Natural Thyroid Hormone Treatment for Hypothyroidism

The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is a prescription for a synthetic hormone; although, some doctors have had success in researching and treating patients using natural treatment for hypothyroidism. The Meaning of Hypothyroidism The thyroid glands purpose is to produce enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning properly. When this gland fails to produce the proper hormone levels, it causes a chemical imbalance and the body functions start to shut down gradually. This condition is known as hypothyroidism. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, [LINK: http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZNIEIUKIE&sub_cat=0] as many as 27 million Americans have either an underactive or overactive thyroid condition, and more than 50 percent go undiagnosed. Thyroid disease seems to be more prevalent in women than men; eight out of 10 people diagnosed with a thyroid condition are women. Causes of Hypothyroidism Proper thyroid function relies on the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and thyroid gland to work in conjunction with one another. When the thyroid gland functions normally, it produces two primary hormones that help keep chemicals in balance and allows the body to run efficiently. The hormones produced are called, thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). These hormones are released based on signals received from the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland receives a warning from the hypothalamus to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The pituitary gland regulates how much TSH it releases depending on the quantity of thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels that are already present in the blood. The thyroid gland ultimately produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine according to the present TSH levels.

Autoimmune Disease Proper thyroid gland function may be affected by autoimmune disease. Antibodies are produced that may inhibit the thyroid gland from producing the proper amount of hormones. Hyperthyroid Treatments Treatments used to control an overactive thyroid gland condition called hyperthyroid may result in an opposite effect and slow down the thyroid gland function. The outcome is a reduction in the amount of hormones produced. Radiation Therapy Radiation treatments can affect thyroid gland function and may result in hypothyroidism. Thyroid Surgery Surgery to remove the thyroid gland entirely or partially may result in a slow down or complete shut down in the production of hormones.

Medications The use of some medications may cause the thyroid gland to slow down production of hormones. Other Underactive Thyroid Factors or Conditions Other conditions can contribute to an underactive thyroid gland such as: congenital disease, pituitary disorder, pregnancy, and Iodine deficiency.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism There is a wide range of hypothyroid symptoms. A patient may not realize that he or she has a hypothyroid condition because symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen over a long period of time Some of the most common hypothyroid symptoms include: Tiredness Lack of energy Sensitivity to cold Constipation Dry, pale skin Puffiness in face Hoarse voice High blood cholesterol level Weight gain Joint pain, stiffness, inflammation Muscle aches, stiffness, weakness

Natural Thyroid Hormone Natural thyroid hormone, also known as Armour Thyroid, is derived from pig thyroid. Armour Thyroid contains the primary hormones thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3) that a healthy functioning thyroid gland would normally produce. Some physicians are hesitant in using natural thyroid hormone therapy because they believe synthetic hormone does a better job at replicating the primary human hormones. Alternative health physicians such as, Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., [LINK:http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/brownstein-hormones.htm] author of The Miracle of Natural Hormones, states that most patients he treats with Armour Thyroid feel better and the results are positive. Natural thyroid contains T-3 and T-4 hormones, and helps convert these hormones, as well as other chemicals. Dr. Brownstein also states that Armour Thyroid has shown to be safe over a long period of time. To learn more about Armour Thyroid visit: www.armourthyroid.com .