What you need to know about Thyroid Imbalance Part 1

Did You Know… a thyroid imbalance can affect your entire body?

The thyroid has been referred to as the “Master Hormone” because it controls virtually everything in the body.  Although it may be tiny … (it’s only two inches long and weighs less than an ounce) … you can’t let that mislead you.  From its location below your voice box, this butterfly-shaped gland sends out signals that affect every cell in your body.  Your thyroid can be likened to an airport control tower for your body.  Because thyroid function impacts your entire body, it can be difficult to diagnose when it starts to go awry.

The two main functions of the thyroid are to metabolize calories into energy and to manage the production of hormones that oxygenate your cells.  Each cell in your body contains receptors for thyroid hormones, so if production slows down or speeds up, the consequences can be wide-ranging.

Small, but mighty, the thyroid regulates metabolism, calcium balance and the reproductive system…and promotes the use of oxygen and the production of protein.

It starts with the hypothalamus—the part of the brain that produces hormones that control weight and body temperature among many other bodily processes.

The hypothalamus releases what’s called the TRH hypothalamus hormone (a hormone that requires zinc). The TRH hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH. Once the thyroid gets the go ahead from TSH, it releases the hormones T3 and T4, which control a multitude of bodily functions.

Hypothyroidism is often times diagnosed incorrectly due to the fact that the symptoms are vague and varied. Misdiagnosis is common and doctors may treat only the symptoms of hypothyroidism and not the source.

Most Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Chronic fatigue

Chronic pain – especially in the joints and muscles

Intolerance to cold – such as cold hands and feet

Dry skin and dry, thinning hair

Irregular menstruation and infertility

Constipation

Unexplained weight gain or puffiness

Depression or mood swings

High cholesterol

Memory loss

It is estimated that over 24 million people suffer from a dysfunctional thyroid – and more than half of these cases are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Endocrinologists have discovered that the majority hypothyroidism sufferers have an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation called Hashimoto’s disease.  Hashimoto’s occurs when your immune system begins to attack your thyroid.  This disease accounts for a shocking 90% of thyroid dysfunction in patients.