A study conducted by the Thyroid Service of Harvard Medical School and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center found that by the age of 50 one out of 10-12 women have some degree hypothyroidism. The study also showed that by the age of 60 one out of 5-6 women are suffering from some form of hypothyroidism.
Issues with the thyroid often go undetected in women. This is usually because many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the same as those of menopausal women. When women experience the symptoms many physicians treat them with medications which address the loss of estrogen in their systems. Any further symptoms are brushed off as being "menopausal."
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.
In most cases when an individual is tested for thyroid issues they are given a blood test which tests T3 and T4, the two secretions that the thyroid gland produces. However, research also done by the Harvard Medical School and the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center also found that this blood test is often not accurate and gives false negatives.
A Thyroid Antibodies Test is also a blood test but does require more effort on the laboratory's part. However if one suspects they may suffer from hypothyroidism it is important that this test be requested and conducted. When a thyroid condition is not diagnosed and treated there can be long term and serious results.
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.
Among the many herbal remedies that are available is Black Walnut. This herb contains iodine, soothes inflamed tissues, and increases blood circulation. Other herbal remedies include Bladderwrack, Irish Moss and Kelp, Ginseng, and much more. Another alternative medical remedy that has proven successful for some individual has been the use of acupuncture. This treatment is focused on increasing blood circulation and detoxifying the body.
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. - 31875
Issues with the thyroid often go undetected in women. This is usually because many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the same as those of menopausal women. When women experience the symptoms many physicians treat them with medications which address the loss of estrogen in their systems. Any further symptoms are brushed off as being "menopausal."
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.
In most cases when an individual is tested for thyroid issues they are given a blood test which tests T3 and T4, the two secretions that the thyroid gland produces. However, research also done by the Harvard Medical School and the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center also found that this blood test is often not accurate and gives false negatives.
A Thyroid Antibodies Test is also a blood test but does require more effort on the laboratory's part. However if one suspects they may suffer from hypothyroidism it is important that this test be requested and conducted. When a thyroid condition is not diagnosed and treated there can be long term and serious results.
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.
Among the many herbal remedies that are available is Black Walnut. This herb contains iodine, soothes inflamed tissues, and increases blood circulation. Other herbal remedies include Bladderwrack, Irish Moss and Kelp, Ginseng, and much more. Another alternative medical remedy that has proven successful for some individual has been the use of acupuncture. This treatment is focused on increasing blood circulation and detoxifying the body.
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. - 31875
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