The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in the neck and produces hormones. Hormones can be described as ‘messengers’ in the body – they are produced by the thyrpod gland. , These help to control and regulate energy processes, such as the basal metabolic rate.
The thyroid hormones are extremely important because they regulate our metabolism. That is, they tell each and every cell, and therefore each tissue and organ, when and how much fuel (or food we eat) to convert into energy and heat.
There are two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The two hormones, T3 and T4, amount to most of the gland’s output – about 20 per cent and 80 percent respectively. By far the most common problem is a condition knowns as ‘hypothyroidism’ – a low functioning thyroid. This occurs when the gland isn’t producing enough hormones, or when the T4 hormones aren’t being fully converted into the active T3 hormones, so can’t be effective.
Robina 7 Day Doctors and Acupuncture recommends this video on hypothyroidism:
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Often when people are suffering from uncorrected hypothyroidism, they complain of being too cold. They are unable to regulate their body temperature very well.
- Sufferers often complain of being tired a lot of the time. Also not having much energy, having to rest more often or they find they fall asleep more easily.
- Sufferers can also experience effects in the digestive system such as constipation or indigestion.
- Thyroid hormones have an effect in the brain. So if the thyroid is not producing hormones as it should, this can cause poor memory, low mood, poor attention or ‘brain fog’.
- Other symptoms can include weight gain, muscle aches and cramps, dry skin, brittle hair and nails. Also loss of libido and irregular or heavy periods.
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