Do You Have Hypothyroidism? Find Out Today!

Did you know that approximately 20 million people in the United States have a thyroid condition? The most prevalent thyroid condition is hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland, a tiny butterfly shaped organ at the base of the neck, does not make enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include unexplained weight gain, excessive fatigue, depression, dry skin, and hair loss. If you experience these symptoms, they must be considered as thyroid warning signs necessitating blood tests to determine overall thyroid health.

The exact causes for the thyroid condition hypothyroidism are unknown. However, the thyroid and immune system are closely related. One reason that the thyroid stops working properly is because the immune system misinterprets the organ as a foreign body and begins to attack it. There is some evidence suggesting that soy and fluoride in the environment may contribute to a thyroid condition, as well.

Hypothyroidism cannot be cured, but patients can be regulated by undergoing thyroid condition treatment in the form of drug therapy. The drugs most commonly used to treat hypothyroidism are synthroid and levoxyl. However, some patients respond better to armor thyroid, which is natural thyroid hormone derived from a pig.

People who have gained weight as a result of their thyroid condition have a notoriously difficult time losing it. However, some studies have shown that eating a gluten free diet or a diet low in sugar and additives can make a very real difference to those suffering from hypthyroidism and are attempting to lose excess weight. Exercise, too, is especially beneficial to those people who have a thyroid condition. Both exercise and whole, natural foods have been shown to decrease inflammation, a marker of thyroid disease.

If you suspect that you have a thyroid condition, it is imperative that you discuss it with your primary care doctor. An untreated thyroid disorder can wreak havoc on the body and accelerate the eventual need to remove the gland. As well, a thyroid condition that is not properly medicated seriously decreases quality of life. More on this.