Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center
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Frederick, MD 21704
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Underactive Thyroid Gland
Known as the master gland, the butterfly-shaped thyroid sits in a notch just below your throat. Its hormones affect many systems and functions, including
Metabolism
Brain development
Breathing, heart and nervous system functions
Blood cells production
Muscle and bone strength
Body temperature
Menstrual cycle
Weight gain and loss
Cholesterol levels
Skin hydration
So it makes sense that thyroid imbalances can make your life seem entirely off-kilter. The most common form of thyroid imbalances is hypothyroidism. It occurs when your thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone to support your daily activities.
Women often call us because they are feeling thyroid symptoms, but have been told by their doctors that “everything looks fine”. Thyroid-related issues can arise at any age and may not necessarily show up on routine lab tests. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a term used when someone is experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism but whose blood test results are still in the “normal range” for thyroid hormone production.
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. But in general, any problems you do have tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years. At first, you may barely notice the symptoms, such as fatigue and sluggishness, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms. They may include
Severe fatigue, loss of energy
Weight gain, difficulty losing weight
Depression and depressed mood
Joint and muscle pain, headaches
Dry skin, brittle nails
Brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss
Irregular periods, PMS symptoms
Calcium metabolism difficulties
Difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature
Constipation
Sleeping more than average
Diminished sex drive
Puffiness in face and extremities
Bruising/clotting problems
Allergies that suddenly appear or get worse
Persistent cold sores, boils or breakouts
Tingling sensation in wrists and hands that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome
Memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought