Hypothyroid


The thyroid gland is our thermostat, regulating the secretion of 2 hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy. Too much, you have hyperthyroidism, too little hypothyroidism.

It also controls our body temperature, so comparing the layers of clothes you wear with others around you is often a good indicator of your body temperature.

Women in their 30's-50's seem to be most at risk.

But what causes it?

No one knows exactly. Here are some of the theories put forward:

  • Some infections are though to be a trigger, Influenza B, streptococcal sore throat, acute food poisoning. The ideology is that if an infection is around the pharynx, the thyroid gland is damaged in someway during the infection and does not fully function thereafter.
  • Some women relate their onset of hypothyroidism to obstetrical /gynaecological procedures/operations.
  • Some to whiplash in a car accident or emotional trauma
  • Fluoride, chlorination has been suspected to restrict the body's absorption of iodine. Iodine is vital to the function of the thyroid gland.
  • Prolonged imbalance in the adrenals (adrenal fatigue and exhausion) cause the thyroid to take up the slack eventually causing it to become fatigued and not work properly.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Thyroxine deficiency will ultimately impact everything, physical, mental, sexual, immunological, emotional. The individual symptoms will vary. Here are the signs and symptoms, this has been taken from the Thyroid UK website

Physical
Falling asleep all the time Sensitivity to sun
Weight gain/10% have weight loss Loss of equilibrium
Milky discharge from breasts Unsteadiness on feet
Slow movements Lack of co-ordination of hands & feet
Slow speech Trembling
Pins and needles Insomnia
Breathlessness Nightmares
Dizziness Loss of Libido
Palpitations Cystitis 
Puffiness of
Eyes Feet
Face Ankles
Hands
Visual Disturbances
Poor focusing Dry eyes
Heavy eyelids Gritty eyes
Double vision Blurring
Ears
Oversensitive hearing Deafness
Noises in ears
Mouth
Hoarse voice Lumpy swallowing
Difficulty swallowing Choking fits
Sore throats Dry mouth
Swollen tongue
Hair loss/Brittle hair
Head Eyebrows (outer third)
Pubic Eyelashes
Underarm
Nails
Brittle Soft
Flake off
Skin
Normal colour Coarse patches
Palms red and burning Sallow in colour
Dry Pallor
Flaky Flushed
Muscles
Cramps Lack of co-ordination (ataxia)
Numbness in
Legs Fingers
Toes Back
Arms
Pain
Migraines/headaches Pain at wrist
Head feels like it's going to explode Muscle and joint pain
Lower back pain Carpel tunnel syndrome
Digestive problems
Loss of appetite Constipation
Food sensitivity Diarrhoea
Alcohol intolerance
Blood pressure
High blood pressure Low  blood pressure
Menstrual disorders
Cessation of periods Infertility
Scanty periods PMS
Heavy periods
Intolerance
Of cold Prone to overheating
Of heat
Mental
Panic attacks (racing pulse) Decreased interest
Memory impaired Hallucinations
Forgetfulness Claustrophobia
Mental sluggishness Phobias
Concentration poor Loss of ambition
Decreased ability to pay attention and focus Slow thoughts
Noises and voices in head Post Natal Depression
Emotional
Cry easily Nervousness/anxiety
Agoraphobia Persecution complex
Wanting to be on ones own Personality changes
Angry Resentfulness towards family / partner / friends
Mood swings Lack of confidence
Depressed Suspicious of people's motives
Any other symptoms
If you have been diagnosed with the following conditions, a thyroid function test may show up a deficit of thyroid hormone, as hypothyroidism can mimic these conditions quite closely. (see section below on Normal Chemistry)
  • M.E.
  • LUPUS
  • FIBROMYALGIA
  • ALZHEIMERS DISEASE

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Thyroxine Medication -

Replacing the thyroid hormone in tablet form is the most common solution. The dosage will need to be introduced gradually from 25ug increasing usually at weekly or fortnightly intervals until your individual dose if obtained. Full benefits may not be seen for several months.

There are 2 forms:

  • Sodium thyroxide
  • Armour thyroid extract (taken from pigs)

According to Dr Gordon Skinner, a leading doctor in this area, patients who have had radio-ablation, thyroidectomy or a long standing history of hypothyroidism respond better to the thyroid extract.

Thyroid Blood Chemistry:

According to Dr. Gordon Skinner and Dr. John Lee a serious flaw currently exists in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Dr John Lee explains that:

Excess oestrogen can block the action of the thyroid hormone, even when the thyroid is producing hormone normal levels. Therefore, the hormone is ineffective and symptoms of hypothyroidism appear.

In this case, laboratory tests may show normal thyroid hormone levels in a woman's system, because the thyroid gland itself is not malfunctioning.

More Information:

For more detailed information on Thyroid Disorders, here are are some excellent sites:

www. thyroiduk.org

www.drnorthup.com

Recommended Reading

Dr. Gordon Skinner has written a very informative and easy to read book called: Diagnosis and Management of Hypothyroidism by Gordon R B Skinner MD DSc FRCPath FRCOG which can be obtained from his practise in Birmingham tel - 0121 449 8895

Coping with Thyroid Problems by Dr. Joan Gomez

So why does reflexology help?

Reflexology allows the body to de-stress and relax, stimulating the body's own healing systems to work more effective and efficiently to help the body return back to its natural state of balance. It can help alleviate some of the uncomfortable and difficult symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. It is very effective at balancing hormones, targetting the adrenal functions which are often suppressed with thyroid problems.

All material provided on the levelfooting web site is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health program.

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