Over 20 million Americans are currently diagnosed with some form of thyroid disease, a health problem that impacts every cell in the body and can cause severe weight gain or weight loss, mood disturbances and even infertility in both men and women.
While thyroid problems are most common in women, affecting approximately 1 in 8 women between the ages of 35 and 65, men are not immune to thyroid disorders. Common symptoms in men, such as reduced libido, difficulty achieving erection and breast tenderness or enlargement, may be too embarrassing for men to seek medical help and could contribute to the lower instances of thyroid disease recorded in men.
The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck directly below the Adam’s apple. This tiny little gland shaped like a butterfly is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism by releasing the thyroid hormone T4 (triiodothyroxine) into the bloodstream. T4 makes its way to every cell in the body where it is converted to T3 (triiodothyronine), a hormone that controls the rate of cellular activity. The pituitary gland works in concert with the thyroid by regulating the levels of T3 in the body.
When more T3 is needed the pituitary gland sends Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to the thyroid gland to stimulate the release of T4 into the bloodstream. When too much thyroid hormone is present the pituitary gland stops sending out TSH and the thyroid ceases releasing T4. The process is a delicate balance which can easily be thrown out of sync by the effects of a number of dangerous toxins, including pesticides, perchlorate (a by-product of rocket fuel production found in the nation’s water supply), fluoride, tobacco smoke and even soy.
All of these substances have been shown to suppress the body’s production of T3 and T4. When either the pituitary or the thyroid gland is failing to function properly, or outside influences are inhibiting thyroid hormone production, the result will be a body that is not operating at the proper speed.
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When the thyroid gland becomes overactive, releasing more hormones than are necessary, the result is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is most common between the ages of 20 and 40 and affects roughly 1 million Americans today. With hyperthyroid, everything in the body speeds up. When the rate of cellular activity increases, more calories must be consumed to maintain normal energy levels. If the incoming calories fail to be enough then weight loss will occur. Generally, the more severe the hyperthyroid, the more weight loss will result. It is not uncommon, however, for a person with hyperthyroid to gain weight if more calories than necessary are being consumed.
Patients with hyperthyroidism may also experience fatigue, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, trembling hands, irregular heartbeat, irritability and reduced libido. In severe cases, muscle weakness, shortness of breath and chest pain may result. Often however, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are mild and may occur gradually over a long period of time.
Hypothyroidism is a far more common problem, affecting approximately 11 million Americans. The disease can affect both men and women but it is mostly diagnosed in middle-aged women. Hypothyroid is the complete opposite of hyperthyroid. In a patient with hypothyroid the entire metabolism moves at a slower speed and requires less calories than usual to maintain normal energy levels. As a result, the excess calories consumed become stored as fat and weight gain ensues. Weight gain in hypothyroid patients is generally not as severe as the weight loss associated with hyperthyroid. On average, 5 to 10 pounds can be attributed to hypothyroidism with the remaining weight gain being attributed to an excess accumulation of salt and water.
Weight gain, while the most common problem associated with hypothyroid, is not the only symptom of an underactive thyroid gland. Other symptoms include low energy levels, depression, irritability, intolerance to heat or cold, decreased heart rate, dry skin, decreased sex drive, infertility, hair
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loss or dry hair and shortness of breath. As with hyperthyroid, it is not uncommon to experience few to no symptoms of this disease.
When testing my patients for a thyroid disorder I recommend that they take their basal body temperature every morning for a week and provide me with their findings. Since the thyroid regulates the body’s metabolic rate, an abnormal temperature over a series of days could indicate a thyroid problem. (To take your basal body temperature, use a basal thermometer and place it under your arm while lying quietly in bed. Your temperature should be taken before getting out of bed each morning to ensure an accurate reading.) I then order a complete thyroid panel to measure the levels of T3, T4 and TSH in the patient’s bloodstream. The results of the blood test are taken into consideration, along with the patient’s basal temperature data and their collection of symptoms before making a diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism has been ascertained, treatment is aimed at restoring proper levels of the thyroid hormones. With hyperthyroidism this might require surgery or the use of medication. Hypothyroid is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy. In my practice I have found that natural thyroid hormone can be a safe and very successful means of restoring the appropriate levels. For both diseases, restoring proper levels of the thyroid hormone can result in a reversal of symptoms, including a return to pre-thyroid disease weight.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from a thyroid disorder, you should see a doctor immediately for an evaluation.
Thyroid disease is a serious health problem and one that can be easily treated if properly diagnosed. Call our office today at (949) 680-1880 and regain control over your metabolism once and for all!
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