Understanding Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid
|
|
Understanding Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. For more information on Underactive Thyroid Symptoms in Women please visit the page http://thyroidcare.org/underactive-thyroid/underactive-thyroid-in-women, or drop by the website http://ThyroidCare.org and browse around the many helpful resources available.
To your good health!
Regards, Teresa
Understanding the symptoms of an underactive thyroid can be accomplished with a little bit of research and a thorough check-up by your physician. Underactive thyroid might be masked and undetected because of other factors which produce similar symptoms.
For instance, a woman in her 50s or 60s may mistakenly conclude that she is fatigued or suffering from muscle aches due to the natural processes of aging, but actually be suffering from underactive thyroid. This is a common problem, especially due to the fact that hypothyroidism usually does not occur in women until they reach the age of 50. Also, the symptoms often do not occur, or are not as easy to discern, in the early stages, but the condition itself can lead to severe health problems later if left unchecked.
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, basically occurs when not enough hormones are being produced by the thyroid, which causes the chemical balances in your body to react with various symptoms. The thyroid gland produces many of the hormones that are necessary for metabolism, which is basically the process where the cells in your body burn calories in order to produce energy. When this is affected, many of the body’s organs and systems can suffer damage, resulting in disease, severe illness and other symptoms (such as weight gain).
Having weight gain that cannot be explained by other factors might be an indication that your thyroid is not producing enough hormones. The thyroid gland yields many of the hormones that are indispensable for metabolism, which is basically the method where the cells in your body burn calories in order to convert to energy. When this is affected, many of the body’s organs and systems can suffer harmful symptoms, and it can cause a host of symptoms, some of which can become serious. In the case of a damaged thyroid, an underactive thyroid in women can result in gaining weight.
Other symptoms of hypothyroidism can include changes in menstruation, sensitivity to cold weather, lack of sex drive, depletion of energy, constipation, being overly-sensitive to chill, dry or pale skin, hair that is coarse or brittle, aches and pains in your muscles, lower heart rate than usual, constipation, rigidity or pain in your joints, as well as other symptoms may indicate a low rate of metabolism. Emotional and mental symptoms may occur as well, such as memory loss, anxiety and depression.
An alternative to drug therapy is the use of natural thyroid treatments that have shown clinical and empirical evidence of being effective in helping with hypothyroidism, and resolving symptoms, without side effects that might occur using conventional drug therapy. Natural treatments include the use of mineral supplements such as calcium and magnesium.
Other holistic therapies include getting enough sleep, as well as developing skills to cope with stress, both of which have a direct influence on your body, and can influence your ability to deal with weight issues.
Foods with hormones should be avoided, as well as foods with toxins or additives such as preservatives, all of which can cause the condition of your thyroid to become worse. An emphasis on taking good care of yourself and your body, including the use of helpful natural supplements, is a healthier way of dealing with thyroid problems.
Looking For More Information?
Make sure to explore other articles in the Alternative Medicine category or contact us to suggest a website or a service to review.
