Why Are So Many Women Experiencing Thyroid Problems
Many factors can interfere with thyroid function, which requires healthy thyroid tissue, the ability to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone, conversion of the inactive form of thyroid hormone to its active form , and the effective binding of thyroid hormone to your cellular receptors a key and lock type of effect that activates all of the thyroids activities in your body.
Here are some of the top factors that can interfere with these processes:
Environmental Toxin Exposure and Detoxification Overload: We are living in a veritable sea of environmental toxins about 80,000, in fact, from hormones to heavy metals that can interfere with thyroid function. This toxic burden, which affects us from a very young age, even before we are born, can cause both direct damage and also overloads our ability to detoxify fast enough to keep up. The daily and cumulative impact of these are often overlooked, but they are taking a toll on our thyroid health. Pesticides on non-organic foods, lawn chemicals, personal care products with perfumes, household cleaners, plastics, makeup, water and air pollution all add up in a big way.
Immune System Confusion: Environmental toxins, chronic stress, nutritional insufficiencies, leaky gut, food intolerances, being overweight, and having chronic inflammation are all factors that can lead the immune system to become confused and eventually start to attack our own tissue which is exactly what is happening in Hashimotos.
What Can Be Done To Minimize The Weight Gain Caused By Menopause
Start adopting healthy lifestyle practices before menopause by exercising and eating well, so those good habits are in place. Aging is associated with changes in metabolism, decreased muscle and increased body fat. We are often less physically active the older we get, which is a large contributor to weight gain. Weight tends to deposit around the midsection, which can increase the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and certain types of cancer . In addition to the negative impact on health, weight gain often leads to poor self-image and depression.
It is important to your overall health and well-being to adhere to a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity. A healthy diet includes watching portion control and limiting amounts of sugar, processed carbohydrates, fat and processed foods. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to help with weight loss, improve cognition and decrease the risk of dementia and osteoporosis, as well as improve heart health. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, Pilates and yoga help maintain posture, balance and core strength.
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Should I Get Tested For A Thyroid Problem
Yes! If youve been suspecting that small, subtle symptoms you have might be connected to something bigger, do get appropriate testing.
For the estimated 28 million women with known energy and metabolism problems due to hypothyroidism, the trouble usually creeps up. Its not a flash flood that takes out your whole house its a dripping faucet that might erode the foundation over time.
Comprehensive testing provides the information needed for a definitive diagnosis before starting any medication or other treatment plan for healing your thyroid. Unnecessary treatment and over-treatment in the integrative and functional medicine practitioners may be as common as missed diagnoses and under-treatment are by conventional doctors.
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Very Low Protein Diets
Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are essential for hair growth. Thats because amino acids are necessary for the production of keratin, the main structural protein of hair.
Protein malnutrition when your body doesnt get enough protein can result in hair loss. Thus, if youre following a low calorie weight loss diet that doesnt contain enough protein, you may experience hair loss as a result .
When your protein needs arent met, your body prioritizes important protein-dependent functions like tissue repair, digestion, pH and water balance regulation, and hormone production. Because hair growth isnt essential to keep you alive, hair loss may occur .
Additionally, deficiencies in specific amino acids, such as histidine, leucine, valine, and cysteine, are common in people with hair loss.
In a study in 100 people with hair loss, researchers observed histidine and leucine deficiencies in large percentages of participants across several types of alopecia, including androgenic alopecia and TE (
10 ).
For example, a 2018 study that included 50 people who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes a large portion of the stomach, observed hair loss in 56% of the participants. Hair loss was more common in women .
Notably, the participants with hair loss had much lower levels of zinc and vitamin B12 both before and after surgery .
Hypopituitarism: I Couldnt Control My Thirst
SYMPTOMS: Exhaustion, headaches and a raging thirst possibly also weight loss or weight gain and changes to appetite.
CAUSE: The pituitary gland is situated near the brain and produces many different hormones needed to stimulate the production of other hormones in the body. For example, it produces lutenising hormone, which stimulates the ovaries to produce other hormones. Sufferers of hypopituitarism dont produce enough of these trigger hormones, often because of a benign tumour on the gland itself, although other causes include head trauma, brain surgery and stroke. About 70,000 to 80,000 men and women in the UK suffer from it.
TREATMENT: Initially the patient may need surgery to remove the tumour thereafter they need daily hormone treatment to replace the trigger hormones that are no longer produced. Even those who dont require surgery will still need to take replacement hormones.
MY STORY: Youlie Giovanovits, 34, is a web designer from Dawlish, Devon. She says: Until my diagnosis I would get up as many as ten times a night to go to the loo and I was always thirsty: I could drink a litre-and-a-half of water in one go. To me, it just became normal but then, when I was 19, my periods stopped and my mum insisted I see the GP.
