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The skin is the body’s largest organ, and as such, it is an indicator of the general health status of the body. Skin problems and the thyroid function can be interrelated because hormones, including thyroid hormones, are instrumental in regulating the health and appearance of skin. When the thyroid gland becomes underactive or overactive, a variety of skin problems may result. For example, dry skin is a very common symptom of hypothyroidism because grease glands depend on thyroid hormones to secrete sebum (grease) that oils the skin and keeps it moist and supple. When dryness becomes extreme in hypothyroidism, the skin on the palms and soles of the feet may begin to thicken. This is known as keratoderma. Another skin problem associated with low thyroid function is yellowing of the skin due to changes in the body's ability to metabolize Vitamin A. Skin may also become swollen from edema, pale or waxy and wounds may heal slowly. Additional skin changes in those who suffer f

Hypothyroidism and weight gain go hand in hand because when thyroid function is low, metabolism slows down as well. While not all people with hypothyroidism gain weight, it is very often one of the symptoms of this condition. Thyroid hormones not only play a significant role in metabolism, which in turn affects weight, but insufficient thyroid function can result in fluid retention,   further contributing to weight gain. Another reason why hypothyroidism and weight gain are connected is that this condition usually causes fatigue and lethargy, which can result in a decrease in activity that contributes to weight gain... It makes sense, doesn't it? Further, losing weight with hypothyroidism can be especially challenging if not done correctly because  excessive dieting can lower metabolism even further.  Too much of a thing can be bad too!  It is very important, therefore, to follow a healthy weight loss regimen if you are trying to lose weight with hypothyroidism. Like everything

An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can result in a number of troublesome symptoms that require  attention. Fortunately, while you find out what is the most apropriate treatment for you, you may start including foods that help the thyroid gland; they support thyroid function mostly by providing a source of the mineral iodine, which is crucial to a healthy thyroid, plus other key nutrients that support thyroid hormone production. The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, produces hormones that affect a variety of metabolic processes in the body. If the body does not produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone T4, symptoms of underactive thyroid result. Among these symptoms are fatigue, depression, weight gain, hair loss, feeling cold often, constipation, brittle or splitting nails, memory problems, and dry skin.  Since iodine is required to produce thyroid hormones, certain foods that are rich in this important mineral may play a key role.

Have you been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and are looking for a more  natural hypothyroidism treatment ? You'll be glad to learn that there are certain herbs that can help boost your thyroid function and can also positively impact other symptoms related to  hypothyroid conditions such as  depression, fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, memory loss, dry skin, brittle and dry hair, thickened tongue, constipation, and light or no menses. As you may know, one of the causes of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency. Iodine is an essential trace mineral and a very important ingredient in the thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triodothyronine .  Did you know that approximately 80% of the iodine found in the body is located in the thyroid? By influencing the thyroid's activities, iodine plays a vital role in basic metabolism and bodily processes. For instance, it helps r egulate body temperature and maintain energy levels. It also plays a key role in blood cell production, muscle and ner

If you have any symptoms of a sluggish or overactive thyroid, there are number of thyroid tests that your doctor may order to help diagnose your condition. Thyroid tests include  blood tests  that determine whether your body is producing sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. For example, the level of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone can be measured through a blood test. If you have a high level of TSH, your body may not be producing enough thyroid hormone. A low TSH level may mean that your body is over-producing thyroid hormones. Thyroid tests  can also measure levels of thyroid hormone directly. Specifically, blood tests can be conducted to determine whether the body is producing enough of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Another type of thyroid test, called a thyroid  antibodies test , can determine whether antibodies exist that suggest an autoimmune condition – that is, that the body has turned against its own thyroid cells.  Anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroid thyro

There is no one answer to what causes hypothyroidism. There are several reasons why a person can develop this condition as you will see. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of hormones necessary for a variety of metabolic processes. In most cases, the underlying hypothyroidism cause is a problem with the thyroid gland itself. In a few cases, it may be a problem in the pituitary gland or the brain, which both play a part in governing thyroid gland activity. The brain signals the pituitary gland to make a hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH, in turn, signals the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Under normal conditions, thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3) regulate metabolism, control body temperature, and govern heart rate.  Thyroid hormones are also involved in protein production and in regulation of blood calcium levels.

Before we talk about low thyroid symptoms, lets define what is low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism. This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the center of the neck. Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism. When too few hormones are produced, the thyroid becomes sluggish and symptoms of low thyroid hormone result.  Low thyroid symptoms are connected to metabolism and include: fatigue weight gain sluggishness The result is often changes in the various systems in the body, including the menstrual cycle in women. The first symptoms of low thyroid hormone are often vague and may be mistaken for other conditions and misdiagnosed. For example, many people with health problems that appear to be related to stress actually experience low thyroid symptoms, did you know that?