Thyroid Health Problems How, Why, and What to do Next

The thyroid gland is a precision instrument that is vital in growthand metabolism. This means that not only is the thyroid gland essentialfor the function of our bodies, but also that it needs to be working perfectly for optimum health. Oneof the most common forms of thyroid problem is hypothyroidism or anunder active thyroid gland. The most prevalent form of hypothyroidismis thyroiditis or Hashimoto�s Disease, an auto immune disease affectingthe thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by a thyroid glandthat is inflamed or sluggish. Thyroid problems can be due to iodinedeficiency, an after effect of surgery or medication, or dysfunction ofthe pituitary gland. First, let�s look at the symptoms and diagnosis ofthyroid problems more closely. What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? Oneof the first signs is usually weight gain, especially if the poundspile on quickly and are almost impossible to remove. The skin couldbecome dry and rough, the hair dry and coarse, and constant tirednessare also symptoms of this thyroid problem. There could also be memory loss,cramps and constipation. All of these symptoms or just a few can bepresent, which means diagnosis of a thyroid problem by your physician Irecommended. A blood test for levels of thyroid hormones TSH and T4 is the most precise way to diagnose a health problem. Now, most precise does not necessarily mean veryprecise, and in fact there is no specific level of thyroid hormonesthat is �normal� for everyone. Thyroid problems can appear in someonewho has the same levels as someone else who seems perfectly fine. Therange of thyroid levels considered normal is quite wide. Nevertheless,a blood test remains the best way to diagnose a thyroid health problem,such as hypothyroidism. Treatment of hypothyroidism Theconventional treatment for thyroid health problems is Levothyroxine, asynthetic thyroid hormone. This treatment can be often veryhit-and-miss, with constant monitoring needed as to how levothyroxinelevels are affecting the condition. An alternate method of treatingthyroid health problems is using a natural thyroid hormone, such as anextract from cows. Here however, there is always the fear of viruscontamination. In both cases it is hoped that changing the thyroidhormone levels will treat the causes of the thyroid problem, ratherthan just temporarily relieve the symptoms. Natural treatment of hypothyroidism Vitaminsand supplements are also vital when treating thyroid health problems,and for general thyroid support. Vitamins A and C help a lot, as doesan increased intake of copper. It�s best to cut out stimulants likealcohol, tea and coffee, as well as smoking.Food with additives and preservatives should be avoided, while freshvegetables and fruit should be increased to restore balance to yourbody. There are also natural remedies being used to treatvarious thyroid problems. Kelp is said to be very effective and hasbeen used for centuries in Chinese medicine. However, if you are usingit to for thyroid support, you must be sure that the kelp comes from areputed source as it can be contaminated with effluents if it has beenharvested too close to the shore. Go-ji or the lyceum berry is alsosaid to be good for thyroid problems, as is avena sativa, a wild oatplant.