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For many women thyroid function is a legitimate concern. It could cause both an increase and a decrease in weight depending on the current state of the thyroid function. Thyroid disease may exist as either an excessive production of thyroid hormone or a deficient production of thyroid hormone. The increase or decrease in weight will usually be closely associated with the severity of the condition. Severe cases of excessive thyroid hormone will result in a more significant weight loss than mild cases while a severe case of deficient thyroid hormone will result in a more significant weight gain than a mild case. This article will explain hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and will also discuss the prevalence of thyroid disease and how herbal supplements can be used to treat thyroid disease.
Understanding Hypothyroidism
Women who have difficulty losing weight may be concerned about the function of their thyroid. This is because a condition such as hypothyroidism can contribute to small weight gains as well as difficulty in losing weight. Hypothyroidism is a form of thyroid disease in which the thyroid does not produce a sufficient amount of the thyroid hormone.
If you suspect hypothyroidism may be contributing to your inability to lose weight, consult your doctor to be tested for this condition. With a simple blood test your doctor can determine whether or not there is a lack of the thyroid hormone in your system. A severe deficiency of the hormone can result in approximately ten pounds of excess weight. This weight will likely be the result of water retention and should dissipate rather quickly once treatment to correct the hormone levels begins. The American Thyroid Association categorizes the weight loss associated with treating hypothyroidism by stating, "Since much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is accumulation in salt and water, when the hypothyroidism is treated one can expect a small (usually less than 10% of body weight) weight loss."
Understanding Hyperthyroidism
Most women think of hypothyroidism when they are concerned about losing weight but hyperthyroidism is an equally dangerous condition. Hyperthyroidism can result in weight loss which stems from the overproduction of the thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates the metabolism and too much of the hormone can elevate the metabolism to a level which can result in weight loss.
If you are considering treatment options which create an elevated level of thyroid hormone in the blood it is important to note this can be quite dangerous and can create more problems than it solves. Some of the problems which may arise include the loss of muscle protein and increased anxiety.
The Prevalence of Thyroid Disease
The statistics surrounding thyroid disease can be quite astounding. According to the Thyroid Foundation of America it is estimated that roughly 4.1 million men and 8 million women suffer from thyroid disease which has not been diagnosed and is not being treated. This is unfortunate as both extremes of thyroid disease can contribute to weight problems. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss while hypothyroidism can result in a weight gain. The weight losses and weight gains associated with thyroid disease are not usually substantial but they can be significant enough to cause a host of medical problems including increases in blood cholesterol, fatigue, depression and even cardiac arrhythmia.
Using Herbal Supplements to Treat Thyroid Disease
Many women turn to the use of herbal supplements to treat thyroid disease. Thyvox, in particular, is one such supplement which may be used to increase the level of the thyroid hormone in the system. The purpose of increasing this thyroid hormone is typically to allow for the hormone levels to stabilize to an adequate level to allow the body to shed the few excess pounds of weight the deficiency of the hormone has caused. If you are considering taking a substance such as Thyvox you should visit the following website to learn more about the supplement: www.Thyvox.com.
You should also visit your doctor to discuss the use of this or any supplements before you begin to use them. Consulting your doctor is very important because they can provide you with a great deal of information which can help you decide whether or not the use of the supplement is worthwhile in your case. They might be able to suggest another treatment option or they may be able to point out the risks associated with each treatment method so you can make an informed decision.
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Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on a health or fitness program.
This article is provided by the vTeam, Kamau Austin Publisher. Visit Health and Fitness Vitality and the Fit After Forty blog at... http://www.HealthandFitnessVitality.com for more articles on how health is your greatest asset.
