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Hypothyroid WHAT IS IT? A description of hypothyroid and how do we recognize it. Let me tell you about a work mate of mine we will call him Jeff. The first time I met Jeff was at work. He was overweight and looked like he needed a good night’s sleep. At times he would call me on the phone and he always sounded to me like he was drunk. I began to wonder how long it would be before he got fired for drinking at work. One afternoon I discovered that Jeff was not one to drink at work or any other time but was a victim of a hypothyroid condition which caused his speech to be blurred and his energy to be low. After working in the same department with Jeff for several months he move to a new job within the company and I did not receive any more drunk sounding phone calls. About a year later however, he did phone me. His voice was clear and easy to understand due to the fact he had found a way to overcome his hypothyroid condition. What is Hypothyroid? There are two main types of thyroid conditions that affect millions of people today hypothyroid and hyperthyroid. Hypothyroid refers to a deficiency in hormone, while hyperthyroid refers to an excess of hormone. Both conditions are difficult to recognize because they produce relatively mild symptoms. Fortunately, thyroid problems can be easily diagnosed through simple blood tests to determine thyroid hormone levels. Hypothyroid would show up as a low level and hyperthyroid as a high level of the hormone. Anyone can become a victim of hypothyroid. Age and gender have no bearing. However, the majority of those affected are females over the age of 35. Studies show that as many as 4 to 7% of adults in America suffer from hypothyroid to some degree. 0ne of the functions of thyroid hormones is to control our metabolism. That is to say, it determines the way in which our body burns and stores the calories we take in. This is the reason a hypothyroid condition will cause us to gain and maintain unwanted weight. When the condition is corrected the excess weight comes off and energy leaves increase. Gaining weight without reason Inability to lose weight Feeling tired and weak Difficulty remembering and concentrating Feeling depressed and moody Being easily irritated Having muscle and/or joint pain Having pain when the weather is cold Becoming cold easily Having rough dry hair Skin is dry and pale. Fingernails are thin and brittle Face, hands, and feet are often swollen or puffy Menstrual cycles are irregular. Having a decreased interest in sex Weight gain, fatigue and depression due to a slow down of the body functions are the most common complaints of a hyperthyroid condition. The symptoms will get worse if they are left unchecked. Remember Jeff. He was able to find a solution to his hypothyroid condition. I would encourage you to do the same. Here are some sites you may want to look at to help deal with hypothyroid.
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