| Because symptoms are difficult to detect, | | | | with this, many develop high cholesterol levels which |
| hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, often goes | | | | lead to a higher risk of heart disease or stroke. Many |
| undiagnosed when it first develops. Since the thyroid | | | | of those with an under active thyroid also have dry, |
| controls the production of hormones affecting | | | | itchy skin, swelling around the neck and face, and pain |
| metabolism, its malfunction eventually begins to take a | | | | or stiffness in the joints. Many people with an |
| toll on a number of important systems of the body. It is | | | | underactive thyroid notice that their voice has |
| important to watch for signs of an under active thyroid | | | | deepened and their hair and fingernails break more |
| so that early treatment can prevent the development | | | | easily. Those suffering from hypothyroidism are also |
| of a goiter, an extremely enlarged thyroid, infertility, birth | | | | more likely to suffer from depression. |
| defects, or heart problems. | | | | Causes of a thyroid disorder. |
| The most common symptoms of thyroid problems. | | | | An under active thyroid may be caused by |
| One of the first symptoms to appear that would be | | | | medications, iodine deficiencies, a congenital disorder, a |
| indicative of an under active thyroid is fatigue. Patients | | | | problem with the pituitary gland, or even pregnancy. |
| report feeling tired or sluggish, and often report they | | | | Although synthetic thyroxine is often used to treat this |
| lack the energy for their normal everyday activities. | | | | condition, natural products are available which contain a |
| This may be related to another symptom of an under | | | | combination of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Other |
| active thyroid, constipation. Patients with an | | | | organic concentrates for glandular health, developed |
| underactive thyroid also tend to gain weight very | | | | especially for those with an underactive thyroid, can be |
| rapidly, with no increase in caloric consumption. Along | | | | found at local health food stores and pharmacies. |