Hypothyroid

Hypothyroidism

• Have you been recently diagnosed with low thyroid function, hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease?
• Do you suspect you have low thyroid function and the tests and doctors tell you, you’re fine and your thyroid is functioning well?
• Are you frustrated and not only feeling unwell, with a vast array of hypothyroid symptoms, but like no one will listen to you?

The prevalence of hypothyroidism is increasing, as approximately 1 in 33 people will experience thyroid issues in their lifetime, with 10 times more women being effected than men. Recent research demonstrates that approximately 14% of older people are effected with approximately 4%. In 2004, iodine deficiency was documented in almost 50% of children and pregnant women. Up to 10% of pregnant women are believed to suffer mild-moderate hypothyroid symptoms due to autoimmune dysregulation.

Risk factors and causes are varied, however, increasing iodine deficiency is becoming an issue in Australia, which can result in Goitre, swelling and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Other causes for low thyroid function include:

• Other Nutritional Deficiencies
• Viral and Bacterial Infections causing Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid)
• Immune Dysregulation resulting Autoimmune Disease
• Hormonal changes including Pregnancy, Peri-Menopause or
• Menopause
• Familial Disorders
• Nodules on the Thyroid Gland
• Excessive Stress
• Toxic Exposure & Environmental Toxicity
• Benign and Malignant (cancer) tumours on the Thyroid Gland

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks your thyroid often resulting in hypothyroidism. (See detail in Hashimoto’s area)
The thyroid’s main function is to regulate body and brain growth and development, body temperature, energy production and metabolism. Metabolism is the rate at which the body produces and uses energy from nutrients, food and water and oxygen. Iodine is a primary nutrient required to produce thyroid hormones which in turn influence and regulate cellular function within the issues of the body.

Hypothyroidism

When your thyroid starts to slow down, the thyroid struggles to produce adequate thyroid hormones and our metabolism starts to slow. A myriad of symptoms can result including:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hair Loss and thinning
• Brain Fog,
• Poor Memory & Difficulty Concentrating
• Tightness and swelling of Neck
• Low appetite and constipation
• Puffy Face, Droopy Eye Lids
• Thinning of eyebrows, particularly the outer third •
• Sensitivity to Cold
• Dry skin, hair & brittle nails
• Depression
• Reproductive issues including excessive menstrual bleeding, and Infertility
• Reduced Libido 
• Muscle weakness, aches and pains
• Slow reflexes

This list is not exhaustive as there can be many other symptoms associated with hypothyroid function.

You may experience some or all of these symptoms, have seen your Doctor for testing and are told there is nothing wrong. General blood tests are limited and often don’t provide adequate detail to show imbalances, which can be frustrating as you still don’t feel well.

You may even be diagnosed and treated for hypothyroidism, but still don’t feel well, with your Doctor advising you that the thyroid blood tests are fine, so there’s no issue.

Treatment usually includes medication for life with people often still feeling unwell.

Natural thyroid treatments are designed to investigate, address and resolve the symptoms including fatigue, weight and mood, and ultimately get to the root cause of the imbalance for long term resolution.