7 Little Known Facts About Thyroid Problems by: Emily Clark

What’s a common disease that over 5 million Americans suffer from 
and many may not even be aware they have it? Hypothyroidism and 
related forms of thyroid dysfunction! 

The thyroid gland looks like a little bow tie and is located at 
the base of the throat, below the Adam’s apple in males. Thyroid 
dysfunction affects both males and females. This gland produces 
hormones which control the body’s metabolism, your internal 
thermostat of sorts. 

Thyroid dysfunction is generally either an over or under 
production of the hormone. Under active thyroid hormone 
production is called hypothyroidism; whereas too much, or 
overactive thyroid hormone production is called hyperthyroidism. 

Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include chronic fatigue 
and weakness, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss 
or coarse, dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold, 
abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss, 
depression and irritability, constipation, muscle cramps. Not 
all symptoms are always present. 

Some doctors prefer to diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test. 
They will test to check TSH levels (the thyroid stimulating 
hormone produced by the pituitary gland) and T4 levels (the main 
thyroid hormone). Other doctors prefer to take a more holistic 
approach and are able to diagnose based on symptoms. Morning 
body temperature readings (below 97.1 consistently) as well as 
discovery of regular waking up approximately four hours after 
going to bed, can aid in the diagnosis. 

There are chemical, synthetic treatments that can be used to 
restore healthy thyroid functions, such as Synthroid and 
Levothyroxine. 

Some doctors and sufferers prefer to use a form of natural 
thyroid hormone extracted from swine and cows. Yup, pig thyroid! 
It’s the closest to the human thyroid hormone and contains both 
T4 and T3 thyroid hormones. 

Naturopaths have long recognized that there are very effective 
herbs that can help to promote healthy thyroid functioning and 
restore thyroid health. 

Armour, a natural thyroid is available by prescription. T-100 is 
another brand of natural thyroid that can be obtained through 
holistic processionals. Regular use of natural thyroid can help 
to restore deficient iodine levels, while also stimulating the 
thyroid to produce crucial thyroid hormones, thereby treating 
hypothyroidism. 

Bladder wrack or kelp, Licorice, Saw Palmetto and Ginger (root) 
have also been known to stimulate the thyroid to release thyroid 
hormones and is therefore beneficial in the treatment of 
hypothyroidism. 

If you’re not comfortable taking synthetic medications, give 
natural thyroid a chance. It’s the closest match to human 
thyroid and can leave you feeling worlds better. Even natural 
supplements need to be under the care of your physician. Please 
do not self medicate. 

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes 
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any 
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any 
health care program.