Hypothyroidism Continued
Hypothyroidism is one of the most commonly missed conditions by blood screening and affects millions of people, predominantly women, in the western world. This condition is poorly managed by current blood testing methods.
Hypothyroidism is an under-active or low performing thyroid, meaning it isn’t naturally producing enough thyroid hormone for your body to metabolise properly. The most common causes of hypothyroidism include the autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and iodine deficiency.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism:
Risk factors that can predispose you to this condition:
– Runs in the family
– Diagnosed with nodules or goitre
– Experienced postpartum thyroiditis
– Treated for hypothyroidism in the past
– History of repeated miscarriages
– Recently gave birth
– Suffered from previous temporary thyroiditis
– Diagnosed with any type of autoimmune disorder
– Had all/part of thyroid removed for any reason
– Took anti-thyroid medication at any point
If you can control your symptoms naturally and effectively, without nasty side-effects, why wouldn’t you? Natural support whether you take medication or not is imperative. Nutrient support will help your medication work more efficiently by converting T4 into T3 more effectively and will help to prevent other insidious diseases that can evolve if not addressed. High and Low thyroid states are impacted by nutrient deficiencies, but those nutrient deficiencies also impact other body systems in the long run as well.
The key to success: AVOID self-treatment
There are some people that think they can visit their local herbal store, grab a few ‘remedies’ and all will be well with their thyroid. Unfortunately, thyroid issues are complicated enough for experts to correct, let alone people trying to work without a clinical diagnosis and treatment plan!
The best advice you can follow is to gather as much information as you can, speak with your doctor and a natural health practitioner or, even better, an integrative practitioner that specialises in thyroid conditions, and figure out what combination works best for you. The more YOU know, the better your health decisions will be.