Are You Looking For A Hypothyroidism Symptoms Checklist?

Are you still unsure if your symptoms that you are suffering caused from hypothyroidism?  Are you questioning if you still may be hypothyroid even though your physician says that your TSH levels are fine? If the answer is yes to one or both of these questions then perhaps this hypothyroidism symptoms checklist can help you.

By using this hypothyroidism symptoms checklist you can get a good idea of whether or not hypothyroidism is the most likely cause for your symptoms. These symptoms may have occurred back in your childhood or you are currently experiencing them now. 

Do you have the symptoms currently or have you had them in your childhood? 

I have been diagnosed with a thyroid problem

I have a family history of thyroid disease

I and losing or gaining weight inappropriately

I am unable to lose weight with exercise or diet 

I often look and feel puffy 

I tend to gain weight around my mid-section

I do not have much of an appetite

I have gastrointestinal problems

I am sensitive to strong orders (cigarette smoke, perfumes, etc.)

I am less tolerant of hot weather

I have persistent fatigue

Feeling run down, sluggish, lethargic

I have low energy

I feel worse after exercise or other exertion

It takes me much longer than normal to complete tasks

My hair is dry and coarse, brittle, breaking

My skin is course, scaly, dry, and thick

I bruise easily

My face looks swollen/puffy, especially my upper eyelids

I have bridges on my nails

My nails a thin and brittle and break easily

My eyes feel greedy and dry

My eyes feel sensitive to light

My vision has gotten worse/suddenly need reading glasses

I have a feeling of fullness in my neck or throat

My neck appear swollen

I am having trouble swallowing or spasms in my esophagus

I have a horse or gravelly voice

I am having trouble clearly enunciating words, as if talking with my mouth full

Tooth decay is particularly a problem

I have insomnia

I am snoring more lately

I have frequent nightmares

I have a hard time getting up in the morning

I have arthritis

I have sore feet or plantar fasciitis

I have muscle weakness

I muscle spasms/cramps

I have muscular pain/painful trigger points

I have slow Achilles tendon reflex

I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome, or it’s getting worse

I have difficulty concentrating

I am having trouble remembering things

I am having trouble learning new things

My thought processes slowed down

My moods change easily

I have allergies

I have high cholesterol

I feel shortness of breath and tightness in the chest

I have fluid in my ear, or unexplained ear pain

This hypothyroidism symptoms checklist has just some of the many symptoms that can be associated with the condition of hypothyroidism. This condition can be responsible for numerous diseases and health issues. There are many hypothyroidism treatment options available for you to consider.

If you are interested in more information about hypothyroidism and natural treatments watch this video.

What Are Possible Hypothyroidism Causes?

As we all know by now hypothyroidism is a condition that is defined by a thyroid that is unable to produce the proper amount of thyroid hormone for daily functioning. When the thyroid is not working correctly the entire balance of your body can be upset. Many of us wonder however, what are some possible hypothyroidism causes?

How did I get this condition in the first place? Will my children have the same condition? These are prevalent questions that are very common for most of us that suffer from hypothyroidism. There seems to be a general consensus as to some of the main causes that can cause hypothyroidism. These include taking certain medications, having radiation therapy, suffering from an autoimmune disease, or having treatment for a hyperthyroid.

If you suffer from an autoimmune disorder, it can develop into an inflammatory form of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Your immune system will produce extra antibodies that turn and attack the healthy tissues in your body when you suffer from an autoimmune disease.   This can include your thyroid gland. When your thyroid becomes overworked it develops into hypothyroidism.

Another one of the common hypothyroidism causes can be when you are going through treatment for hyperthyroidism. This is the opposite of hypothyroidism because your thyroid is overactive and producing too much thyroid hormone. Common treatment for this is often radioactive iodine or the use of anti-thyroid medications. These treatments are given to create normal thyroid function, however, in some cases they can actually slow down the thyroid to the point where it becomes hypothyroidism.

If you are taking medications you need to be sure you are you are own advocate. Educate yourself on how the medication works and all of its possible side effects. Some medications can create a negative interaction with how your thyroid works. Be sure to ask your doctor about the possible effects to your thyroid gland that may be caused by taking your medication.

When being treated for cancers that are affecting your head and neck area, radiation is one of the common treatment options. However, radiation treatments can affect your thyroid gland and may eventually lead to hypothyroidism.

 Everyone is different, and some of the hypothyroidism causes may not apply to you. If you are feeling many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism be sure to check with your doctor and be tested. It is very easy to get your number and know for sure whether or not you need to be treated for hypothyroidism.

Are You Seeking Treatment For Hypothyroidism?

