyrosine, iodine, manganese, copper, selenium, pantothenic acid, ashwagandha, and guggul. Together, these nutrients support thyroid function and help the body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

  • L-tyrosine: This amino acid serves as a precursor for the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 and for neurotransmitters such as dopamine. (7,8) Supplementation with L-tyrosine has been associated with benefits such as improved alertness and mood and decreased mental fatigue caused by physical stress. (8,9)
  • Iodine: This mineral is essential for the production of T4 and T3, and deficiency can impact thyroid function. (6,10) In one study, supplementation with 200–400 mcg of iodine helped restore thyroid function and normalize iodine blood levels in individuals with hypothyroidism. (11)
  • Manganese: Thyroid hormone regulation and metabolism are supported by manganese, and low manganese levels have been detected in patients with hypothyroidism. (12,13)
  • Copper: Inadequate copper levels have been linked to both subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism. Copper plays an essential role in thyroid hormone production and regulation 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 helps support 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 that may help the body manage stress. Ashwagandha has been associated with improved thyroid hormone levels, suggesting that it may support thyroid function. (16)
  • Guggul (Commiphora wightii): This resin is known for supporting cardiometabolic health. Research shows that guggul contains active plant sterols, called guggulsterones, which may help maintain healthy blood lipid levels and support thyroid function. (17–20)

ThyroSense® is suitable for individuals who experience symptoms associated with hypothyroidism and who need support to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Although this formula may be taken with hypothyroid medications under the guidance of a prescribing health care practitioner, it is important to note that ThyroSense® does not replace prescription thyroid medication.

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

ThyroSense® is one of many products from the WomenSense® line dedicated to helping women reach their full health potential. Each product is carefully formulated to support the needs of adult women throughout life, from mental or physical stress to hormonal changes associated with 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, M.A., Ashraf, M.A., 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 disease among adults, 1999-2018. Endocr Pract, 29(11), 875–80.
4. Thyroid Foundation of Canada. About Thyroid Disease. Accessed on February 18, 2026, https://thyroid.ca/thyroid-information/about-thyroid-disease/
5. Godbole, N.P., Koester, M., & Marcus, E.N. (2023). Hypothyroidism in adult women: The utility of targeted vs universal thyroid screening. Int J Womens Health, 15, 1515–22.
6. Shulhai, A.M., 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. Accessed February 2026. Available: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/Data/ProMonographs/Tyrosine
8. Hase, A., Jung, S. E., & aan het Rot, M. (2015). Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults. Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 133, 1–6.
9. Jongkees, B.J., 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: An overview and update. Nutrients, 15(4), 1004.
11. Takeuchi, T., Kamasaki, H., Hotsubo, T., et al. (2011). Treatment of hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency using daily powdered kelp in patients receiving long-term total enteral nutrition. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol, 20(3), 51–5.
12. Memon, N.S., Kazi, T.G., Afridi, H.I., et al. (2015). Correlation of manganese with thyroid function in females having hypo- and hyperthyroid disorders. Biol Trace Elem Res, 167(2), 165–71.
13. Soldin, O.P., & 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 patients of hypothyroidism 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, A.K., 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, N.Y.), 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). Gugulu (Commiphora mukul) induces triiodothyronine production: Possible involvement of lipid peroxidation. Life Sci, 65(12), 137–41.
19. Panda, S., & Kar, A. (2005). Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) potentially ameliorates 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.
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