Underactive Thyroid Disease And Weight Loss

Because T4 regulates such essential functions as heart rate, digestion, physical growth, and mental development, an insufficient supply of this hormone can slow life- sustaining processes, damage organs and tissues in every part of the body, and lead to life- threatening complications. Description. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. Symptoms may not appear until years after the thyroid has stopped functioning and they are often mistaken for signs of other illnesses, menopause, or aging.

Although this condition is believed to affect as many as 1. Nicknamed . The thyroid stores iodine the body gets from food and uses this mineral to create T4. Low T4 levels can alter weight, appetite, sleep patterns, body temperature, sex drive, and a variety of other physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. There are three types of hypothyroidism.

The most common is primary hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid doesn't produce an adequate amount of T4. Secondary hypothyroidism develops when the pituitary gland does not release enough of the thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) that prompts the thyroid to manufacture T4. Tertiary hypothyroidism results from a malfunction of the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the endocrine system. Drug- induced hypothyroidism, an adverse reaction to medication, occurs in two of every 1. Hypothyroidism is at least twice as common in women as it is in men. Although hypothyroidism is most common in women who are middle- aged or older, the disease can occur at any age. Newborn infants are tested for congenital thyroid deficiency (cretinism) using a test that measures the levels of thyroxine in the infant's blood.

Treatment within the first few months of life can prevent mental retardation and physical abnormalities. Older children who develop hypothyroidism suddenly stop growing.

Factors that increase a person's risk of developing hypothyroidism include age, weight, and medical history. Women are more likely to develop the disease after age 5. Obesity also increases risk. A family history of thyroid problems or a personal history of high cholesterol levels or such autoimmune diseases as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes can make an individual more susceptible to hypothyroidism. Causes and symptoms. Hypothyroidism is most often the result of Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). In this disease, the immune system fails to recognize that the thyroid gland is part of the body's own tissue and attacks it as if it were a foreign body.

The attack by the immune system impairs thyroid function and sometimes destroys the gland. Other causes of hypothyroidism include: Radiation. Radioactive iodine used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or radiation treatments for head or neck cancers can destroy the thyroid gland. Surgery. Removal of the thyroid gland because of cancer or other thyroid disorders can result in hypothyroidism. Viruses and bacteria.

Infections that depress thyroid hormone production usually cause permanent hypothyroidism. Medication. Nitroprusside, lithium, or iodides can induce hypothyroidism. Because patients who use these medications are closely monitored by their doctors, this side effect is very rare. Pituitary gland malfunction. This is a rare condition in which the pituitary gland fails to produce enough TSH to activate the thyroid's production of T4. Congenital defect.

One of every 4,0. Diet. Because the thyroid makes T4 from iodine drawn from food, an iodine- deficient diet can cause hypothyroidism. Adding iodine to table salt and other common foods has eliminated iodine deficiency in the United States.

Certain foods (cabbage, rutabagas, peanuts, peaches, soybeans, spinach) can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Environmental contaminants. Certain man- made chemicals—such as PCBs—found in the local environment at high levels may also cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is sometimes referred to as a . Untreated symptoms become more noticeable and severe, and can lead to confusion and mental disorders, breathing difficulties, heart problems, fluctuations in body temperature, and death. Someone who has hypothyroidism will probably have more than one of the following symptoms: fatiguedecreased heart rateprogressive hearing lossweight gainproblems with memory and concentrationdepressiongoiter (enlarged thyroid gland)muscle pain or weaknessloss of interest in sexnumb, tingling handsdry skinswollen eyelidsdryness, loss, or premature graying of hairextreme sensitivity to coldconstipationirregular menstrual periodshoarse voice. Hypothyroidism usually develops gradually.

Natural remedies hyperactive thyroid, natural remedies for thyroid underactivity, nutrients thyroid, nutrients underactive thyroid, nutritional balance underactive. Bigdon22: How do you determine if you have a thyroid problem? If you are talking about underactive or.

When the disease results from surgery or other treatment for hyperthyroidism, symptoms may appear suddenly and include severe muscle cramps in the arms, legs, neck, shoulders, and back. It's important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms appear unexpectedly. People whose hypothyroidism remains undiagnosed and untreated may eventually develop myxedema.

