A hypoactive Thyroid is a condition where they Thyroid (located in the throat) functions a sub optimal level. Just as hypoglycemic refers to low blood sugar, Hypoactive Thyroid refers to low functionality of the Thyroid.
The Thyroid is responsible for and contributes to many of the bodies important and critical functions, some of which include:
- Increased function of the metabolic system
- Assisting with carbohydrate metabolism
- Regulating body temperature
- Influencing menstrual cycles
- Influence weight gain / loss
- Maintaining energy levels and mood
It is estimated that over 50 million US Citizens (and most likely comparable figures for most Western nations) currently experience the ill effects of a hypoactive Thyroid.
Typified by a number of common symptoms, many sufferers are initially at a loss to explain why they feel the way they do. Many sufferers of a hypoactive Thyroid often experience:
- Constant tiredness and Fatigue
- Weight gain (even whilst sticking to a sensible diet)
- Low energy levels
- Sombre, melancholy moods that can border on depression
- Sluggishness
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Pale, dry skin
- A puffy face
- An elevated blood cholesterol level
- Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
- Heavier than normal menstrual periods
- Brittle fingernails and hair
Unfortunately for many their underperforming Thyroid is not properly acknowledged. Many unwitting sufferers spend a great deal of their lives searching for why they ‘just don’t feel right’.
The good news is that once a hypoactive Thyroid is recognised, you can significantly improve the quality of your life, health and energy levels.
A Hypoactive Thyroid typically refers to low levels of the hormones known as T3 and T4. These are the hormones responsible for producing and maintaining the bodily processes described above.
Hypoactive Thyroid function may be caused by an issue with any of the 3 glands. It is important to investigate further.
Many people are often misdiagnosed as having a poorly functioning Thyroid and prescribed the synthetic versions of hormones (T3 / T4) only to find the cause has been the Hypothalamus or Pituitary gland is not secreting sufficient levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
TSH is responsible for triggering the Thyroid into action to produce T3 and T4. It can therefore appear that a person has a Hypoactive Thyroid when in actuality the true cause is an improper function of the Hypothalamus or Pituitary gland.
It is important for any person suffering from Low Thyroid Function to investigate naturally based treatments in addition to standard medical practice. Doing so may mean a person can avoid the potentially dangerous and poisonous medications that can be too readily prescribed.
Unfortunately for many, the drugs routinely used in efforts to combat low Thyroid function can have permanent and significant unwanted consequences. A naturally based therapy may not be the answer but it is far less likely to have such negative side effects and therefore well worth investigating.
Investigating non-drug natural alternatives may potentially offer a solution without the side effects. And it is doesn’t and medication is required at least you can feel comforted knowing you exhausted all of your options.
You can learn more about naturally based treatments and options for a Hypoactive Thyroid here.