This butterfly gland at the base of the neck, regulates many functions in the body. The heart, brain, liver, kidneys, skin, and well, every cell in the body has receptor sites for thyroid hormone. Sounds pretty important doesn’t it, yes it is. An inability to lose weight, low energy, mood swings, forgetfulness, hoarse voice, dry and coarse skin and hair are just a few of the symptoms created by having a faulty thyroid metabolism. Many patients go undiagnosed because the medical industry only looks at TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as a marker. It is an important marker but it is not the whole picture.
The thyroid produces T3 and T4 for metabolism regulation. The 3 and 4 represent how many molecules of iodine are attached. T3 is critical for body temperature. These two hormones interact by T4 cleaving off a molecule of iodine that starts a chain reaction that begins with TSH from the pituitary gland.
One way you can determine right now if you have a thyroid metabolism problem is to perform a basal temperature test. To take this test you must take your temperature first thing in the AM before moving around. Have the mercury thermometer by your beside and place it under your arm (armpit). Repeat for 3-5 consecutive days. The key is to not move your body much except to reach for the thermometer and place under your arm. Leave the thermometer under your arm for 3 minutes, then, note the temperature. If your average temperature is consistently less than 97.8 you may have a thyroid metabolism issue. Women currently having their menstrual period should wait until 3 days after completion.
If you have any of the symptoms listed below or if you performed the basal temperature test and your results are imbalanced, please call to have your thyroid function analyzed. It is dangerous to not have proper thyroid metabolism as many major issues can be the result of not taking thyroid hormone, i.e. stroke, obesity, lack of sleep, the body not repairing well and more.
Thyroid symptoms include: Fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, forgetfulness, hoarse voice, dry, coarse skin and hair, trouble swallowing, discomfort in cold weather or when walking into an air conditioned room, increased cholesterol levels, heavy or irregular periods, inability to get pregnant or enlargement of the thyroid (goiter) just to name a few.