When looking for the best treatment for hypothyroidism it is important to first understand all the options that are available to you. Most people choose to go straight to their doctor without first researching the subject to see if there could be an option available that is better and more along the lines of their own thoughts on health.

You must be sure to research and educate yourself so you will be able to make an educated decision as to what will be best for your lifestyle and you. Everyone needs to be treated as individuals because not every treatment for hypothyroidism is created equal. Some treatments can only take you so far and provide you with small noticeable improvements, while other treatments may not work at all. Some treatments fail because they do not address the underlying cause of your hypothyroidism to begin with. Other treatments can be extremely successful and change your life in ways that you would never think were possible.

Keep these thoughts of mind when reading and researching the different approaches whether it is conventional treatment, natural treatment, or holistic treatment to find the best treatment for hypothyroidism that makes sense to you.

If you are interested in learning more about natural solutions for hypothyroidism 

you can watch the free video here.

Foods To Avoid When Suffering From Symptoms Hypothyroidism

When suffering from symptoms hypothyroidism causes you want to be more aware of the foods to your eating. Certain foods can be toxic to the functioning of your thyroid. One of the biggest “health foods” in many circles is soy. This is an alternative plant-based protein that is very popular with vegan and vegetarian practitioners who choose not to eat animal proteins or products.

For those of us who suffer from the symptoms hypothyroidism causes, eating soy can actually suppress your thyroid function. So you need to be sure that you do not include this food in your hypothyroid diet in any form. Legumes and soy contribute to the buildup of estrogen that occurs in your body because they contain very estrogenic properties. Many doctors believe this is a good thing to help women going through menopause or that have hormonal imbalances.

When you have the symptoms hypothyroidism causes eating soy and other legumes can cause estrogens to block your thyroid gland from being able to release its thyroid hormone. This in turn can cause a buildup of your thyroid hormone, which will eventually cause hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

What you create an excess of estrogen in your body, not only does it contribute to hypothyroidism but it can also inhibit your thyroid functioning long-term. Avoiding soy and legumes is just the first of a few foods they should be eliminated from your hypothyroid diet. If you would like to learn more important information about what affects your thyroid and how you can naturally help to get it properly functioning again, watch this video.

Are There Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism (2)

With the new alternative health movement and more people pushing for alternative options to heal themselves, many ask if there are natural remedies for hypothyroidism. The answer to this is not a simple yes or no. There are natural treatments, however not every natural treatment is right for everyone.

Most people automatically think about pills and supplements when it comes to natural thyroid treatment. They do not however think about the foods that they are eating and how much of an effect they can have on your thyroid. Our diets have changed greatly over the last century from eating wholesome cooked meals every day to stopping at the nearest fast food restaurant for a quick bite to eat.

A good example of this is the meat that we eat today. In decades past we would take the parts of the animals such as bones and use them to create stock soups. This provided many hormones and nutrients that come from the animal. In today’s world those parts are discarded as garbage and we only eat the meat off the bones thinking that all the nutrients are in the meat. This however is not true.

This is only one of many examples of how today’s standard diet is lacking in the proper nutrients and hormones to fight hypothyroidism. One of the best natural remedies for hypothyroidism that you can do is to begin eating a diet that supports your thyroid health instead of one that will suppress it. 

What Are Symptoms Hypothyroidism Can Cause?

For those of us who have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism we know that our thyroid produces low levels of the thyroxine hormone and we have to replace those levels every day with synthetic hormone pills. For people who have not been properly diagnosed yet, they may be suffering from symptoms hypothyroidism causes without even knowing that they have it.

Your body needs the thyroxine hormone to help its cells convert nutrients into energy. Without this energy conversion your entire system slows down including your brain functions. You may find it difficult to concentrate, complete fatigue, and you may even feel depressed.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism can differ from person to person. Some of the most common signs and when you hear starts to thin or fall out, you feel completely exhausted and fatigued, and you may feel constantly called when other people feel warm. Brain fog and difficulty to concentrate as well as weight gain can be other common symptoms as well.

You may be able to get an idea if you are suffered from hypothyroidism by applying the basal method. This method is when you measure the temperature on your with a basal thermometer for at least four days in a row. In normal body temperature ranges between 97.2 F and 98.2 F. If you find that you temperature is consistently running lower or higher than normal you want to talk to your doctor about being tested for low hormone levels.

Most doctors will prescribe the synthetic replacement hormone triiodothyronine or thyroxine. Depending on how much damage has been caused to thyroid, there are natural supplements in nutrients that you can add to your diet trying to help nourish it back to health. If you are suffering from the symptoms hypothyroidism causes and would like to learn more about natural solutions, see the information here.

What Are Some Hypothyroidism Causes

Most of us that suffer from hypothyroidism often wonder what caused it in the first place. There seem to be some common hypothyroidism causes that can trigger this condition. Genetics seems to be a primary factor.

