Archive for the ‘Hypothyroidism’ Category
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. This golf ball sized gland produces the hormones that control our bodies growth rate and metabolic rate. When the thyroid gland cannot produce enough of the thyroid hormone the body slows down. This is called hypothyroidism, or having an underactive thyroid gland.
A person suffering from an underactive thyroid gland suffers from hypothyroid symptoms such as feeling chronically tired and depressed. It’s also common for someone suffering from an underactive thyroid to feel the cold all the time and have dry skin and brittle hair. Other symptoms include putting on weight for no reason and constipation.
Many of these symptoms can also be due to lifestyle issues, and few women realize they may have a serious health problem. Most of these symptoms cold have many causes, and they are not a definite indication of an underactive thyroid. Other causes are typically ruled out first.
A isit to the doctor is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis of hypothyroidism. A blood test is used to determine the amount of thyroid hormones present in the bloodstream. If the amount of hormones is inadequate, synthetic hormones are prescribed. These are taken daily and typically for life. Some people tun to natural supplements instead, this should be discussed with a doctor first.