Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat?

By the Vteam, Kamau Austin Publisher

You might wonder if your thyroid is to blame for your excess weight. If you are concerned about this possibility, you need to answer a few important questions about thyroid disease:

" Have you been to the doctor yet?
" Will thyroid hormone treatments help you achieve your ideal weight?
" Are there risks associated with thyroid treatments?
" Can herbal supplements help?

This article will examine each of these questions in detail. In answering these questions we hope to enlighten you about the severity of thyroid disease, the potential treatments, and the risks associated with these treatments.

Have You Been to the Doctor Yet?

If you are concerned about thyroid disease, you should visit a doctor. A trip to the doctor to determine whether or not thyroid disease is present is extremely important and should be one of the first steps you take if you suspect thyroid disease. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, dry hair, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, heavy menstrual periods and constipation. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include nervousness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, sensitivity to heat, weight loss and moist palms.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, a trip to the doctor to discuss the possibility of thyroid disease is definitely warranted. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to determine whether or not thyroid disease in the form of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is present. Once the condition is diagnosed, a treatment program can be designed to rectify the hormone levels and help you lose any excess weight caused by the condition.

Will Thyroid Hormone Treatments Help You Achieve Your Ideal Weight?

Whether you are suffering from hyperthyroidism and a loss of weight or hypothyroidism and a weight gain, you might wonder if thyroid hormone treatment can help you achieve your ideal weight. This is a difficult question to answer because the subject of weight and thyroid function is rather complicated.

The American Thyroid Association discusses the subject of using thyroid hormones for the purpose of weight loss in the following statement, "Thyroid hormones have been used as a weight loss tool in the past. Many studies have shown that excess thyroid hormone treatment can help produce more weight loss than can be achieved by dieting alone.
However, once the excess thyroid hormone is stopped, the excess weight lost is usually regained." This statement alludes to the use of thyroid hormone to stimulate weight loss but also implies weight gain is likely to follow when the treatment ends. If you are considering hormone treatments for the purpose of losing weight, you should be aware that the hormone treatments will likely only reduce the amount of weight caused by the hormonal imbalance. Any additional weight loss will require a diet and exercise program.

Are There Risks Associated with Thyroid Treatments

There are risks associated with just about any treatment plans and thyroid treatments are no exception. Overcorrection of the problem is one of the risks of thyroid treatment. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, or a lack of thyroid hormone, your treatment could cause the opposite condition. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism, or excessive thyroid hormone. The American Thyroid Association explains additional risks by stating, "Furthermore, there may be significant negative consequences from the use of thyroid hormone to help with weight loss, such as the loss of muscle protein in addition to any loss of body fat. Pushing the thyroid hormone dose to cause thyroid hormone levels to be elevated is unlikely to significantly change weight and may result in other metabolic problems."

Can Herbal Supplements Help?

You might wonder if there are herbal supplements which can assist you in obtaining your weight loss goals by regulating the amount of thyroid hormone in your system. Herbal supplements such as Thyvox can be used for this purpose. Visiting the following website will help you learn more about Thyvox and how you can use it to achieve your weight loss goals: www.Thyvox.com. It is important to carefully review this website and other sources to learn as much as you can about the supplement before you make the decision to start using it.

Understanding Thyroid Function

By the Vteam, Kamau Austin Publisher

The thyroid is a small gland located on the windpipe which primarily regulates metabolism. However, many other bodily functions are controlled by the thyroid. Growth, fertility, body temperature, cholesterol levels, appetite, brain function, memory, vision and coordination are all influenced by the thyroid. However, if you are like most women, you are primarily concerned with the connection between thyroid and metabolism. This is because an under-active thyroid has been associated with small weight gains. The American Thyroid Association describes this weight gain, "Since the BMR in the patient with hypothyroidism is decreased, an under-active thyroid is generally associated with some weight gain. The weight gain is often greater in those individuals with more severe hypothyroidism."

