Important Facts Related To Hypo-Thyroid In Women
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.
When an individual is taking estrogen replacement treatments or have taken other medications related to menopause and still suffer from fragile nails, weight gain, lethargy, and any of the other 16 symptoms of hypothyroidism there is a possibility that menopause may not be the only issue that is causing the problem.
Traditionally a simple blood test has been performed to diagnose thyroid conditions. However, the test “T3 and T4″ has been shown to be inaccurate and unreliable in many cases. The studies that were done included many testing methods and evaluations of results and the T3 and T4 showed many false negatives when used on a control group.
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.
An individual may wish to take a prescription medication or deal with their thyroid condition through alternative remedies. However, it is important before taking any medication for a condition that it first be diagnosed through the proper testing methods.
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.
Would you like to learn more about foods for thyroid? Read other articles at thyroid diet
