According to the National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC), it is estimated that approximately 20 million people in the United States are affected with a thyroid disorder. This condition is often under diagnosed and there is believed to be an addition 13 million living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder.
There are two basic types of thyroid disorders, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is also known as an overactive thyroid, which means the body is producing too much thyroid stimulating hormone. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid, meaning the body is not making enough of the hormone. This condition often results in weight gain or an inability to lose weight, despite diet and exercise.
Thyroid disorders can become serious when they are not detected. One problem with under diagnosis is the symptoms are often mild or vague. Sometimes the symptoms are not serious enough for the person to seek medical attention and in other cases; the condition is misdiagnosed as depression, another medical condition or written off as a normal part of the aging process.
Fortunately, there are treatments available that can correct an imbalance and restore the body to optimal functioning. It is important to have the condition confirmed by a doctor. We perform testing for thyroid disorders and will suggest a healthy course of treatment. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
A wonderful book that gives a functional medicine perspective on thyoid disorders and what to do is about them is: Hypothyroidism Type 2. It’s listed under our section on Recommended Reading.
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