A blood test revealed some of the levels of my hormones were out, and I was referred to an endocrinologist. An MRI scan showed I had a tumour around my pituitary gland, which was slowly destroying it.
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Feeling Cold Hair Loss And Insomnia: The Warning Signs Of Thyroid Issues
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to serious consequences if left untreated.
Fatigue, thinning hair, irritability. These are common symptoms that are sometimes the product of lifestyle choices, but can also be signs of underlying health conditions. Many people brush symptoms like moodiness and tiredness under the rug, accepting them as a nonnegotiable of life.
However, many symptoms that people think are normal actually indicate that theres a hormone imbalance at play. One common type of hormone imbalance involves the thyroid gland, an important organ that affects virtually every function of your body.
Learn More With Overcoming Estrogen Dominance
The body has an amazing ability to heal. We just need to give it the right resources.
In Overcoming Estrogen Dominance, my goal is to empower and give you the tools to take control of your hormones and health.
More than 70% of women experience estrogen dominance. The symptoms range from lumpy and fibrocystic breasts to thyroid nodules, hot flashes, fibroids, uterine polyps, painful, heavy or irregular periods to infertility and miscarriages, from mood swings to insomnia, weight gain to fatigue.
So many women have experienced the pain and frustration that comes when they feel their symptoms and complaints are dismissed or minimized. This is particularly true for women who are experiencing the symptoms of hormone imbalance. Even when doctors do offer treatment, its typically in the form of prescription medication or invasive surgical procedures.
In Overcoming Estrogen Dominance, I hope to show that those extreme interventions are often unnecessary, and to give women a roadmap to reverse estrogen dominance using food, herbs, supplements and natural protocols to rebalance hormones.
To get your copy of Overcoming Estrogen Dominance, go here.
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Other Causes Of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can also result from thyroid nodules. These are lumps that develop inside the thyroid and sometimes begin producing thyroid hormones. Large lumps may create a noticeable goiter. Smaller lumps can be detected with ultrasound. A thyroid uptake and scan can tell if the lump is producing too much thyroid hormone.
Hormones That Can Cause Your Fatigue Weight Gain And Mood Changes
Something we know for sure is this we all have hormones. These chemical messengers in your body are sent to your organs and tissues to perform a certain function. The communication that happens between your hormones and organs control major metabolic processes within your body, such as mood, energy, weight, temperature regulation and even digestion. An imbalance in these little guys are often what causes us to look at our health a little more closely, because its only until they are not working optimally that we remember we even have them.
Well discuss some of the most common hormone imbalances we see in our patients. Sometimes when you identify one hormone imbalance, you may find that it could be linked to another hormone imbalance, giving you the pieces of the puzzle you have been looking for!
1. Thyroid:
What you may experience with suboptimal thyroid:
- Feeling tired and exhausted
- Feelings of coldness in hands and feet
- Thinning, dry and brittle hair
- Scattered brain
What you may experience with an imbalance in cortisol:
- Poor stress response
What you may experience when insulin resistance is present:
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Phase : Tired But Wired
Once constant pressures or a taxing situation puts you under chronic stress, the repeated triggering of your adrenal glands can cause high cortisol release one moment and low another. You cant get going so you start to rely more and more on coffee and tea to try to boost your flagging energy levels. But this article explains why the caffeine only causes further hormonal imbalance.
How Stress Steals Your Other Hormones
Normally pregnenolone works as a precursor hormone to help produce testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and DHEA . When your body is struggling to keep up with stress, it diverts an important hormone called pregnenolone to making more cortisol instead of progesterone. This reaction is known as the pregnenolone steal see the chart below:
The classic example is a woman stressed about getting pregnant who then adopts a child as her stress levels go down with the new baby, she gets pregnant with her own child. Im sure you have heard of stories like that. As her pregnenolone is not longer directed to over-produce cortisol, she can now also produce sufficient progesterone and get pregnant.
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Fatigue Joint Aches And Weight Gain
- Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2020
Your symptoms can be due to several different conditions such as diabetes, an underactive thyroid gland , or congestive heart failure. Depression and mood disorders can sometimes also cause physical symptoms such as these. If you are concerned about these types of symptoms, it’s recommended to contact your doctor right away.
While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:
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Is Your Thyroid Working Properly
A simple blood test through your primary care physician can check your thyroid function, and many thyroid conditions can be managed with medication. If you think you may have thyroid trouble, request an appointment with a Keck Medicine of USC physician through the online form, or by calling USC-CARE.
