Thyroid Problems in Women

Natural Remedies for Thyroid Problems in Women

The thyroid is a gland produces the hormone Thyroxine. This hormone regulates the body’s metabolism, meaning the speed at which the body produces energy from oxygen and nutrients. Since it controls a biological process affecting all body organs, it plays a critical part in how well these functions operate. The most notable ones among them are determining the rate of your heart beat and how fast your body burns calories.

Approximately 20 million Americans are affected by a type of Thyroid disease. 60 percent of those affected are not aware of their condition. Furthermore, women have a higher probability of being affected by Thyroid disease than men. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop problems with their Thyroid during their lifetime. There are several causes of thyroid problems in women. Their effects include

• Difficulty in getting pregnant as Thyroid disease affects your menstrual cycle which in turn, affects your ovulation.
• Menstrual period problems by having too much or too little Thyroid hormone cause irregular, heavy or light periods. In certain cases, it can even lead to your periods stopping for several months or longer.
• Difficulties during pregnancy that affect both the baby and the mother.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive Thyroid, is a condition where by the gland produces excess Thyroid hormone. The causes of this condition include:

• Grave’s Disease, an autoimmune disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism affecting women ten times more than men.
• Excessive consumption of iodine.
• Thyroid nodules that over produce the Thyroid hormone.
• Toxic multi nodular goiter.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms are generally not noticed when they first occur. As time goes on and your metabolism speeds up, certain symptoms become more pronounced. Signs that you may be suffering from this condition include:

• An irregular or rapid beating of your heart.
• Nervousness or anxiety.
• Having trouble sleeping at night.
• Beginning to sweat more than usual.
• Muscle weakness.
• An unusual increase in your appetite.
• Feeling hot while other people aren’t.
• Becoming easily irritable.
• Losing weight despite eating the same amount of food or even more. It should be noted however that not everyone experiences weight loss.
• Irritation in your eyes, their turning red or bulging.
• Diarrhea or increased bowel activity.
• A reduced number of menstrual periods that are also lighter.
• Hyperthyroidism increases your risk of having osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes your bones to become brittle and break more easily.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism also known as an under-active thyroid, is where the gland produces low amounts of the Thyroid hormone. Several conditions cause hypothyroidism, and they include:

• Thyroid hormone resistance.
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which causes the gland to inflame.
• Other kinds of Thyroiditis.
• Insufficient iodine in the body.
• Some viral infections.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms can include:

• Weight gain.
• Fatigue.
• Irregular menstrual periods.
• Slow movements and thoughts.
• Increased sensitivity to cold.
• Muscle cramps.
• Muscles that ache more or feel sore.
• Dry skin and hair.
• Feelings of depression.
• Tingling in the fingers and hands. Numbness can also be felt in the same areas.

Natural Thyroid Remedies

There several types of alternative thyroid remedies, but you may want to start with a visit to your local Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner. Nutrition Response Testing is a noninvasive modality that identifies the underlying causes of your health problems. The results of these tests are based on your body's neurological responses and all the practitioner to correct chemical imbalaces through diet modifiaction and potentiall with the help of whole food supplements, which help patients adjust to diet modification programs.

Other natural remedies may help, but without the guidence of a doctor, your results can be "hit" or "miss." Please ask your heath practitioner for the best natural remedies for your exact condition. These suggestions are provided for general information and do not replace treatment from a medical professional.

• Proper nutrition to help your body balance the hormones naturally. Place more emphasis on an organic diet. Increasing your fiber can help balance estrogen in your body.

• Acupuncture can help correct the imbalance of hormones in the body.

• Stress reduction through massage.

• Herbs can help strengthen and tone the body’s system. They can be in dried form e.g. capsules, powders or tea. Lemon balm can support bringing an overactive thyroid back to normal. Organic green tea can provide an antioxidant effect. Avoid any caffeinated green tea or ginseng products as they may provide an over stimulation effect.

• Increase your intake of vitamin D and calcium to strengthen the bones as hyperthyroidism can lead to osteoporosis.

• Daily exercise is also recommended, if possible. A daily 30-minute regimen for five days a week can help reduce the glands over activity.

• Supplements can increase your protein and caloric content per meal. This is especially if you have lost a lot of weight or have muscle weakness. Omega-3 fatty acids can help boost immunity while reducing inflammation. L-carnitine can contribute to reducing the Thyroid gland's activity. Alpha-lipoic acid provides antioxidant support.

• You can also use a probiotic supplement where necessary to support immunity and gastrointestinal health. Vitamin C could also be present to boost the immune system and act as an antioxidant.

About the Author

Dr. Donna Sergi is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in Brooklyn NY who also helps her patients overcome severe and chronic illness with Nutrition Response Testing. Learn more by visiting her website at HealthierUNY.com


Additional References

• About Hypothyroidism - American Thyroid Association

• Hyperthyroidism - Mayo Clinic

• Thyroid Disease - WomensHealth.gov