Situated between your collarbone and voice box, the thyroid gland controls the body’s supply of energy. It pumps out the thyroid hormone, which regulates body temperature, metabolism, women’s monthly cycles, the digestive process, as well as helps keep you focused and alert.
Research shows that, more and more, women are being diagnosed with thyroid hormone imbalance. In fact, one in eight women will be diagnosed during their lifetime. Even though men are still prone to suffer from thyroid issues, women are ten times more likely to experience thyroid problems.
Yet, it can be years before it is properly diagnosed, because most of its symptoms can be chalked up to stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, etc. This can leave women exhausted for prolonged periods of time without ever getting the proper help they need.
Thyroid problems
- Hypothyroidism is the under-functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Hyperthyroidism is the over-functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Autoimmune thyroid diseases result in an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.
Symptoms of Thyroid Gland Imbalance
- Sluggishness.
- Joint pain.
- Increased risk of heart failure.
- Irregular periods or fertility problems.
- Weak and dry nails, skin, and hair.
- Mood swings.
- Issues with weight.
- Unpredictable bowel movements.
How to improve your thyroid gland functions!
- Take a multivitamin that contains Iodine (essential for a healthy thyroid gland; yet many women lack it), Selenium, Zinc, and B vitamins.
- Learn to manage your stress through physical exercise or meditation.
- Eat a well-balanced diet, and keep your body well-hydrated.
- Get rid of bad habits in your life, such as eating junk food, smoking, and drinking alcohol.
Getting a diagnosis
If you feel that you are suffering from one, or more, of the above-mentioned symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting a simple blood test known as a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Detecting the problem early is a great way to safeguard your health. Once you are accurately diagnosed, you and your doctor can work at finding the right method of treatment, which can be a synthetic thyroid hormone, or through natural means, such as supplements, stress reduction, and a healthy lifestyle.
While the symptoms of thyroid malfunctions can be unpleasant, the good news is that they can be managed effectively, even eliminated, once they are properly diagnosed and treated.
References
avivaromm.com
everydayhealth.com
webmd.com
webmd.com/women
wellnessmama.com
womansday.com
womenshealth.gov
womenshealthmag.com/relationships
womenshealthnetwork.com
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