If you are concerned about your thyroid level, you should consult your physician to determine if your weight loss program is being deterred by thyroid disease. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, dry hair, brittle nails, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, heavy menstrual flow and constipation. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test that can determine if your thyroid is functioning properly. If your thyroid is problematic, your doctor can prescribe a treatment plan to rectify the condition. However, if your thyroid is not malfunctioning, your doctor may be able to recommend a weight loss program that will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Managing Thyroid Function for Weight Loss

Women who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism can manage their weight loss by undergoing treatment to correct the thyroid hormone levels in the blood. The primary 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 in losing some excess weight. The amount of weight gain associated with hypothyroidism is typically only 5-10 pounds. However, these pounds can be difficult to lose with only ordinary diet and exercise. Once the thyroid hormone level is normalized, you should shed the weight caused by the deficient thyroid hormone levels rather quickly.

Combining Thyroid Treatment with Exercise and Diet

For a truly effective weight loss program in the presence of thyroid disease, it is worthwhile to consider 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, 5-10 pounds of body weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism." For those who are significantly overweight, the amount of weight caused by the deficient thyroid is considered minimal.

Correcting the thyroid hormone levels in the blood will likely result in a weight loss of 5-10 pounds but is unlikely to result in additional weight loss beyond this amount. For this reason, it is very important to be sure you are eating a proper diet and exercising regularly. These additional measures will help you to lose any additional weight once your thyroid hormone levels are corrected.

Using Herbal Supplements to Fight Thyroid Disease

The use of herbal supplements to fight thyroid disease and lose weight can be effective for some women. If you are considering the use of supplements to help regulate your thyroid hormone levels and achieve your weight loss goals, you should investigate Thyvox. The website: www.Thyvox.com provides more information and can help you to determine if this herbal supplement is right for you.

It is not recommended that you diagnose yourself and use over the counter herbal supplements to treat yourself. If you suspect thyroid disease, you should confirm this with your doctor and discuss treatment options with him or her. He or she may recommend the use of supplements in a prescribed manner. Taking these supplements under the direction of a doctor is significantly safer than using them without a doctor's consent because the doctor can make you aware of possible risks and complications of taking supplements in combination with other medications.

Stabilizing Thyroid Function for Optimal Weight

By the Vteam, Kamau Austin Publisher

For many women, thyroid function is a legitimate concern. It could cause both an increase and a decrease in weight depending on the current state of the thyroid function. Thyroid disease may exist as either an excessive production of thyroid hormone or a deficient production of thyroid hormone. The increase or decrease in weight will usually be closely associated with the severity of the condition. Severe cases of excessive thyroid hormone will result in a more significant weight loss than mild cases; a severe case of deficient thyroid hormone will result in a more significant weight gain than a mild case. This article will explain hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and will also discuss the prevalence of thyroid disease and how herbal supplements can be used to treat thyroid disease.

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Women who have difficulty losing weight may be concerned about the function of their thyroid. This is because a condition such as hypothyroidism can contribute to small weight gains and make it difficult to lose weight. Hypothyroidism is a form of thyroid disease in which the thyroid does not produce a sufficient amount of the thyroid hormone.

If you suspect hypothyroidism may be contributing to your inability to lose weight, consult your doctor to be tested for this condition. With a simple blood test, your doctor can determine whether or not there is a lack of the thyroid hormone in your system. A severe deficiency of the hormone can result in approximately ten pounds of excess weight. This weight will likely be the result of water retention and should dissipate quickly once you begin treatment to correct your hormone levels. The American Thyroid Association categorizes the weight loss associated with treating hypothyroidism by stating, "Since much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is accumulation in salt and water, when the hypothyroidism is treated, one can expect a small (usually less than 10% of body weight) weight loss."

Understanding Hyperthyroidism

Most women think of hypothyroidism when they are concerned about losing weight but hyperthyroidism is an equally dangerous condition. Hyperthyroidism can result in weight loss which stems from the overproduction of the thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates the metabolism and too much of the hormone can elevate the metabolism to a level that can result in weight loss.

