Important Facts Related To Hypo-Thyroid In Women
Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Howey Lee in Diet & Nutrition
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.
For women who have unsuccessfully been on estrogen replacement therapy and other hormone treatments that have not affected their symptoms there is a likelihood that they may have undiagnosed hypothyroidism. As mentioned, most of the symptoms are the same and few physicians test for thyroid disorders when women are in any stage of menopause.
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.
When a thyroid condition has been diagnosed most physicians will offer several types of medical treatment that are available to treat the condition. There are, however, many other alternative remedies available as well. The easiest change one can make is to begin eating a diet that reduces refined foods and eliminates foods that block production of thyroid hormones such as polyunsaturated oils. Increasing the intake of pure coconut oil, using it instead of regular oil in salad dressing for instance, stimulates the increase of the T3 and T4 hormones.
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.
With the number of women currently undiagnosed and untreated for hypothyroidism it is important that if an individual feels this is a condition they may be suffering from that they seek the appropriate tests from their physician to get a diagnosis and treatment plan started.
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