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Author: Emily Clark
What's a common disease that over 5 million Americans suffer from
and many may not even be aware they have it? Hypothyroidism and
related forms of thyroid dysfunction!
The thyroid gland looks like a little bow tie and is located at
the base of the throat, below the Adam's apple
dysfunction affects both males and females. This gland produces
hormones which control the body's metabolism, your internal
thermostat of sorts.
Thyroid dysfunction is generally either an over or under
production of the hormone. Under active thyroid hormone
production is called hypothyroidism; whereas too much, or
overactive thyroid hormone production is called hyperthyroidism.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include chronic fatigue
and weakness, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss
or coarse, dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold,
abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss,
depression and irritability, constipation, muscle cramps. Not
all symptoms are always present.
Some doctors prefer to diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test.
They will test to check TSH levels (the thyroid stimulating
hormone produced by the pituitary gland) and T4 levels (the main
thyroid hormone). Other doctors prefer to take a more holistic
approach and are able to diagnose based on symptoms. Morning
body temperature readings (below 97.1 consistently) as well as
discovery of regular waking up approximately four hours after
going to bed, can aid in the diagnosis.
There are chemical, synthetic treatments that can be used to
restore healthy ( Next Page )
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