Do You Have Low Thyroid Function?

Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid) is surprisingly common, affecting about one in eight women from 35 to 65 years of age, and one in five women over 65. Not many people spend time thinking about their thyroid gland but if you have unexplained weight gain or fatigue, you may want to have your doctor run a few tests.

Other common symptoms include:

• constipation
• dry skin
• hair loss
• slow heartbeat
• cold hands and feet
• slow wound healing
• depression
• memory disturbances
• difficulty concentrating

Of even greater concern, hypothyroidism can contribute to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and osteoporosis. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, are following a weight loss program that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise, and are still not losing weight, talk to your doctor about a trial of natural thyroid hormone.

Most conventional doctors use the synthetic thyroid hormone Synthroid. I never prescribe Synthroid to my patients with low thyroid function for one simple reason: Synthroid contains only T4, and T4 is not the only hormone produced by the thyroid gland.

Rather, I recommend Armour Thyroid or another form of natural desiccated porcine (pork) thyroid, which contains T3, T4, and all the active elements of the thyroid gland.