If you are considering treatment options which create an elevated level of thyroid hormone in the blood, it is important to note this can be quite dangerous and can create more problems than it solves. Some of the problems which may arise include the loss of muscle protein and increased anxiety.

The Prevalence of Thyroid Disease

The statistics surrounding thyroid disease can be quite astounding. According to the Thyroid Foundation of America, it is estimated that roughly 4.1 million men and 8 million women suffer from undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disease. This is unfortunate since both extremes of thyroid disease can contribute to weight problems. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss while hypothyroidism can result in weight gain. The weight losses and weight gains associated with thyroid disease are not usually substantial, but they can be significant enough to cause a host of medical problems including increases in blood cholesterol, fatigue, depression and even cardiac arrhythmia.

Using Herbal Supplements to Treat Thyroid Disease

Many women turn to the use of herbal supplements to treat thyroid disease. Thyvox, in particular, is one such supplement which may be used to increase the level of the thyroid hormone in the system. The purpose of increasing this thyroid hormone is typically to allow hormone levels to stabilize and the body to shed the few excess pounds of weight the deficiency of the hormone caused. If you are considering taking a substance such as Thyvox, you should visit the following website to learn more about the supplement: www.Thyvox.com.

You should also visit your doctor to discuss the use of this or any supplements before you begin to use them. Consulting your doctor is very important because your doctor can provide you with a great deal of information that can help you decide if the use of the supplement is worthwhile in your case. Your doctor may also be able to suggest another treatment option and point out the risks associated with each treatment method so you can make an informed decision.

Using Thyroid Hormones for Weight Loss

By the Vteam, Kamau Austin Publisher

Many women who are concerned about their weight often seek simple solutions for achieving their weight loss goals. However, unfortunately, there are no simple solutions to weight loss. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration strongly cautions women to be suspicious of weight loss aids that make outrageous claims. They warn, "It is important for consumers to be wary of claims that sound too good to be true. When it comes to weight loss schemes, consumers should be particularly skeptical of claims containing words and phrases like: easy, effortless, guaranteed, miraculous, magical, breakthrough, new discovery, mysterious, exotic, secret, exclusive, ancient." Similarly, women should be aware of any unbelievable claims made by manufacturers of thyroid hormones for the purpose of weight loss.
The Theory Behind Using Thyroid Hormones for Weight Loss

The thyroid hormone is closely associated with metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid produces an excess of the thyroid hormone. This excess amount of hormone increases metabolism and may result in weight loss. Conversely, hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is under-active and produces a deficient amount of the thyroid hormone. Modest weight gain of 5-10 pounds may occur in this hormonal state.

It is the condition of hyperthyroidism which is of the most interest to women who are interested in losing weight through the use of thyroid hormone. There have been several studies which indicated the use of the thyroid hormone resulted in more weight loss than when the hormone was not used. In general, more severe cases of hyperthyroidism can result in increased weight loss.

The Risks of Using Thyroid Hormones for Weight Loss

While studies have indicated the use of thyroid hormone in a weight loss program resulted in greater weight loss than in programs which did not use the benefit of the thyroid hormone, it is important to note there are some risks associated with the use of thyroid hormone to lose weight. Specifically, the American Thyroid Association describes these associated risks by stating, "Once the excess thyroid hormone is stopped, the excess weight loss is usually regained. Furthermore, there may be significant negative consequences from the use of thyroid hormone to help with weight loss, such as the loss of muscle protein in addition to any loss of body fat. Pushing the thyroid hormone dose to cause thyroid hormone levels to be elevated is unlikely to significantly change weight and may result in other metabolic problems."

If you are investigating the use of thyroid hormones to help you achieve your weight loss goals, you should carefully consider the risks of these hormones. The use of synthetic hormones is certainly justifiable in the case of a legitimate hormonal excess or deficiency, but when they are specifically used for weight loss, it may be difficult to avoid creating additional medical problems. Also, it should be noted that it is possible to quickly regain the weight once the use of the hormone is stopped. A condition of hyperthyroidism creates a need for additional calories. Women who become used to eating to accommodate this condition may have a difficult time scaling back their eating habits once they are no longer using the thyroid hormone.

