Important Facts Related To Hypo-Thyroid In Women
Hypothyroidism is a condition that is often left undiagnosed and untreated for years after its initial onset. The reason for this is that the symptoms of hypothyroidism closely resemble menopause. In their study of this condition Harvard Medical School and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center concluded that ten of twelve women suffer from hypothyroidism of some degree by the time they are fifty and by sixty this figure is increased to five to six women suffering from the condition.
The symptoms of menopause in women in the fifties and sixties often masks the reality that they have hypothyroidism. Often estrogen replacement therapy is instituted and further tests to ascertain any other conditions are not pursued. When symptoms persist after the implementation of ERT, physicians often just keep changing doses of the medication and eventually, most women stop talking about their symptoms thinking that they will be thought delusional.
The thyroid gland produces T3 and T4 hormones which play a part in how almost every part of a person’s body works. These hormones regulate body temperature, fertility, and much more. When a person is suffering from hypothyroidism they may suffer all of the symptoms that are involved or only a few depending the the severity of their condition.
There are approximately 16 symptoms of hypo-thyroidism that are also found in the symptoms of menopause. Some of the ones that are most closely matched are the sensitivity to cold, anxiety attacks, fatigue, weight gain, and lethargy. If a woman on ERT is experiencing these symptoms the first reaction of a physician is to change the medication. However, further testing may be in order.
The study mentioned above also discussed how hard it is to diagnose thyroid conditions. The most common test conducted is a blood test called the T3 and T4. The study found that this test is not a reliable testing method and that many false negatives result in the testing.
When a person is suffering from the symptoms of hypothyroidism the test that will give accurate results is a Thyroid Antibodies Test. This test is not given automatically and must be requested. But it is important to find out if hypothyroidism is an issue. Left unattended a thyroid condition can create serious health issues.
Without being diagnosed it is not safe to take any of the medications that are specific for the treatment of thyroid conditions. There are steps that can be taken which will help the thyroid and will make a person healthier. But to take medication without a diagnosis of the condition is not wise.
After finding out that a thyroid condition exists there are other ways to help alleviate the condition that do not include medication. The easiest of these is to change one’s diet. By eating a diet that includes more fresh fruits and vegetables, eliminating refined foods and polyunsaturate oils one will feel better and their thyroid will function much better.
There are several herbs that help the thyroid to function properly. One of these is bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus). This herb contains iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. It decreases levels of TSH, and acts as an antioxidant and helps with blood circulation.
It is important to seek professional assistance when one feels that they may suffer from hypothyroidism. If an individual prefers to utilize natural remedies after being diagnosed they will be able to make more knowledgeable decisions about the courses of action that will work best for them.
Would you like to learn more about thyroid gland and diet? Read other articles at thyroid disease guide
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