If you have someone in your family mother, aunt, or grandmother that has an autoimmune disease or has suffered from hypothyroidism, it means you will have the genetic disposition for getting the condition as well. There are other factors however, to help contribute to your genes triggering this condition.

Chronic stress can be a big contributing cause. Most people deal with a normal amount of stress everyday. However, once the stress becomes chronic it can affect your adrenal glands. When these glands have a prolonged stress response they become weakened and can contribute to a hypothyroid condition developing.

Environmental toxins can be another cause. We are exposed to toxins every day in our lives. They are in the environment and in the food we eat. These chemicals can have a hormone like affect on our bodies and can create hormone imbalances, which can lead to health conditions such as hypothyroidism. This is why it is important for us to our exposure to environmental toxins as much as possible.

These are just a few of the hypothyroidism causes that may have triggered your condition. If you would like to learn more about how to heal your condition naturally and help to eliminate your symptoms, read more here.

Coconut Oil Benefits Can Help Support Your Thyroid Function

Contrary to popular belief it is becoming clearer that using coconut oil benefits our overall health. It is actually a heart healthy food that can help your body’s system build a resistance to bacteria and viruses. It has also been shown to help your body in fighting off fungus, yeast, and candida.

So the question everyone wants to know is can coconut oil positively affect our thyroid hormones? The answer seems to be yes. Coconut oil can help to boost your overall thyroid function. This results in increased energy, an increase in your metabolism, and in turn an increase in your endurance.

There seems to be an endless list of coconut oil benefits. If you want to read more you should take a look at this informative and educational book that can teach you how to use coconut oil in your life to obtain its maximum benefit. The Coconut Oil Miracle 

If you are looking for a good quality organic extra virgin coconut oil one of the top recommended brands is Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 15-Ounce Tubs (Pack of 2) 

Are There Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism

You can bombard your thyroid with all the medication and supplements that you want, but if you do not get the basics correct, you are in essence wasting your time. When questioning whether or not there are natural remedies for hypothyroidism, you need to understand that everything needs to be brought back into balance in order for you to achieve your health and energy again.

The first step is to be sure that you are following a hypothyroidism treatment diet. Avoiding the foods that are directly contributing to hypothyroidism, and adding the foods that contain essential nutrients that are needed for proper thyroid function is essential.

The next step would be to restore the health of your liver. T3 is the most active thyroid hormone that is used by your body  and it is produced by your liver. Being sure that your liver has specific nutrients such as selenium and plenty of stored glycogen is important. If your blood sugar becomes out of balance because of lack of nutrients, your liver will not be able to do its job.

Once you have your diet correct, your stress hormones under control, a healthy liver, and your blood sugar in balance, your thyroid should begin to function much more effectively. These steps are all part of using natural remedies for hypothyroidism. However, for some this may not be enough to bring your thyroid health completely back to 100%.

This is when thyroid supplementation needs be used as part of your treatment. Your hormonal system is very complex, and the feedback pathways can sometimes inhibit your thyroid hormones from being able to return to normal levels. By using proper supplementation, you can help to quickly restore the proper hormone levels needed.

If you would like to learn more about natural remedies for hypothyroidism as well as a hypothyroidism treatment plan and what you can do, read more here.

What Are Some Digestive Symptoms Hypothyroidism Can Cause

Best known for its relationship with your metabolism, hypothyroidism is often blamed for inexplicable weight gain, or your inability to lose weight. However, that is just a beginning when you look at the multitude of the various symptoms that can range from sensory symptoms to digestive symptoms hypothyroidism can cause.

Keep in mind however, that different symptoms affect different people. There is no one set pattern that everyone suffers from. One person may suffer from heart palpitations while another may gaine 25 pounds and not be able to lose it.

When it comes to digestive symptoms hypothyroidism can cause, there are quite a few. You may feel a loss of appetite, have food allergies and food sensitivities, and also have constipation. You may find it difficult to swallow, have dry mouth, you may have an alcohol intolerance, and you can even develop irritable bowel syndrome.

Digestive symptoms can also be salt cravings, have cravings for sweets, you can even have abdominal distention and diabetes.

These are just some of the most common digestive symptoms that you may have. Remember that everyone is different, and hypothyroidism will manifest itself through different symptoms in you. If you would like to learn more about your hypothyroidism, read more here.    

How To Treat Hypothyroidism Starting Today

Step one in learning how to treat hypothyroidism is to pay attention to your diet. There is numerous research that demonstrates the important connection between hypothyroidism and your diet.

Certain foods can directly contribute to hypothyroidism and you should try to avoid them as part of your treatment. There are also certain nutrients that are necessary to help promote proper function of your thyroid as well.

