Hi,
Have you ever thought that you had a thyroid problem?
Copied from: http://health.yahoo.net/health/hypothyroidism#Overview
The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland that controls the
body’s metabolism. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the
front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland
produces the hormones tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine
(T3).
Together these hormones regulate how your cells use energy. The pathways by which cells use energy is called metabolism. Your body’s general metabolism determines blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Low levels of thyroid hormone interfere with the body’s ability to perform normal metabolic functions such as efficient use of energy from food products, regulation of many chemical reactions in the body, and maintenance of healthy cells, bones and muscles, to name a few..
There is no known prevention for hypothyroidism, nor is there a cure. Once you have it, you have it for life.
Together these hormones regulate how your cells use energy. The pathways by which cells use energy is called metabolism. Your body’s general metabolism determines blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Low levels of thyroid hormone interfere with the body’s ability to perform normal metabolic functions such as efficient use of energy from food products, regulation of many chemical reactions in the body, and maintenance of healthy cells, bones and muscles, to name a few..
There is no known prevention for hypothyroidism, nor is there a cure. Once you have it, you have it for life.
There are no symptoms that are unique to hypothyroidism. There may
be no symptoms early in the disease process. Long standing, untreated
hypothyroidism can cause obesity, joint pain, heart disease, and
infertility. Other symptoms can include:
- increased sensitivity to cold
- constipation
- depression
- fatigue
- weakness
- heavier menstrual flow
- brittle hair and nails
- hoarseness
- puffiness of the face, hands, and feet
- slowed speech
- decreased taste and smell
- thin eyebrows
- thickened skin
- coma (called “myxedema coma”)
Your doctor first conducts a physical exam and reviews of your
medical history. This can reveal any procedures like thyroid surgery or
radiation treatments connected to hypothyroidism. Family history might
reveal a close relative with autoimmune disease. Medication history
might be positive for drugs, such as lithium and amiodarone that can
cause the condition.
Because hypothyroidism is most often found in women over age 50, some doctors advocate thyroid function screening for this group. Doctors also may suggest screening women of childbearing age.
Blood tests also are common. These include:
Because hypothyroidism is most often found in women over age 50, some doctors advocate thyroid function screening for this group. Doctors also may suggest screening women of childbearing age.
Blood tests also are common. These include:
- thyroid function tests: T4, T3RU and TSH
- tests for pituitary function: TSH
- cholesterol (can be elevated)
- CBC (may show anemia)
- liver enzymes (can be elevated)
- prolactin (can be elevated)
- electrolytes (sodium can be low)
I have quite a few of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. So about 6 months ago I started taking a Iodine suppliment. During that time my weight droped from 290-285 to 265. Then 2 montrhs ago my car broke down and I couldn't afford to buy any more Iodine, I had to pay for the car repairs... I'm back up to 281. Three days ago I started taking the Iodine supplement again.
Hopefully I'll drop the weight, but it looks like I'll always need to take the supplement. My Doctor tested me and I'm low in the normal range so no prescription...but as long as it is safe for me I'll do the supliment.
Here is wishing me and you good luck...
Nelda
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