Do you have a thyroid problem?

Your thyroid gland is responsible for growth and mental alertness. It should continue to work throughout your life, providing the thyroid hormones that keep you physically and mentally active. But because it is a hormonal gland, it can often produce a bit too much or too little thyroid hormone. Depending on the degree of this over or under production of the thyroid hormone, you will sense a number of symptoms. These symptoms are common to many complaints. So it’s important to know which group of symptoms could suggest what kind of a thyroid problem.

Thyroid Symptoms Group One

Feeling nervous, irritable or emotional, shaking, sleeping poorly, being intolerant of heat and sweating more than usual, losing weight despite increased appetite, feeling tired and having weak muscles, increased heart rate or palpitations, loss of hair, swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck - a goitre, eyes that are pushed forwards and look more prominent. All of these are symptoms of thyroid problem.

If you recognise two or more of the above symptoms in yourself, go and see your doctor, and check out what else you can do to improve your hormonal balance. It is possible that you have a form of thyroid problem called hyperthyroidism, which means that your body is over-producing the thyroid chemical. Hyperthyroidism can cause many different symptoms and the overall pattern can vary for different people, depending on age and the amount of excess hormone being released. But in general, the symptoms relate to a “speeding up” of the body’s metabolism.

Thyroid Symptoms Group Two

Fatigue, lethargy, intolerance to cold, constipation, weight gain, depression, excessive menstruation, dry skin, hair loss, and hoarseness are all symptoms of a group two thyroid problem.

If you have two or more of the above symptoms, you need medical advice as you may have hypothyroidism. This can be summed up as a underproduction of the thyroid chemical leading to a slower metabolism.

What’s your next step with a thyroid problem?

As you can see, symptoms of a thyroid problem are determined by whether your thyroid glands are over or under producing the thyroid chemical. Over production will lead to a speeded up metabolism making you agitated whereas under production will slow down your metabolism making you lethargic. Apart from thyroid hormone adjustment treatment, there are natural courses of action you can take if you have been diagnosed with having a thyroid problem. If you have an enlarged thyroid, it may be caused by an iodine deficiency, by eating foods that contain goiter-causing substances, or by other disorders that interfere with thyroid hormone production. Some foods such as the following vegetables - cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower - contain natural goitrogens. By cutting out foods that stimulate or interfere with thyroid hormone production, you can reduce your problem naturally. Certain seaweeds and Chinese herbs can also help. Take stock of your thyroid problem by looking into all the possible forms of treatment, not just the chemical replacement option.

The thyroid gland is found in the neck. It lies in front of the wind-pipe, above the level of the collarbones. It secretes hormones, which help regulate how cells, and the organs made up of those cells, work. Your thyroid gland is responsible for growth and mental alertness.

Author Bio: Mitamins team bd@mitamins.net Thyroid Problems - Find Authoritative Natural Treatment Information, Plus Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements for Supporting Thyroid Problems, Symptoms, Causes. vitamin support for Thyroid Problems(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Thyroid-Gland-Support.html)

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com. PositiveArticles.Com does not vouch for or necessarily endorse the contents of this article.

If you are copying this article for publishing on a website or ezine, please use the "Ezine Ready" button from the righthand menu.