So, your diet playing a big role in your hypothyroidism treatment only makes sense.

Making sure that you eat fruit is very important. Fruit can be one of your best allies when it comes to your hypothyroidism diet. Most fruit contains high levels of potassium, which helps in regulating your blood sugar levels. This in turn helps to decrease your body’s need for insulin and keep your blood sugar stable for a longer period of time.

Because your blood sugar stays regulated your stress hormone response is automatically reduced, which can be a common problem with hypothyroidism.

However, fruits such as avocados should be avoided because they contain high levels of unsaturated fats.

To learn more about treating your hypothyroid with diet, read the information here.

Treating Your Hypothyroid

One of the first steps that you can take in treating your hypothyroid is to avoid the “health foods” that you are eating right now that actually help to contribute to your hypothyroidism.

Some of the first foods on this list are any of foods that contain soy. This includes foods such as edamame, soybeans, tofu, soy milk. Soy can be very estrogenic, and it has been shown that estrogens inhibit your thyroid gland from secreting its needed thyroid hormones.

Having polyunsaturated fats in your diet can also contribute to hypothyroidism. When it comes to treating your hypothyroid, these fats also suppress thyroid function. They block the thyroid gland from secreting its thyroid hormone, and they can also block your bloodstreams transportation of the thyroid hormone. They can also block your cells from properly using the hormone as well once they get it.

To learn more about treating your hypothyroid with diet, read the information here. 

Questionable Food For Hypothyroidism Issues

Once we have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, paying attention to the foods that we should and should not be eating is critical to our overall health and how we feel. So-called “health foods” can actually be some of the questionable food for hypothyroidism, and should be approached with caution.

 Healthy green vegetables are great, but if they come from the cruciferous family such as broccoli, kale, and so on you need to be very careful about the amount that you eat and when you eat them. They can greatly affect your body’s ability to absorb your thyroid medications.

The best approach is to eat them later in the day so there is been plenty time between when you took your medication and when you are putting these foods in your body. Some people suggest that you avoid the cruciferous vegetables altogether, however they have so many health benefits I just cannot agree with that. If you are careful about the amount that you eat, and when you eat them, you should be okay.

Be sure to do your research and speak with your doctor about the different choices of food for hypothyroidism issues. What is true for one person may not be true for another. I found that Dr. Joel Fuhrman has a phenomenal grasp on the concept of food for health. His concepts of the foods we eat and how they affect our bodies system is very informative.

Read more from Dr. Fuhrman

What Are Some Thyroid Problem Symptoms?

Thyroid symptoms can vary from person to person, however, there are a few symptoms that seem to affect most of us.  The challenge can be that most of the symptoms can also be caused from other ailments as well. This can present a problem because your doctor may treat you for other issues before you finally figure out that your symptoms are a thyroid problem.

For those of us that are suffering from hypothyroidism, the first and biggest symptom is the fatigue.  You just can't seem to get up in the morning, and literally push yourself through the day trying to survive.  Another symptom can be extremely dry skin, and your hair becomes very brittle.  You may also see more hair falling out than usual.

Dry eyes is another symptom.  You may find it difficult to wear contacts anymore because your eyes keep drying out.  I know I did.  It may also seem more difficult to swallow.  As your thyroid becomes overworked it inflames and becomes larger.  Sometimes you can see it on the outside of your throat.  This is sometimes called a goiter.

These are just a few of the symptoms you may encounter.  Your can refer to the post:  So you think you may have hypothyroidism symptoms?...for more symptoms.  If you find that you are experiencing any of these thyroid problem symptoms, go to your doctor and let them know.  They can run a blood test to check your levels and find out if they are low, or your symptoms may be from something else.

Find out more about thyroid symptoms by reading: Could It Be My Thyroid?: The Complete Guide to the Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments of Thyroid Problems

Thyrotril - Should I Use It?

Thyrotril is a thyroid booster that hikes your metabolism rate and increases the metabolic burn to help remove excess body fat. It has been compounded with Bioperine and L-Tyrosine as Bioperine increases the biological availability of the ingredients that formulation contains to enhancing its effectiveness. L-Tyrosine is active appetite suppressant and body fat eliminator.

With these ingredients, it seems to be more of a diet pill than a thyroid supplement. However, Thyrotril does contain Olive leaf extract, which is the best overall immune supporter, and it also nutritionally supports the body in fighting-off virus, bacteria, fungi, yeast and some parasites causing diseases.

It does maximize thyroid function for those individuals who find it difficult to lose excess body fat and body weight, and keeps your metabolism in maximum overdrive.  With this in mind, it is best to check with your doctor before adding this supplement to your routine.  If you suffer from Hashimoto's, this may not be the supplement for you as kicking your thyroid into overdrive can actually have a negative effect and burn out your thyroid quicker.