Symptoms of this rare but potentially deadly complication include enlarged tongue, swollen facial features, hoarseness, and physical and mental sluggishness. Myxedema coma can cause unresponsiveness; irregular, shallow breathing; and a drop in blood pressure and body temperature. The onset of this medical emergency can be sudden in people who are elderly or have been ill, injured, or exposed to very cold temperatures; who have recently had surgery; or who use sedatives or anti- depressants. Without immediate medical attention, myxedema coma can be fatal. Diagnosis. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on the patient's observations, medical history, physical examination, and thyroid function tests. Doctors who specialize in treating thyroid disorders (endocrinologists) are most apt to recognize subtle symptoms and physical indications of hypothyroidism.

A blood test known as a thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) assay, thyroid nuclear medicine scan, and thyroid ultrasound are used to confirm the diagnosis. A woman being tested for hypothyroidism should let her doctor know if she is pregnant or breastfeeding and all patients should be sure their doctors are aware of any recent procedures involving radioactive materials or contrast media.

The TSH assay is extremely accurate, but some doctors doubt the test's ability to detect mild hypothyroidism. They advise patients to monitor their basal (resting) body temperature for below- normal readings that could indicate the presence of hypothyroidism. Treatment. Natural or synthetic thyroid hormones are used to restore normal (euthyroid) thyroid hormone levels. Synthetic hormones are more effective than natural substances, but it may take several months to determine the correct dosage. Patients start to feel better within 4. Most doctors prescribe levothyroxine sodium tablets, and most people with hypothyroidism will take the medication for the rest of their lives. Aging, other medications, and changes in weight and general health can affect how much replacement hormone a patient needs, and regular TSH tests are used to monitor hormone levels.

Patients should not switch from one brand of thyroid hormone to another without a doctor's permission. Regular exercise and a high- fiber diet can help maintain thyroid function and prevent constipation. Alternative treatment. Alternative treatments are primarily aimed at strengthening the thyroid and will not eliminate the need for thyroid hormone medications. Herbal remedies to improve thyroid function and relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism include bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus), which can be taken in capsule form or as a tea. Some foods, including cabbage, peaches, radishes, soybeans, peanuts, and spinach, can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. Anyone with hypothyroidism may want to avoid these foods.

The Shoulder Stand yoga position (at least once daily for 2. Prognosis. Prevention. Primary hypothyroidism can't be prevented, but routine screening of adults could detect the disease in its early stages and prevent complications. Key terms. Cretinism — Severe hypothyroidism that is present at birth. Endocrine system — The network of glands that produce hormones and release them into the bloodstream. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system.

Hypothalamus — The part of the brain that controls the endocrine system. Myxedema — A condition that can result from a thyroid gland that produces too little of its hormone. In addition to a decreased metabolic rate, symptoms may include anemia, slow speech, an enlarged tongue, puffiness of the face and hands, loss of hair, coarse and thickened skin, and sensitivity to cold. Pituitary gland — Small, oval endocrine gland attached to the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland releases TSH, the hormone that activates the thyroid gland.

Thyroxine (T 4 ) — Thyroid hormone that regulates many essential body processes. Resources. Organizations. American Thyroid Association. Montefiore Medical Center, 1. E. 2. 10th St., Bronx, NY 1. Endocrine Society.

East West Highway, Suite 5. Bethesda, MD 2. 08. Ruth Sleeper Hall, RSL 3. Boston, MA 0. 21. Main St., Suite 5. Houston, TX 7. 70.

What Are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism? My friend suffers from hypothyroidism. I have been feeling tired lately and she told me I should get examined too.

What are the symptoms of this disease? A. It's true that these symptoms are also common with other conditions, so it's always important to talk to your doctor about it or any noticeable changes; mental fatigue and depression can also occur and the tiredness can range from unusual lack of energy to just plain exhaustion. Hi Everyone, my name is Selly with Bipolar. Are there homeopathic meds for Hypothyroidism and Bipolar? A. Hi, I also have hypothyroidism along with my bipolar depression.

Is their a drug available to regain my energy back from having hypothyrodiam? I was diagnosed three years ago with Hypothyroidism.

If you have hypothyroidism, it means you have a sluggish or underactive thyroid, which is producing less than adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. Read about hyperthyroidism. Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, intolerance to cold, low body temperature, slow heart rate, weight gain, elevated cholesterol. An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. Common signs of an underactive thyroid are. Especially if you have an underactive thyroid. Your metabolism has slowed down and.

How to Lose Weight With Thyroid Disease (with Pictures)Avoid unhealthy foods. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s a good idea to avoid unhealthy or junk foods, many of which are loaded with sodium.

Eliminating these foods can also help you lose weight.