Hypothyroidism

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Hypothyroidism is caused by low activity of the thyroid gland, which results in the underproduction of thyroid hormones. Because thyroid hormones initiate energy production and are involved in governing metabolism, a deficiency can cause fatigue. Followed by apathy and lethargy. You may lose interest in things that formerly brought pleasure. Unexplained weight gain is common, and the heart rate often slows. Muscle weakness and/or cramps are not uncommon. Other symptoms cab include a chronically low body temperature and an inability to tolerate cold; slowed heartbeat; dry' flaky skin and a puffy face and eyes; heavy menstrual periods; a dulling of the hair and hair loss, including thinning or loss of the eyebrows; brittle nails; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; carpal tunnel syndrome; constipation; thickening of the tongue; and a change in the timbre of the voice.

A deficiency of thyroid hormone also leads to an alternation in the levels of the other hormones in the body. In women of childbearing age, reproductive function can suffer. A woman with a serious thyroid deficiency may be unable to conceive. If she does become pregnant, she may miscarry or have a premature baby with a low birth weight, or even give birth to a child with his or her own thyroid problems. Fortunately, with proper treatment, fertility can be restored.

The severity of the symptoms of hypothyroidism depends on the degree of hormone deficiency. a mild case may cause no overt symptoms except for a vague feeling of malaise, while a severe deficiency may cause the full range of problems associated with this condition. Moderate deficiency may cause some or all of these symptoms to some degree.

Most cases of hypothyroidism are a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly develops antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, resulting in inflammation and, ultimately, destruction of thyroid tissue. Hypothyroidism can also result from treatments for the opposite problem, hypothyroidism, particularly surgery in which part of the gland is removed and also radiation therapy. In some countries, goitrous hypothyroidism, a result of iodine deficiency, causes many cases of hypothyroidism accompanied by goiter, a grossly swollen thyroid gland. This condition has been rare in Western countries since the introduction of iodized salt, but in some parts of the world it is a serious and widespread problem.

Hypothyroidism, sometimes also called as my edema, affects five to eight times more women than men. In around half of the cases, the symptoms come on so gradually and progress so slowly that the affected person may not aware he or she has a real problem. It is all too easy to attribute early symptoms like forgetfulness; slowed reactions, tiredness, and weight gain to other causes.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by measuring the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. The diagnosis of overt hypothyroidism with a blood test is relatively straightforward proposition. Diagnosing sub clinical hypothyroidism-hypothyroidism that is severe enough to cause troublesome symptoms, but too mild to be diagnosed by a blood test - is more difficult. Some people with many symptoms continually test in the low normal range of thyroid function. If that happens, a doctor is likely to tell you that no medication is indicated and no help is available, while you are actually suffering from a nearly indictable form of the disease.

If you have symptoms of this condition, you can test your thyroid function yourself. Others have called this simple procedure a nuisance by some and a godsend. Here's what to do: Keep a thermometer beside your bed. When you awaken in the morning, before moving around, tuck the thermometer snugly in your armpit and keep it in place for fifteen minutes. Keep as still as possible. Then remove the thermometer, take a reading, and write it down. Follow this procedure for three days, and then determine an average reading by adding all three readings together and dividing by three. If your average temperature is below 97.5 ^o F, in all probability you are suffering from sub clinical hypothyroidism and should discuss your findings with your doctor. If you are a woman of childbearing age, time your three-day temperature test to avoid the first week of your menstrual cycle and the few days when you are ovulating, which occur in the middle of the cycle. Because of hormonal swings during these times, the readings will not accurately reflect your true temperature and cannot be used to detect sub clinical hypothyroidism.

General Recommendation

If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, exercising is the best thing you can do for yourself. Exercise both stimulates and normalizes thyroid function. It also helps to increase your energy levels, fight depression, and reduce stress.

Treatment for hypothyroidism: This section provides information about hypothyroidism treatment.
Hypothyroidism diet: It gives information and guidelines to choose your sample diet to eliminate your hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism nutritions and supplements: This section provides comprehensive list of nutritional supplements for hypothyroidism.
Herbal treatment for hypothyroidism: This section focuses on various traditional herbal treatments used to cure hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism acupressure treatment: This section provides various acupressure points on the body to treat hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism homeopathy treatment: It provides information about homeopathic medicines required for curing hypothyroidism.

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