If you are being treated for hypothyroidism, and you check with your physician first, you may be able to take this supplement. Thyrotril seems to not only support and maintain optimal thyroid function but also seems to suppress appetite, reduce body fat and amplify your metabolism.

This may be the extra help that you need to restart your metabolism and help to burn the stubborn fat that almost seems impossible to be rid of.  If you are interested in Thyotril, you can go here:
Thyrotril (Buy 3 Get 1 Free) Metabolism & Thyroid

Your Thyroid Help For Weight Gain

When we suffer from hypothyroidism, there are many challenges. One of the big challenges that we face can be weight gain. These products can be helpful in beating that challenge.

First is a great book called: The Thyroid Solution Diet: Boost Your Sluggish Metabolism to Lose Weight By: Dr. Ridha Arem.
World-renowned endocrinologist Dr. Ridha Arem has treated hundreds of patients successfully for hormone-related weight problems—and almost every weight problem has an accompanying hormone problem. Dr. Arem makes his comprehensive hormone-balancing nutrition and weight-loss plan available to the public through this book.
With it, you will restore your health and feel better— mentally and physically—as you get slimmer. This book covers specific combinations of proteins and essential supplements at each meal rev your metabolism and reverse hormonal imbalances. And you can further personalize your weight-loss plan by choosing from Dr. Arem’s extensive lists of Favorite Foods and from 48 delicious recipes created especially for this book.

Second is a book called:Virgin Coconut Oil: How It Has Changed People's Lives, and How It Can Change Yours! People losing weight when nothing else worked, new energy and increased body temperatures from those suffering from hypothyroidism, skin rashes and other problems clearing up: these are a few examples of the testimonies from people using Virgin Coconut Oil that you will read about in this book. This book contains over 85 recipes showing you how to incorporate Virgin Coconut Oil into your diet. The book also documents how tropical cultures eating a diet high in the saturated fat of coconut oil enjoy long healthy lives. It also shows how a premium Virgin Coconut Oil has changed thousands of lives outside the tropics, in helping with obesity, hypothyroidism, diabetes, Candida, infections, digestive disorders, skin problems, and more.

And last but not least, the coconut oil itself. I have found this brand to be one of the best for quality. Nutiva Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Pure-white, USDA-certified-organic, extra-virgin coconut oil.
Cold-pressed from fresh coconuts within two hours of chopping; light true-coconut taste, aroma. No refrigeration required; solid at room temperature and melts at 76 degrees.

How to Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism

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Underactive Thyroid Medication: Discover The Top Medicine and Supplements For Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid medication is needed in most cases of the disease although those with subclinical hypothyroidism can sometimes temporarily delay medication, or take no medicine at all.
Hypothyroidism continues to be one of the most misdiagnosed illnesses that exist. It has many symptoms, and each could be symptoms for hundreds of other diseases. So, if you give the doctor your symptoms, don't be surprised if they first think it might be something entirely different.
Here Is A List of the Most Common Underactive Thyroid Medications:

• Thyroxine is a hormone that is often used as a hypothyroidism medication.
• Levothyroxine is another hormone medication that is used. It's usually taken in tablet form, and helps with most hypothyroidism symptoms, such as weight gain, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, and dry skin.
• Desiccated Thyroid is a mixture of different thyroid hormones, and is also used as goiter prevention.
• Liothyronine is used for myxedema. Bigger doses can be very toxic, and should be used with care.

In addition to these common drugs, some people turn to more natural underactive thyroid medications, such as:

• Iodine - Most people get the amount of iodine needed by using regular table salt which includes iodine. However, too much salt is also not good for you. Kelp is a form of seaweed that is rich in iodine. You can use it dry on your food, integrate it into soups, or you can take kelp tablets.
• Bladderwrack - Bladderwrack is another type of seaweed that is a natural underactive thyroid medication. Bladderwrack is also high in many other minerals too.
• Selenium - Selenium is needed to help stimulate the thyroid hormone. Many patients who were diagnosed with underactive thyroids were found to have low amounts of selenium. Selenium is included in many multivitamins, and as a standalone tablet.

These natural underactive thyroid medications should only be used to supplement your other treatments. However, they can be used to prevent your thyroid from not functioning properly.
Possible Side Effects of Underactive Thyroid Medication:
Nearly all medicine carries the possibility of side effects, and underactive thyroid medication is no different.
High doses can cause anxiety, insomnia, sweating, tremors, rapid heart beat, dizziness, and others. The best way to avoid side effects is to take only the recommended amount prescribed by your doctor. However, your doctor may subscribe an amount that is too high. If you start feeling any side effects you need to talk with your doctor so the dosage can be altered or the medication can be changed.
Finally, you should have your blood tested every six months for the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Doctors can use this to determine if your thyroid is functioning properly or not.
Like any illness, the quicker you get proper medical care, the more likely you are to get well faster. It's possible for most people to live a normal life with underactive thyroid problems. There are those who will only need to take medication temporarily, while others will be forced to continue thyroid medicine for most of their lives.

