Hypothyroidism

By Thomas K. Lo, MA, DC

Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center

. http://www.doctorlo.com/

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Hypothyroidism

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