Low Hypothyroidism - Symptoms And Treatment Of Thyroid Disease

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Up to 60 million Americans may have thyroid problems, yet many are unaware that their multitude of symptoms may all be related to one very treatable disease.

The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. The butterfly-shaped organ is situated in the lower, front part of the neck and controls metabolism, makes proteins, and controls how sensitive the body should be to other hormones. The sole job of the thyroid is to produce thyroid hormone which affects nearly all tissues of the body, increasing cellular activity.

 

Fatigue and Mood Swings 

If you wake up in the morning still feeling tired and sluggish, even if you're getting eight to nine hours of sleep each night, it may point to low thyroid function. In cases of hyperthyroidism, you could have insomnia frequently--either finding it hard to get to sleep or stay asleep--and feel rundown during the day. People who have undiagnosed thyroid conditions may also experience mood swings such as anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Even when the person is on antidepressants, if there’s an underlying thyroid problem the depression is still present.  

Body Changes 

Your thyroid may not be operating properly if you gain weight or lose weight easily. With hypothyroidism, no matter how many diets you try, you may find it very hard to drop even a few pounds. Hyperthyroid sufferers tend to be thin and can’t seem to keep weight on. Your muscles may also feel stiff and sore, and your joints may be painful, especially in the morning after first getting out of bed. The heels of your feet may also hurt or feel bruised. In both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism the fingernails tend to be brittle, are thin, and break easily. Hair is usually dry, thin, and falls out or breaks, and is dry and coarse. The scalp may also be dry and itchy. 

Treatment for Thyroid Problems   

If you’re diagnosed with a thyroid problem after your doctor does a blood test, you may be put on a natural thyroid hormone such as Armour Thyroid, or a synthetic hormone like Synthroid. You will need to have your blood tested frequently in order to get the correct dosage of medication, and the pills are usually taken every day for the rest of the person’s life. Most people make a complete recovery from symptoms after a few months of treatment. 

Natural Thyroid Remedies 

The FDA hasn’t approved alternative treatments for thyroid disease, though many people have had positive experiences with supplements such as the amino acid tyrosine, and herbs like ashwagandha and bladderwrack. Regular exercise and a high fiber diet can also help to regulate thyroid function. 

According to Dr. Podell, the supplement selenium may be the "sleeping giant" when it comes to natural thyroid therapies. He states that, "Selenium is essential for converting T4 thyroid hormone into its active form, T3. Selenium may also have the ability to suppress anti-thyroid antibodies for persons who suffer from thyroid inflammation or thyroiditis." 

If you believe you could have a thyroid problem, contact your health care practitioner for testing and possible treatment.