Want to discover how to ELIMINATE hypothyroidism and underactive thyroid problems forever?
Visit www.HypothyroidismExposed.com to discover the highly successful natural remedies for hypothyroidism the drug companies DON'T want you to know about!

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Dr Whiting on Natural Thyroid Support and Thyroid Function

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Underactive Thyroids - Why They Hinder Weight Loss

Many people suffer with underactive thyroids. A thyroid is said to be underactive when it produces a lower than normal level of thyroid hormones. The medical term for this condition is hypothyroidism. People with underactive thyroids experience a number of symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
Some symptoms associated with underactive thyroids include feeling tired and run down, thinning hair, constipation, slowed heart rate, dry skin, brittle nails, sore muscles, voice changes, trouble concentrating, depression, feeling cold, and fertility problems.
The most common problem people with underactive thyroids struggle with is weight gain. The thyroid hormones regulate body metabolism. When metabolism is sluggish, weight is gained easily, and once on, it is very hard to get back off. There is a direct link between the health of your thyroid and weight loss.
As you can imagine, with symptoms like these, you would seek a solution to your problem. Unfortunately, many people who have underactive thyroids do not know the cause of their symptoms and do not make the connection between the thyroid and weight loss difficulties.
Luckily, once you learn about underactive thyroids and understand the connection between your thyroid and weight loss success, you will find options available to help you rebuild the health of your thyroid gland.
If you suspect that you have an underactive thyroid, you should consult with your doctor to determine the cause and discuss treatment options. Your doctor may talk to you about taking hormone supplements that artificially supply your body with the hormones that are lacking. This type of treatment does not work to make your thyroid healthier; it merely replaces the hormones, so you may have to take the medication on a continuous basis.
If possible, you should rebuild the health of your thyroid so it begins to function normally again. This might be possible through a healthy diet and all-natural supplements. This is a different approach over taking thyroid hormone replacements. When your thyroid is healthy, it naturally produces the correct amount of hormone. When you take hormone supplements, there is always the risk of taking too much, which causes symptoms of an overactive thyroid like racing heartbeat. Together with your doctor, you should decide which treatment approach is right for you so you can finally lose that excess weight. The goal for people with underactive thyroids should be to stimulate the thyroid and weight loss will occur when normal metabolism is restored.
When your thyroid is healthy and it produces the correct amount of hormones, your metabolism will increase to normal. This will give you more energy and help you burn fat off faster. With more energy, you can become more active which further accelerates your fat loss. If you are having a hard time losing weight, consider the relationship between your thyroid and weight loss. With a slow metabolism, you will find it nearly impossible to lose weight.
To support the health of your thyroid and boost your metabolism so that you can lose weight much easier, consider taking an all-natural supplement that is gentle on your system. People with underactive thyroids can gain relief from symptoms caused by a sluggish metabolism. A healthy thyroid and weight loss success may be as close as an all-natural supplement.

My name is Ken H. I am an internet marketer and I love to spend time with my wife Susan and our two children, Jason and Emily. We love to go to the ocean and mountains to relax, and enjoy each others company.
http://hypothyroidsymptoms.net/
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What You Need to Know About Underactive Thyroids

One prominent thyroid problem that most people take for granted is underactive thyroids, also called hypothyroidism. You get underactive thyroid symptoms because of a decrease in the production of your thyroid hormones. It is usually the thyroid that produces the hormones but sometimes problems with the pituitary gland also causes the problem. If left untreated, underactive thyroid symptoms can become fatal. What happens is that your body, instead of speeding up and overheating, it usually slows down in several ways whenever you experience underactive thyroid problems. You can watch out for some prominent underactive thyroid symptoms such as the following:

• sluggishness
• fatigue
• depression
• greater sensitivity to cold
• unexplained weight gain
• dry hair and skin
• constipation
• menstrual irregularities

If you have encountered these problems in a regular basis, then you might want to have yourself checked. Similar to an overproductive thyroid hormone, underactive thyroid symptoms also pose a risk to pregnant women. This is because during the first trimester, your baby will rely on all of the thyroid hormones that you supply to it so if you have underactive thyroids then you may have insufficient thyroid hormones to give to your child. To avoid this, it would be best if you get yourself tested especially if you have a history of thyroid problems in your family.
Underactive Thyroid Symptoms: Myxedema
Myxedema is a very dangerous underactive thyroid symptom. It happens when the thyroid hormones in your body drops to very low levels, which can be fatal. People who suffer from myxedema are prone to suffering from infections and can have serious reactions to injuries, medications, and even become really sensitive to the cold temperature. Sometimes, people who suffer from this problem also slip into a coma and hypothermia could occur, dropping the body's temperature level at a fatal low.
If you are suffering from any of these underactive thyroid symptoms then it is best to have yourself checked as soon as possible so you can obtain treatment right before the problem gets worse. Getting help as soon as possible could prevent the problem from worsening and could help avoid other serious outcomes.

