Posted By:Dr. Beth Browne, MD
Posted On:December, 10th 2008
Category: Weight Loss
Your thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped glad that sits at the base of the neck. It produces hormones that control your body’s metabolism, or how the body uses energy. Low level of thyroid hormones can cause multiple signs and symptoms throughout the body, including: -Feeling tired and weak -Always feeling cold -Elevated cholesterol levels -Constipation -Weight gain -Memory problems -Dry skin and brittle nails -Depression -Heavy or irregular periods These signs and symptoms may occur slowly and then increase over time. The most common cause of underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is Hashimotos Thyroiditis. In this condition, the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland and thus it can’t function to its maximum potential. Other causes of hypothyroidism are a history of radiation therapy for cancer, viral infections and even some drugs, such as lithium. Simple blood tests can diagnose hypothyroidism. For different thyroid levels are checked prior to starting the medically supervised weight loss programs here, at Nutrition Solutions. These thyroid levels are checked again at the end of the 21 week program. The thyroid levels are not checked sooner because it can take at least 12 weeks for subtle changes to occur in lab values, even when medications are changed.