Signs Of An Underactive Thyroid Gland
Your thyroid gland is situated at the base of your neck below your Adam’s apple and its purpose is to secrete hormones that control metabolic activity in every cell of the body. When your thyroid is underactive it is known as a condition called hypothyroidism. When this happens, the thyroid fails to produce sufficient quantities of that hormone.
This can be the result of the thyroid itself malfunctioning or due to the fact that it is not receiving the proper message form the brain to produce more hormones. The result of this is that all the body’s systems then function at a slower rate. Sufferers of hypothyroidism usually feel tired and weak most of the time. They usually move slower than they used to, and even what used to be relatively simple and routine activities, can now seem overwhelming.
If this is you, then most likely you have gained weight and have a hard time digesting food. Your joints and muscles may ache, and because your body temperature has plummeted, you feel cold even when others are complaining of the heat. These symptoms are just some of the common ones. Others can include recurring infections, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, menstrual problems and high cholesterol levels. Below you can find a full list of the signs of an underactive thyroid.
First of all, though, here are the most common root causes of this disorder:
- Iodine deficiency – this was once the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism. Nowadays, though, most people get plenty of this trace mineral from iodized salt, but there are still a significant minority who don’t get enough or whose absorption is impaired.
- Hashimoto’s disease – this is the most common cause nowadays. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body manufactures antibodies that attack thyroid tissue and suppress production of the thyroid hormone.
- Stress– The effects of stress and the balance of stress hormones are also important in thyroid function. Chronic elevation of the stress hormone cortisol suppresses thyroid function, while low levels of DHEA appear to make one more susceptible to hypothyroidism.
- Surgery on, or radiation of, the thyroid.
- Some medications – most notably lithium and synthetic oestrogen.
- Hormone fluctuations as a result of pregnancy and menopause - An underactive thyroid is more common in women than in men. The balance of oestrogen and progesterone can have an indirect influence on the thyroid glands. Most common is oestrogen dominance, where relatively higher oestrogen levels suppress thyroid function. This can occur throughout a woman’s life. Women on synthetic oestrogen therapy are extremely susceptible to decreased thyroid function.
- Toxic metals – Such as mercury, lead, arsenic and others can also interfere with thyroid activity.
- Failure of the pituitary gland
- Inactivity.
- Poor diet.
Although an underactive thyroid can wreak havoc on your entire body, the good news is that it is easy to treat, especially if it is caught in its early stages. If you suspect that you have an underactive thyroid, you should see a doctor for an evaluation. For mild cases, nutritional supplements can set you back on track quickly. For people with more severe cases, the use of thyroid hormone replacement may be required. Even if you do have to go on a thyroid hormone supplement, you should complement this regime of supplementation with dietary changes, stress-reducing activities, exercise and general hormone balancing.
Here is a comprehensive list of symptoms of an underactive thyroid…
- Fatigue or apathy
- Depression and irritability
- Aches and pains
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Menstrual problems
- Brittle peeling nails
- Infertility
- Recurring infections
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Hair loss
- Poor memory and concentration
- High cholesterol
- Dry skin and hair
- Low libido
- Hoarse voice
- Headaches
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Water retention
- Lowered immunity
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (finger/toes turning purple)
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
- Tingling hands and feet
- Anemia and easy bruising
- Slow healing
- Dry eyes/blurred vision
To ensure that your thyroid is working at its optimum level, try to follow the following guidelines. Consume plenty of sea vegetables such as kelp, dulse etc. Fish and sea salt are also good sources of iodine. Avoid foods such as kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, soy and brussel sprouts as these suppress thyroid function. Most tap water is full of fluorine and chlorine, two chemicals that unhibit your ability to absorb iodine. So if you have an underactive thyroid, try to avoid drinking tap water and drink bottled water.
Hypothyroidism can also be traced to a deficiency of several other minerals, including zinc, selenium, and copper. A deficiency of the amino acid tyrosine is often present in those with hypothyroidism. To make sure you are getting enough of these nutrients, incorporate pumpkin seeds, beans, almonds, soy products, and fish into your diet. Alternatively start taking a natural supplement specifically to support the thyroid gland working at the most optimum level. Or try to incorporate a high potency multivitamin that provides a base of nutrients required for thyroid hormone synthesis.
A slow metabolism often means a slow digestive process, so to help encourage proper elimination of food out of the body, try to eat more fibre. Eat more whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.
Although homeopathic remedies are not a substitute for thyroid supplementation, they are quite useful for easing the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. In mild cases, these remedies may stimulate the thyroid enough not to require supplement thyroid hormone. Consult a qualified homeopathic doctor to determine whether this is an alternative for your particular case.
Underactive Thyroid Activity Could be a Reason For Weight Gain
Researchers from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland found that middle-aged adults having mildly underactive thyroid gland, which still functions in the normal range, might prone to weight [...]
Thyroid Testing May Shed Light on Baffling Problems
The thyroid makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the rate at which food is converted to energy. Health risks include underactive or overactive thyroid [...]
I was recently told that I have an underactive thyroid and I was put on medication. Three months prior to being put on medication my gyno had said that if I’m not pregnant within 6 Months to come back and see her and we will go to the [...]
Could It Really Be A Thyroid Problem?
Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss:Many women with an underactive thyroid pack on pounds. And those with hyperthyroidism may lose weight without blinking an eye. You might blame normal body changes, such as menopause or having a baby [...]
Joint aches and muscle pain can signal an underactive thyroid, particularly if you haven’t been exercising excessively or straining your body. And even if you do hit the gym regularly, think of your thyroid gland if you [...]
Natural Cures For Underactive Thyroid
We are certain that if this framework was closely looked at during the Natural Cures For Underactive Thyroid reviews, it should have received a great rating as well. This factsheet is for people who have an underactive [...]
Affiliate Disclosure: It is advisable to assume that any mention of a product or service on this website is made because there exist, unless otherwise stated, a material connection between the product or service owners and this website and should you make a purchase of a product or service described here the owner of this website may be compensated. To learn more, please click here.
Home | Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Sitemap
Mail this post