If you have been displaying underactive thyroid symptoms, trying one product after another to regulate your thyroid, go to http://www.squidoo.com/thyroid-symptoms-and-natural-cures now to find out about the breakthrough product that is completely natural and has helped thousands with underactive thyroid problems...

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Hypothyroidism: Underdiagnosed By Doctors, Overdiagnosed On The Internet

* Fatigue and Lethargy
* Infertility
* Hair Loss
* High Cholesterol
* Menstrual Period Problems
* Depression
* Recurrent infections, particularly in winter
* Chronic Headaches
* Feeling Cold frequently; cold hands and feet; intolerance to cold
* Confusion and Memory Loss

These are symptoms that could be caused by hypothyroidism, or a low-functioning thyroid gland.
Because the thyroid gland is the master controller of your metabolism, many different systems can be effected, and many symptoms can occur, when it isn't working properly. Unfortunately, the vague nature of these symptoms is the source of a lot of confusion, because not every person with the problems listed above has hypothyroidism - there are many different conditions that can cause them. (It's important to rule out other potential causes of symptoms before assuming that undiagnosed hypothyroidism is the problem. For instance, anemia can cause fatigue, uterine cancer can cause uterine bleeding, and there are many causes [including stress!] for infertility. And, of course, if you are tired and dragging from lack of sleep, treating your thyroid is a bad idea - what you really need is more sleep!)

UNRAVELLING THE MYSTERY OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
As I pointed out, there are two main problems with trying to figure out if you are hypothyroid. The first is that most doctors and health professionals mistakenly believe that the condition is uncommon. It is actually quite common. And, it is even more common among people who go to doctors (since the symptoms listed above are common reasons that people go to doctors.) And - it is really common among people who end up jumping from doctor to doctor or specialist to specialist, wondering why everyone tells them they are fine when they know that they don'tfeel fine. So this results in a lot of people with hypothyroidism walking around not knowing what their problem is, and sometimes having been told that their thyroid definitely is not the cause of their symptoms.

The second problem is almost the exact opposite. Because the symptoms of hypothyroidism are common, and commonly caused by things that aren't even medical problems (for instance, stress and posture problems can cause headaches; not getting enough sleep can make it hard to remember and make it easy to get infections), it's easy to look at a list of symptoms caused by hypothyroidism and think "I must have that!" There are a lot of health-related websites that add to this confusion by suggesting that if you have any of those symptoms, you must have a thyroid problem. This, obviously, isn't true.

What makes this dilemma even worse is that one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in some people is weight gain. However, hypothyroidism is not the main cause of weight gain, even in people with "sluggish metabolism." And, the main treatment for hypothyroidism - taking prescription thyroid hormone - only rarely helps people lose weight. Of course, since so many people are interested in losing weight, hypothryoidism is frequently mentioned, even though improving thyroid function rarely helps with weight loss.

TSH - THE BEST, BUT STILL FLAWED, THYROID TEST
You may be trying to figure out if you have a hypothyroid problem. And so far, we haven't made much headway into figuring that out. So stick with me, and we'll try to unravel this further.

The most important single thing to know about thyroid lab tests is that the normal range of the most important test for thyroid (TSH - thyroid stimulating hormone) is between .5 - 5.5 microunits per millileter (don't worry, there won't be a test later!) The only problem with this is that this normal range was taken from ordinary people, many of whom may have had undiagnosed hypothyroidism - so some people with a sluggish thyroid problem have been included in the "normal" range of this test!

A more accurate range of normal for TSH is between 1 - 2.5: 90% of the population has a TSH level in this range. So, if your TSH result is between 1 - 2.5 mIU/mL, you are probably not hypothyroid. Even if your TSH goes as high as 2.7 or 3.3 on a single test you may not be hypothyroid, if a second, later test shows it has gone back between 1 and 2.5. This can happen with lab results - it's normal for them to move around.

