HPA HPT Axes

HPA axis HPT axis

negative feedback loop
STRESS:
psychological
traumatic
Hypothalamus
electromagnetic
Hypo1 Hyper infectious
allergic TRH
dysbiotic
Hypothalamus xenobiotic
Pituitary
SNS
CRH CRH
inhibition
inhibition TSH

Pituitary Thyroid

ACTH ACTH T4
rT3
(competitive inhibition
inhibitor of T3) 5' - deiodinase enzyme
(primarily in liver and kidneys)
Adrenal
cortex T3
medulla (active form
inhibition of the hormone)

glucocorticoids glucocorticoids
(cortisol) (cortisol)

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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