Understanding thyroid function
The thyroid is a small gland in the trachea that primarily regulates metabolism. However, many other body functions are controlled by the thyroid. Growth, fertility, body temperature, cholesterol levels, appetite, brain function, memory, vision and coordination are influenced by the thyroid. However, if you're like most women, you're mostly concerned with the connection between the thyroid and metabolism. This is because an underactive thyroid has been linked to low weight gain. The American Thyroid Association describes this weight gain as follows: "Because BMR is reduced in patients with hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid is generally associated with some weight gain...

Understanding thyroid function
The thyroid is a small gland in the trachea that primarily regulates metabolism. However, many other body functions are controlled by the thyroid. Growth, fertility, body temperature, cholesterol levels, appetite, brain function, memory, vision and coordination are influenced by the thyroid. However, if you're like most women, you're mostly concerned with the connection between the thyroid and metabolism. This is because an underactive thyroid has been linked to low weight gain. The American Thyroid Association describes this weight gain as follows: "Because BMR is reduced in patients with hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid is generally associated with some weight gain. Weight gain is often greater in individuals with more severe hypothyroidism."
If you are concerned about your thyroid levels, you should consult your doctor to determine whether your weight loss program is being affected by thyroid disease. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, dry hair, brittle nails, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, heavy menstrual flow, and constipation. Your doctor may do a simple blood test to see if your thyroid is working properly. If your thyroid is problematic, your doctor may prescribe a treatment plan to correct the condition. However, if your thyroid is not abnormal, your doctor may be able to recommend a weight loss program to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Managing Thyroid Function for Weight Loss
Women diagnosed with hypothyroidism can control their weight loss with treatment to correct thyroid hormone levels in the blood. The main reason for treating these conditions is to correct metabolic problems and prevent serious problems such as loss of muscle proteins. However, for many women, there is an added bonus to losing some excess weight. The amount of weight gain associated with hypothyroidism is typically only 5-10 pounds. However, it can be difficult to lose those pounds with just regular diet and exercise. Once thyroid hormone levels normalize, you should lose the weight caused by the lack of thyroid hormone levels fairly quickly.
Combining thyroid treatment with exercise and diet
For a truly effective weight loss program for thyroid disease, it is worth combining thyroid hormone treatment with an exercise program and a healthy diet. According to the American Thyroid Association, "Massive weight gain is rarely associated with hypothyroidism. In general, 5 to 10 pounds of body weight can be attributable to the thyroid, depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism." For those who are significantly overweight, the amount of weight caused by thyroid deficiency is considered minimal.
Correcting thyroid hormone levels in the blood is likely to result in a weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds, but is unlikely to result in additional weight loss beyond this amount. For this reason, it is very important that you eat right and exercise regularly. These additional measures will help you lose extra weight once your thyroid hormone levels are corrected.
Using herbal supplements to combat thyroid disease
Using herbal supplements to combat thyroid disease and lose weight may be effective for some women. If you are considering using supplements to regulate your thyroid hormone levels and achieve your weight loss goals, you should investigate Thyvox. The website: http://www.Thyvox.com provides more information and can help you determine if this herbal supplement is right for you.
It is not recommended that you self-diagnose and use over-the-counter herbal supplements to treat yourself. If you suspect a thyroid disorder, you should confirm this with your doctor and discuss treatment options with him or her. He or she may recommend the use of nutritional supplements in a prescribed manner. Taking these supplements under a doctor's guidance is much safer than taking them without a doctor's approval because the doctor can alert you to possible risks and complications of taking supplements in combination with other medications.
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