# How to Fight Chronic Inflammation: A Pro-Metabolic Perspective By Dr. Benedicte Lerche · Pro-Metabolic Health > Why low thyroid function is the main driver of chronic inflammation — the pro-inflammatory hormones involved, how to test your status, and how to heal. Chronic inflammation, also referred to as slow, long-term inflammation, is the most significant cause of death in the world, and the prevalence of diseases associated with chronic inflammation is anticipated to increase persistently. Therefore it is extremely important to understand what causes these inflammatory processes and take corrective measures to treat chronic inflammation. ## Dr. Ray Peat's Opinion on Chronic Inflammation According to [Dr. Ray Peat](/blog/who-is-dr-ray-peat), the gap between the body's resources and the demands placed on it from the environment creates inflammation and disease. Thus harmful degenerative and inflammatory processes occur instead of repair and healing when there is low cellular energy production. Cellular energy production is controlled by the thyroid gland and according to Dr. Ray Peat, low thyroid function is thus the main cause of chronic inflammation. In the low thyroid state, the body loses structure and control and lets harmful degenerative and inflammatory processes occur. ## Signs of Chronic Inflammation Some common signs of chronic inflammation are listed below: - Body pain and joint pain - Chronic fatigue and insomnia - Allergies of all sorts - Depression, anxiety and mood disorders - Constipation, diarrhoea, and acid reflux - Weight gain or weight loss - Water retention (oedema) - Calcification of tissues - Frequent infections Because low thyroid function is one of the main causes of chronic inflammation, many of the symptoms related to chronic inflammation are similar to the symptoms of hypothyroidism. ## Hormones Involved in Chronic Inflammation Chronic inflammation is characterised by low thyroid function and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory hormones. These include: - Serotonin - Histamines - Estrogen - Cortisol - Parathyroid hormone - Prolactin - Aldosterone - Growth Hormone As soon as these pro-inflammatory hormones are produced in excess they create a vicious cycle, where cellular energy production is further suppressed and each of the problematic hormones promotes the production of other pro-inflammatory hormones. You might have read or heard about some of the mentioned pro-inflammatory hormones before, possibly mentioned as having beneficial properties. However, there is a lot of misinformation — especially regarding the function of serotonin, both in the media and in scientific literature. ## Blood Tests for Chronic Inflammation To evaluate your inflammation status, it is a good idea to test your thyroid function — getting a [blood test](/blog/thyroid-blood-tests) for the thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are helpful. Some of the inflammation-promoting hormones can be measured reliably with a blood test. These include serotonin, parathyroid hormone, and prolactin. Histamine, estrogen, and cortisol are more difficult to measure with a blood test. For instance, you can be very high in estrogen but have a low blood level of estrogen, as excess estrogen tends to be stored in the tissues. Estrogen imbalance is a topic I address in depth in my [Hormone Restore™](/courses/hormone-restore) course. ## How to Heal from Chronic Inflammation Healing from chronic inflammation takes place when the body is in a high cellular energy state, characterised by good thyroid function and a shift away from the pro-inflammatory hormones, to a state with optimal levels of the body's natural protective anti-ageing and anti-stress hormones. The natural anti-ageing and anti-stress hormones include pregnenolone, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These hormones have protective actions, neutralising the inflammatory hormones, supporting thyroid function, and reducing oedema and inflammation. You can learn more about how to supplement with the body's natural protective anti-inflammatory hormones in my [Hormone Restore™](/courses/hormone-restore) course. The key to overcoming chronic inflammation is optimising cellular energy production and balancing hormones to facilitate repair and healing. The foundational principles of this approach are laid out in my book [Healing Metabolism Book Series](/books). You are always welcome to [book an online consultation](/counseling) if you want personalised help with thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the connection between low thyroid function and chronic inflammation? Thus harmful degenerative and inflammatory processes occur instead of repair and healing when there is low cellular energy production. Cellular energy production is controlled by the thyroid gland and according to Dr. Ray Peat, low thyroid function is thus the main cause of chronic inflammation. In the low thyroid state, the body loses structure and control and lets harmful degenerative and inflammatory processes occur. ### Why is serotonin listed as a pro-inflammatory hormone? Because low thyroid function is one of the main causes of chronic inflammation many of the symptoms related to chronic inflammation are similar to the [symptoms of low thyroid function](/books/test-your-thyroid-function) (hypothyroidism). ### How do progesterone and pregnenolone help fight inflammation? Healing from chronic inflammation takes place when the body is in a high cellular energy state, characterized by good thyroid function and a shift away from the pro-inflammatory hormones, to a state with optimal levels of the body’s natural protective anti-aging and anti-stress hormones. The natural anti-aging and anti-stress hormones include pregnenolone, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These hormones have protective actions, neutralizing the inflammatory hormones, supporting thyroid function, and reducing edema and inflammation. You can learn more about how to supplement with the body’s natural protective anti-inflammatory hormones in our [Hormonal Support Guide.](/courses/hormone-restore) ### Can blood tests detect chronic inflammation? Some of the inflammation-promoting hormones can be measured reliably with a blood test. These include serotonin, parathyroid hormone, and prolactin. ## Related articles - [What Is Progest-E? Dr. Ray Peat's Natural Progesterone Oil Explained](/blog/ray-peat-progesterone) - [Normal Thyroid Labs But Still Low Thyroid Symptoms?](/blog/thyroid-blood-tests) - [Ray Peat on Aspirin vs Ibuprofen: Which Did He Prefer?](/blog/ray-peat-aspirin-ibuprofen) **Tags:** inflammation, chronic inflammation, Ray Peat, pro-metabolic, cortisol, hormonal balance Source: https://biochemnordic.com/blog/inflammation-ray-peat