Chronically Fatigued? You May Have a Thyroid Disorder

Have you had the uncomfortable feeling lately that the world around you is speeding by, while you're just getting slower, in mind, body, and mood? You may find yourself blaming it on stress, or on the need for more sleep, or on lack of exercise and proper diet.

Your healthcare provider may find a different culprit, though. If so, you would find yourself in good company. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists estimates that about 27 million people in the U.S. alone have a thyroid disorder.

So why is the thyroid important? Hormones produced throughout your body are regulated by the thyroid, and it oversees much of your body's functions. Without the right amount of thyroid hormone being produced, heart, vision, blood pressure, mood, metabolism and organ function can be affected.

Hypothyroidism

Lilleth drags herself out of bed each morning, finding courage to face the day in an extra large, fat-free espresso. At least that's permitted on her diet. She notices more hair than usual clogging her shower drain, while she applies moisturizing lotion to her extra-dry skin. She grabs a hoodie as she forces herself out the door, wondering why other people don't notice that the office is always cold! Her lunchbox contains two diet colas, to help keep her moving later.

Lilleth exhibits part of the list of symptoms of hypothyroidism (deficiency of thyroid hormone) that include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Decreased libido
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Memory loss
• Intolerance to cold
• Infertility

Hyperthyroidism

Trixie wakes up early each morning. She's still tired, but she doesn't sleep well, restless all night, so she might as well get up. She wears layered tops because she's bound to be overheated and sweating before lunch. Why can't they turn down the temperature in the office, anyway? It's always hot! She grabs some breakfast and says no to the latte that's luring her. She's already too high-strung.

While less-commonly diagnosed, Trixie displays signs of hyperthyroidism (excess of thyroid hormone), which manifests itself with symptoms such as:

• Nervousness
• Weight loss/underweight
• Anxiety
• Rapid heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Hand tremor
• Sleep problems

Other conditions such as an autoimmune thyroid disease known as Hashimoto's, and a rising incidence of thyroid cancer also affect a significant number of people.

Looking for Answers

Thyroid conditions should always be diagnosed and treated by healthcare professionals. At organizations such as the Chicago Weight Loss Clinic, a simple blood test will give essential information to your provider regarding treatment. For a complete picture, be sure the test includes levels of T3, as well as T4 and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

A variety of medications are available to treat both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Your provider will determine your best starting point and reevaluate in three to six months. Your consistent cooperation in treatment and follow-up will result in a better start to each new day.