Low Thyroid - Common Low Thyroid Symptoms Seen in Women

Low thyroid issues can particularly affect women in specific ways. Because the thyroid gland assists with hormone distribution throughout the body, a low thyroid function in women can impact menstrual cycles, fertility, mood, and energy levels and have many other health impacts on the body.

Women who have below normal function of their thyroid often can have problems conceiving. It is not impossible however, and hypothyroid in pregnancy is a difficult but new area of diagnosis. Because the pregnancy and childbearing process is so reliant on proper hormone distribution, an unhealthy thyroid can be particularly dangerous for both mother and baby. Undiagnosed hypothyroid in a pregnant mother can lead to issues as serious as stillbirth or fetus growth retardation. It can also lead to complications in the birthing process. Problems in diagnosing hypothyroidism in pregnancy occur, because many of the symptoms of low thyroid mirror regular symptoms of being pregnant, such as: fatigue, numbness in hands and feet, and weight gain.

Often times, however, women who experience low thyroid during pregnancy have had symptoms prior to conception. In many cases where the mother is prescribed medications for her thyroid before her pregnancy, these prescription medications can lead to many of the complications. It is important, if on thyroid drugs going into the pregnancy, that the mother has weekly hormone level checks with her thyroid doctor, so that the medicine levels can be adjusted.

Because the thyroid plays such an integral part in the balance of hormones throughout the body, it is not uncommon for women to develop thyroid disorders during certain stages of life such as: perimenopause, puberty, as well as pregnancy. Due to the thyroid's interaction with estrogen and progesterone, women are particularly at risk when it comes to thyroid issues.

Women with low thyroid may experience many typical low thyroid symptoms such as: depression, weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, itchy skin, and constipation. Other symptoms may include the inability to concentrate, jaundice, loss of appetite, and intolerance for extreme hot or cold temperatures. In addition, certain menstrual issues may arise, particularly irregular menstrual periods or lack or menstrual periods altogether.

Because many of the symptoms of low thyroid function can mirror symptoms common to different stages of life, it is important to be tested for low thyroid and to see a doctor specializing in low thyroid issues. Hormone levels can be examined through simple blood tests and various treatments can be set up. There are many alternative treatments if prescription medications are not desired, either by choice or by necessity of certain situations such as pregnancy. Working with a knowledgeable, accommodating doctor is the secret to restoring healthy thyroid function.

A healthy thyroid is the key to a healthy life. Because the thyroid is so imperative to many functions of the body, particularly hormonal balance unique to women, it is important to address possible thyroid issues as soon as possible. Speak with a thyroid expert and find a suitable, personalized treatment plan to restore healthy function should it be discovered that your thyroid is not functioning normally.By Dr David Arthur

Are You Looking For The Correct Thyroid Foods to Choose?

I want to get down to the nitty gritty of the thyroid foods that will ultimately speed up your metabolism and those that are responsible for slowing down your metabolism. I will also discuss which foods to steer clear of. These foods do not do your thyroid any favors. Hopefully being able to identify the good and bad foods will help you in the right direction for good health.
Let us firstly discuss the foods that may speed up a slow metabolism.
Sea Weed - It is rich in iodine which is critical for thyroid health and function. Not only is it full of iodine but also in trace minerals which are beneficial for the thyroid. Without iodine your body is unable to manufacture thyroid hormones. You must however take care in not taking an excess of iodine. Since an excess intake of iodine-rich foods has also been implicated in thyroid disease. Moderation is the key not excess.
Coconut Oil - Slightly stimulates thyroid hormone production and supports proper thyroid function. Incorporating coconut oil in your diet would be a wise decision as it is thought to support thyroid health and may help sufferers with hypothyroidism to lose weight. Coconut oil is made up of saturated fats which promotes thyroid function.
Shellfish - Like seaweed is also rich in iodine. As mentioned iodine is essential to thyroid function as iodine molecules are used in the production of thyroid hormones.
Now that we have discussed the thyroid foods which speed up the metabolism, let us move onto the foods which slow down the metabolism. These foods are beneficial for people suffering with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Fermented Soy Foods - Soy foods are known to be a strong suppressor of thyroid function, even more so than many anti-thyroid drugs.
Raw Cruciferous Vegetables - These vegetables likes cabbage, cauliflower, turnips and brussels sprouts interfere with the uptake of iodine and subsequently interfere with the production of thyroid hormones
Millet - Like the cruciferous vegetables contains goitrogens and interferes with iodine uptake.
Seeing we have now covered the thyroid foods which speed up and slow down a metabolism, lets move onto the foods which should be avoided as these inhibit thyroid function and aren't doing anyone's thyroid any favors.
Gluten containing grains - Research has proven that people who follow a gluten-free diet seem to show better results at shaking pesky anti-thyroid antibodies. That's a powerful case to remove gluten from your diet if you suffer from an autoimmune thyroid disease.
Unfermented Soy - Babies fed soy formula are more likely to develop autoimmune thyroid disease. Also large concentrations of unfermented soy may adversely affect thyroid function in adults. If you eat soy, keep it to small amounts and always choose fermented forms.
This brings me to the conclusion of this article. In summary with the thyroid, like life in general everything in moderation is perfectly fine.

By Michael R Louw