Could Thyroid Problems Be Affecting Your Weight
You exercise. You eat a decent amount of food, but not too much nor too little. You avoid sugars and high fats (most of the time, anyway). But the numbers on the scale seem to move of their own accord, fluctuating rapidly regardless of your lifestyle. Is this due to thyroid problems?
For many people across the globe, weight issues are the one of the first and most notable thyroid symptoms. And, like a mysterious stranger who is difficult to pin down, thyroid problems come in many different forms.
The Thyroid
At the center of all thyroid symptoms is the small organ known as the thyroid. Embedded in the neck, it ideally delivers an appropriate amount of hormones throughout the body, helping to regulate weight levels. When it doesn't work properly, serious thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, may result.
Hyperthyroidism
One of the most common thyroid problems that affect both men and women is hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the patient's thyroid becomes overactive, causing extreme weight loss regardless of how many calories he or she ingests.
At first, many individuals with this form of thyroid problem may not be too concerned when thyroid symptoms begin; after all, "thin" is still "in" in most western societies. However, over time, hyperthyroidism takes a toll on the body, causing extreme fatigue and robbing one's system of the nourishment it needs.
In the end, being too "skinny" becomes a liability, rather than an asset, and the person with these thyroid symptoms is unable to enjoy daily activities until they are properly diagnosed and the condition is treated.
Hypothyroidism
As you might suspect, hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. During hypothyroidism, the thyroid does not work at the appropriate level and is under-active. Consequently, people affected with this type of thyroid problem begin to gain substantial amounts of weight.
Obviously, carrying a significant number of pounds causes health problems for the person suffering these thyroid symptoms, including increased risk of heart disease. Plus, the stigma of being obese can isolate the thyroid disease patient, setting him or her up for depression or other psychological troubles.
Again, the most important issue at stake with hypothyroidism is catching the thyroid symptoms in their earliest stages, before weight gain becomes too extreme and taxing for the patient.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Fortunately, there are plenty treatment methods for those who have been diagnosed with a thyroid problem. These can include surgery and intake of prescription medications as well as radiation treatment. Luckily for those concerned with such extreme-sounding treatments, there are also some organic, naturally occurring remedies such as vitamin and mineral regimens, including increased intake of selenium.
In the end, it's important to remember that thyroid problems have answers, but you must identify thyroid symptoms with the help of an endocrinologist before you can help yourself. So if you're having unexplainable weight issues (or if you notice an increase in the size of your thyroid gland), schedule an appointment with your physician today to rule out any thyroid problem as the cause.
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Originally posted at http://mitaminsteam.articlealley.com/could-thyroid-problems-be-affecting-your-weight-143851.html)
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