Using Thyroid Hormones under a Doctor's Care

In any weight loss endeavor you undertake, you should always seek out the assistance and guidance of your doctor. This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, you should always consult your doctor when you are attempting to lose weight to ensure you are healthy enough to begin exercising and to make changes to your diet or begin taking supplements. Additionally, your doctor can discuss the use of supplements with you and provide a great deal of insight into the benefits and risk involved with taking these supplements.

Herbal Supplements Containing Thyroid Hormones

Thyvox is just one of many herbal supplements marketed for the purpose of producing weight loss through the use of the thyroid hormone. More information on Thyvox can be found at the following web address: www.Thyvox.com. At this site, consumers can learn more about the substance and how it is designed to work. This information, along with information obtained in a consultation with your doctor, can help you determine if you want to use Thyvox in your weight loss endeavors.

Having Trouble Losing the Last Five Pounds?

By the Vteam, Kamau Austin Publisher

If you are like many women, you may find that no matter how hard you try, you just can’t lose the last five pounds you need to meet your weight loss goals. For many women, the root of this problem may be a condition known as hypothyroidism. This condition is characterized by a decreased basal metabolic rate (BMR). This means the amount of calories required for the body to sustain life in a state of rest is lower than the BMR of a woman with a thyroid which is functioning properly.

Have Your Thyroid Tested

If you have been exercising regularly, following a healthy diet and taking other measures to lose weight without seeing results, you might want to consider having your thyroid tested to determine if it is functioning properly. This is important because, according to the American Thyroid Association, “It has been appreciated for a very long time that there is a complex relationship between thyroid disease, body weight and metabolism. Thyroid hormone regulates metabolism in both animals and humans.”

The test for thyroid function is rather simple, minimally invasive and it doesn’t take long to obtain results. In most cases, your doctor will examine your thyroid visually and manually to determine if the gland appears to be an abnormal size. Additionally, the doctor will also draw a small amount of blood for testing in the laboratory. The blood is tested to determine the quantity of thyroid hormones in the blood. An excess of the hormone may indicate hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, while a deficiency of the hormone may indicate hypothyroidism, an under-active thyroid. Hypothyroidism is most commonly linked to weight gain.

The Good News about Hypothyroidism and Weight Gain

If you have your thyroid tested and are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, there is some good news. Most importantly, the condition is treatable and your doctor can prescribe a treatment plan that should help you regulate the amount of thyroid hormone in your body. Once the hormone levels are regulated, you should be able to shed the last few pounds your body has been maintaining.

The other good news associated with weight gain and hypothyroidism is that the amount of weight typically gained as a direct result of hypothyroidism is minimal and is more likely associated with salt and water retention than fat. According to the American Thyroid Association, “The cause of the weight gain in hypothyroid individuals is also complex and not always related to excess fat accumulation. Most of the extra weight gained in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated with hypothyroidism. In general 5-10 pounds of body weight may be attributed to the thyroid depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism.” This means the amount of weight which will be stubborn and difficult to shed due to thyroid deficiency is not a lot of weight. Additionally, the weight will likely be lost with minimal effort once the hormone is regulated because it is usually just water rather than accumulated fat.

Treating Hypothyroidism with Herbal Supplements

If you suspect an under-active thyroid is the root of your inability to lose the last few pounds, visit your doctor. This is important because it is critical to carefully diagnose the function of the thyroid. It is also important to seek a doctor’s input, even if the thyroid is not at fault, because they can help you establish an exercise regimen and diet plan that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

You should also consult your physician if you intend to use herbal supplements to help achieve your weight loss goals. Supplements such as Thyvox can be useful for some women seeking to lose weight. You can learn more about Thyvox from the following web address: www.Thyvox.com. If your doctor is not familiar with the substance, it may be worthwhile to do some research on your own and seek out a dietician who can provide you with more insight into the use of herbal supplements such as Thyvox.