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

The Ideal Diet for Hypothyroidism

If you have hypothyroidism is very important to know that the type of diet you follow can help you reduce your symptoms, and at the same time help you control your weight. Weight gain goes hand in hand with hypothyroidism and to some people it gets rather difficult to lose weight with this condition.
There are key nutrients and foods that a diet for hypothyroid should include. On the other hand, there are certain foods that should be avoided.
What Your Diet Should Have
A healthy diet for someone with hypothyroidism would include whole grains, natural foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables and a good supply of seafood and other lean protein. You should cut back on fatty meats. A multivitamin is probably a good idea if you don't already take one.
An Important Mineral
Selenium may be the most important nutrient in a diet for hypothyroid.
Why?
This trace mineral is an antioxidant and is essential for converting the thyroid hormone your body produces, T4, into its active form, T3. Brazil nuts are an incredibly good source of selenium, but you can also get it from some lean meats.
Fiber is Key to Control Your Weight
Another tactic that will be very helpful for you if you're trying to lose weight is eating more fiber. Fiber makes you feel full and can help you lose weight, in addition to being helpful for constipation, another side effect of hypothyroidism.
You can ingest your fiber in pill form or through one of those over-the-counter fiber concoctions, but it is so much better if you get your fiber from actual foods, like beans, rice and other grains, whole wheat and oatmeal.
Strive for whole grains, also known as complex carbohydrates, over refined grains (things made with white flour or sugar). They're better for you, help maintain your blood sugar stable and will make you feel fuller.
Alcohol should also be avoided because it can cause blood sugar fluctuations.
A Diet With More Meals
Ideally, a diet for low thyroid function will include small meals spread out through the day rather than three big meals. If you eat five or six small meals it will help balance the slow metabolism that is part of hypothyroidism. Just remember, keep these meals around 300 calories each, and include exercise if you want to lose weight, too.
Some doctors recommend the Zone diet to those with hypothyroid. The why behind the system is somewhat complicated, but it has to do with balancing out your insulin reaction to food, limiting the spikes and crashes you probably feel right now. Carbs are a big part of this diet, particularly those refined grains we were just talking about.
The diet calls for drinking lots of water (a good idea for anyone), eating more fruit and vegetables and less pasta, bread and starches, and a small amount of lean protein through the day. Most of your carbs should come from fruit and vegetables, with other starches used sparingly. You also should not go more than five hours between meals.
Red Light Foods
As we were saying before, your diet should not include certain foods. Some vegetables, fruits and grains can depress the function of your thyroid gland. 

Pam Brown editor at yourbodycanheal.com.

Hypothyroidism: Herbs to Take and Herbs to Avoid

Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland is not producing as much hormone as it should. This causes metabolic activities to slow. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism can make you feel run down, depressed, cold or tired. It can slow down your heart rate, make your hair dry and brittle, give you itchy skin, muscle cramps, infertility or menstrual disorders.
Extreme hypothyroidism can cause goiter (a lump in the neck that is actually the inflamed thyroid gland), facial puffiness also known as myxedema, yellow skin, weight gain and mental impairment. The condition is commonly treated by replacing the thyroid hormone that your body is not producing.
The most common treatment involves supplementing thyroxin and monitoring thyroid levels for life... But there are herbs that can help with the side effects of hypothyroidism, even though it is not recommended that people try to go without the hormone. Left untreated, in addition to all the symptoms listed above, hypothyroidism can cause elevated cholesterol levels and increase the rate at which plaque builds up in your arteries.
Some health food stores sell what is billed as a natural replacement for thyroid hormone. Because herbal remedies are not regulated as drugs, it is not known if these medicines are helpful or even safe. The best bet is to consult with your doctor about the level of hormone you need to take and supplement with professional formulated herbal products to give you a better quality of life.
Valuable Herbs for Hypothyroidism
Black Cohosh is especially good for treating menstrual problems associated with hypothyroidism. It's a popular treatment for menopausal women, treats symptoms of PMS and may help with infertility.
Kelp is sometimes given to people with hypothyroidism because iodine deficiency is linked to the disorder in some parts of the world.
St. John's Wort could be helpful if you suffer from depression a symptom that often accompanies low thyroid function
Cayenne supplements can help with blood circulation and making the heartbeat stronger. An improvement in circulation can alleviate the cold extremities that are common with hypothyroidism.
Herbs to Avoid
Some studies indicate that there are certain herbs, foods and drugs that should be avoided if you have hypothyroidism. It is thought that stimulating the immune system in the early stages of the disorder can cause the thyroid to deteriorate at a faster rate, so avoiding those herbs can help you hang on to what thyroid function you have.
Which are these herbs?
Ginseng, astragalus, bamboo, burdock, echinacea, ginger and lemon balm are among the herbs that you should avoid in the early stages of hypothyroidism. There are other herbs that are recommended to be avoided as well as certain foods and medicine. Visit herbs for hypothyroidism to learn more.

Monica Villarreal and Gail Kaufman are editors at yourbodycanheal.com. To learn more about valuable herbs for hypothyroidism and herbs to avoid visit: herbs for low thyroid function.
To obtain a FREE health report that includes key foods and herbs for low thyroid function visit: natural health remedies.

Monica Villarreal