However, if you have more than two consecutive TSH tests above 4.0, and you have some or many of the symptoms listed above, or those mentioned in the armour thyroid link below, you probably don't have enough thyroid hormone in your body. Unfortunately, it may be quite difficult to convince your doctor that this is your problem, because even if you have two tests that come out at 5.3, and you are a walking talking hypothyroid symptom textbook, many doctors will just say "the test is normal." (Some doctors don't even do the TSH test, preferring other tests that are even less helpful than TSH!)

NAVIGATING THE MEDICAL DOUBTERS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
So, how do you find a doctor who understands this problem? You can look for a Naturopathic Doctor or holistic physician in your area. If your condition is mild, you may be able to treat the problem without thyroid hormone, using instead nutritional supplements and herbs. The main thing is to find a practitioner who will listen to you and try to understand your unique situation, and who is familiar with natural therapies. In many areas, the most likely practitioner to fit this bill may be a chiropractor.

However, if your condition is such that you need a thyroid hormone prescription (and this is something that only can be determined by a licensed healthcare practitioner who is legally allowed to prescribe thyroid hormone) you may find that even a doctor who agrees that you may have a thyroid problem wants to prescribe synthetic rather than natural thyroid hormone for you. While synthetic thyroid hormone works for many people - perhaps most - there are some people who only respond to natural thyroid hormone (armour thyroid, U.S.P. Thyroid) and many doctors are unwilling to prescribe it because they've been trained to believe it's ineffective (it's not: it's highly effective and completely safe.)

Oh, by the way, there is a term I probably should have introduced way at the beginning of the this article. The subject we are discussing is correctly described "subclinical hypothyroidism." The term "hypothyroidism" is actually specific to people whose TSH is over 5.5, and almost every doctor will prescribe thyroid hormone for this (or refer you to an endocrinologist.) However, in either case, you're very likely to be given a prescription for synthetic thyroid (levothyroxine), not for natural thyroid hormone. It probably wouldn't hurt, if you're going to try to discuss this with your doctor, to know the difference between subclinical hypothyroid and regular hypothyroid.

AN EVEN DEEPER LAYER OF HYPOTHYROID MYSTERY
Remember that I said that hypothyroidism, whether subclinical or not, is very common, and that this is probably what has skewed the normal range for TSH to include people with low thyroid in the supposed "normal range." The esteemed physician and researcher Alan Gaby, MD, has pointed out that there should be another category of hypothyroid: "Sublaboratory Hypothyroidism." Dr. Gaby's message was that there are plenty of people whose TSH is normal but who would benefit from taking thyroid hormone. They have some combination of the symptoms mentioned above or in the armour thyroid webpage, but their TSH is between 1 and 2.5. In some cases the only way to determine who those people are is to give them thyroid hormone and see whether they benefit. Obviously, this can only be done by a qualified physician or practitioner, and under careful supervision. Of course, it would be very difficult to convince a doctor who didn't believe in this to prescribe thyroid. I have included a link to Dr Gaby's article on sublaboratory hypothyroidism below, though keep in mind it was written for a medical audience so it may be hard to understand if you don't have medical training. If you have a very openminded doctor, they may be interested in it.

Many people who suspect they have sublaboratory or subclinical hypothyroidism attempt to test for it by measuring their body temperature immediately after waking with a fertility thermometer (one that measures normal body temperatures more accurately but that is not useful for measuring fevers.) Some people consider a waking body temperature well under 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C) to be a sign of hypothyroidism. This "test" runs the same risk as reading about hypothyroidism on the internet - it can seem as if everyone is hypothyroid, because a waking temperature of 98.6, or close to that, appears to be quite rare.

Determining if you are hypothyroid or not can be confusing and frustrating. It helps to be armed with as much (good) information as possible. Here is a link to the Armour Thyroid page that details the symptoms of hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism Signs and Symptoms

Here is a link to alt.support.hypothyroid's page on the medical literature that shows the limits of using TSH alone to determine thyroid function.
TSH Medical References

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If you've enjoyed this article, you can take advantage of my insights, experience, and expertise by contacting me (through my website, below) to arrange an appointment, phone consult, or email consult. Natural Health and Wellness consultations do not involve diagnosis or treatment of disease, but rather help guide you back to health. I am a Naturopathic Doctor in San Rafael in Marin County, California.

My areas of expertise are hormonal disorders including hypothyroidism; pre-diabetes, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome; depression and eating disorders; chronic fatigue syndrome; food allergy and celiac disease; high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease; clinical nutrition; and difficult to diagnose and treat conditions that have not responded to other conventional and/or alternative treatment. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and have extensive experience using natural approaches with children and teens.

Correcting inadequate diet, and steering patients towards optimal diet, is an essential part of my approach with each and every patient.

I graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 1995. Before practicing in Marin, I practiced in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in Stamford and Norwalk, for 11 years. I have also practiced in Santa Cruz County, California.

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