Your Thyroid: The Body’s Thermostat

Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid produces less than adequate amounts of thyroid hormones, is very common, especially among women. The condition has no cure and can happen at any age. The thyroid gland is sometimes referred to as the body’s thermostat, and having a thyroid working inadequately can have widespread consequences on the body, impacting the muscles, skin, bones, heart, brain, and more. Unfortunately, a high number of people are living with this condition undiagnosed. Depression, higher cholesterol levels, fatigue, hair loss, rough, dry skin, and even memory loss can all be symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hormone testing is required to determine whether you could be suffering from this condition. And while many doctors rely on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels alone to diagnose hypothyroidism, more extensive blood work is usually required to get an accurate diagnosis and to come up with the best course of treatment. Read more…