Hormonal Imbalance And Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom that may have many potential underlying causes. Just as too little progesterone can make it hard to sleep, too much progesterone can make you more tired. Another common hormonal imbalance that causes fatigue is low thyroid hormone levels . This condition is easily diagnosed with a blood test. If your levels are low, you can take prescription medication to bring your levels back up to normal. Regardless of any hormone imbalance that may exist, practice good sleep hygiene to optimize your sleep. This involves going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and exercise from the late afternoon on to avoid interfering with sleep. Establish a relaxing nighttime routine to give your body the message that its time for sleep. Take a warm bath, sip a cup of chamomile tea, or listen to relaxing music.
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What Happens If You Don’t Treat It
Mild consequences of hypothyroidism include weight gain and high cholesterol, Azzaro says. Chronically low thyroid hormones can result in much worse effects, including infertility and nerve damage.
Hypothyroidism also involves pregnancy risks and “absolutely has to be corrected during pregnancy for the normal development of the fetus,” Wright says. It also increases your risk of heart disease.
Hyperthyroidism often results in emergency medical care due to increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms and palpitations, Azzaro says. It can also lead to osteoporosis and eye problems. In many cases, hyperthyroidism requires removal or radiation of the thyroid gland, and the person must take thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of their life.
“Leaving hyperthyroidism unchecked can lead to life threatening heart arrhythmias and damage to the myocardium, or heart muscles,” Wright adds.
Is Hair Loss Dangerous
Hair loss itself isnt dangerous, but the underlying causes of hair loss after weight loss can be.
For example, nutrient deficiencies and extreme calorie restriction can lead to serious health consequences like iron deficiency anemia, muscle loss, and more.
Besides potentially causing hair loss, iron deficiency anemia can lead to impaired brain function, infertility, heart conditions, depression, and altered immune system function .
Calorie and protein restriction can also cause dangerous side effects, including decreased muscle function, heart problems, intestinal issues, decreased immune function, and increased risk of depression .
Other medical conditions, such as autoimmune conditions, can also cause hair loss. Therefore, its important to talk to a healthcare provider if youre experiencing hair loss, because it might not be related to weight loss.
Summary
Although hair loss itself is not dangerous, the underlying causes can be. If youre experiencing hair loss, its important to consult your healthcare provider to rule out an underlying medical condition.
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Hormonal Imbalances Lead To A Multitude Of Symptoms Including Unexplained Weight Gain Adult Acne And Hair Loss
Having lived with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for years now, I have had my fair share of ups and downs, as I am sure most sufferers – or fellow cysters – have. PCOS is a disorder in which a females hormones are out of balance, caused by small cysts growing on the ovaries.
These hormonal imbalances lead to a multitude of symptoms, including unexplained weight gain, adult acne, hair loss , irregular cycles and infertility issues. As most ladies would agree, it sometimes feels that these symptoms rob you of your femininity.
There are days when I do not want to leave the house because I have had such a bad skin flare-up that even the best foundation cannot cover. One year, my hair had thinned so much that I had to wear hair clip-ins.
Has The Patient Experienced Faints
If the patient also describes specific attacks of extreme anxiety, palpitations, abdominal pain or collapses, consider phaeochromocytoma.
If they have also developed heat intolerance, palpitations, tremulousness, weight loss, diarrhoea or oligomenorrhoea consider thyrotoxicosis.
If they describe an association with fasting, extreme hunger, or the collapses are relieved by eating, or the patient has gained weight attempting to prevent attacks, consider insulinoma.
If the patient describes a feeling of dry warmth rather than sweating, flushing of the face or diarrhoea, consider carcinoid syndrome.
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Malnourishment Or Lack Of Nutrients
If your hair loss occurs along with symptoms such as lethargy, tiredness, or feeling sluggish, you may be having a deficiency of certain nutrients. For instance, if your body has zinc deficiency, you may also experience symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea, and lack of energy. Similarly, iron deficiency can cause symptoms like tiredness, brittle nails, hair loss, chest pain, and more. Hair loss can also occur as a result of malnourishment. Make sure you consume a diet rich in proteins and nutrients, such as fruits, green vegetables, nuts, and ample water.
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What Are The Physical Side Effects Of Menopause
Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, hair loss, weight gain , skin changes, arthralgias , sleep disruption and loss of muscle tone are all common. You dont have to live with the discomfort, though. There are treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, that can help improve bothersome symptoms. I ask my patients about their most bothersome symptoms, and then we talk about those things and how to manage them so they can feel better.
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I Cant Think Straight Im Foggy
Blame it on: High cortisol and its effect on the hippocampus.
Ever noticed how hard it is to keep your mind operating on all four cylinders when youre having a heavy-duty day? You sit at the computer but cant focus, go to the shops but forget what you need to buy, misplace your keys or wallet or both. This mental meltdown is a direct result of adrenal fatigue.
Stress induced brain drain is caused by the hippocampus, a little seahorse shaped organ in the brain involved in our short term memory. With too much cortisol in the brain, dendrites start to shrink and dont work as properly.
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