HPA HPT Axes

HPA axis HPT axis

negative
feedback loop
STRESS:
psychological Hypothalamus
traumatic
eltromagnetic
Hypo1 Hyper ecinfectious
allergic TRH
dysbiotic
Hypothalamus enobiotic Pituitary
x
SNS

CRH CRH inhibition

inhibition TSH

Pituitary Thyroid

T4
ACTH ACTH rT3
(competitive inhibition
inhibitor of 5' - deiodinase enzyme
T3) (primarily in liver and
Adrenal kidneys)

cortex T3
medulla (active form
inhibition of the
hormone)
glucocorticoids gluco orticoids
(cortisol) c rtisol)
(co
catecholamines catecholamines
(epinephrine,norepinephrine), (epinephrine,norepinephrine),
aldosterone aldosterone 2003 BioHealth Diagnostics

Given the direct influence of the HPA axis on the HPT axis, adrenal function should always be evaluated when assessing
thyroid function.

Major points:
- Excess CRH inhibits TSH.
- Excess glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol) inhibit conversion of the less active T4 to the more active T3.
- Excess high cortisol can result in high output of rT3 which inhibits T3.

Common Acronyms:
HPA Axis = Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis HPT Axis: Hypothalamic Pituitary Thyroid Axis
CRH = Corticotrophic Releasing Hormone ACTH = Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone
TRH = Thyroid Releasing Hormone TSH = Thyroid Stimulating Hormone rT3 = Reverse T3

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