THYROID - THE FACTS

 

ARE YOU HAVING PROBLEMS CONTROLLING YOUR WEIGHT?

 

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR THYROID CHECKED?

 

Perhaps you’re eating well and maybe doing some exercise but still have an inexplicable weight gain.  If those numbers are creeping up while leaving you mystified as you feel you’re doing the right things it could be time to consider if you have a thyroid problem.  It’s so frustrating to be strong and resisting treat food and alcohol just to see that it’s to no avail if the weight doesn’t keep off. 

 

An underactive thyroid, a condition known as hypothyroidism is not uncommon among women approaching menopause and a classic signal is some increase in weight.  However, that’s not to say it can’t strike at any time within other age groups. 

 

This sluggish thyroid condition affects many who remain blissfully unaware.  We are told that the menopause induces a natural tendency to weight gain so it may not occur to people to look further than the obvious possible cause and this is why it is often undiagnosed.  Other warning signs to be aware of are dry skin, thinning hair, low energy, muddled or shortness of memory and an inclination towards feeling a chill.  It could be that not all of these symptoms are evident all at once. 

 

One condition, known as sub-clinical hypothyroidism has few signs other than the weight increase.  Tests may also reveal normal levels of thyroid hormone in the blood but despite this the condition could still be sufficiently serious to cause weight gain. 

 

If someone is suffering from sub-clinical hypothyroidism a further blood test will be required to confirm the diagnosis.  This will confirm a rise in TSH – Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone –TSH is produced by the pituitary gland, which is situated in the brain.  This gland then tells the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone as levels are insufficient.  So any rise in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is usually an indication to alert your Doctor to an underactive thyroid. 

 

About 20% of women will experience some level of thyroid abnormality at some point in their adult life.  So, if you are experiencing an unexpected increase in weight it could be worth having it checked out with your Doctor as many people live with symptoms of fatigue, dry skin and feeling cold all the time without ever really knowing why and this can also adversely impact on cholesterol levels.

 

Get Fit

Get the Facts

Facts that Fit 

 FIT FACTS