A study conducted by the Thyroid Service of Harvard Medical School and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center found that by the age of 50 one out of 10-12 women have some degree hypothyroidism. The study also showed that by the age of 60 one out of 5-6 women are suffering from some form of hypothyroidism.
Issues with the thyroid often go undetected in women. This is usually because many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the same as those of menopausal women. When women experience the symptoms many physicians treat them with medications which address the loss of estrogen in their systems. Any further symptoms are brushed off as being "menopausal."
The two hormones that the Thyroid gland secretes regulate some very important functions in the body. These are growth, development, metabolism, organ functions, fertility and body temperature. When the thyroid is misbehaving the entire body suffers the consequences.
There are many symptoms that one suffers from when they have hypothyroidism. These include cold sensitivity, fragile finger and toe nails, anxiety or panic attacks and many more. All together there are about sixteen symptoms of hypothyroidism most of which are also found in the symptoms of menopause.
Traditionally a simple blood test has been performed to diagnose thyroid conditions. However, the test "T3 and T4" has been shown to be inaccurate and unreliable in many cases. The studies that were done included many testing methods and evaluations of results and the T3 and T4 showed many false negatives when used on a control group.
Harvard Medical School and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center found that the most accurate and reliable test for hypothyroidism was the Thyroid Antibodies Test. The test must be requested and is expensive so it is not one that is normally requested without a patient asking for the test and the physician approving it first. But, the results of an undiagnosed thyroid condition can cause serious and long-term damage when it is not treated.
An individual may wish to take a prescription medication or deal with their thyroid condition through alternative remedies. However, it is important before taking any medication for a condition that it first be diagnosed through the proper testing methods.
After finding out that a thyroid condition exists there are other ways to help alleviate the condition that do not include medication. The easiest of these is to change one's diet. By eating a diet that includes more fresh fruits and vegetables, eliminating refined foods and polyunsaturate oils one will feel better and their thyroid will function much better.
A combination of Irish Moss and Kelp balance and detoxify the body, and increase an individual's metabolic rate. Supplements which offer the benefit of antioxidants and provide the body with needed minerals and vitamins will also help to make an individual feel much better.
The first step if an individual believes they may be one of the ten to twelve women who have undiagnosed hypothyroidism is to make a doctor's appoint and be tested to confirm the diagnosis. After the diagnosis is made a knowledgeable decision can be made about the type of treatment alternative that will be best.
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