Tiredness is the key symptom of hypothyroidism. Other symptoms and risk
factors of this condition include:
-
high levels of chronic stress
-
tiredness worsened after a stressful event
occurred
-
tiredness that is worse in the mornings and late
evenings (although it can occur at any time)
-
constipation
-
easily feel the cold
-
dry and flaky skin
-
a family history (especially mother) who has a
thyroid problem
How does hypothyroidism
contribute to chronic tiredness?
The thyroid is located in the front part of the
lower neck and is shaped like a bowtie or butterfly. It produces the thyroid
hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Together these hormones
control the rate at which cells burn oxygen and food to produce energy. The
faster that this conversion occurs, the higher our body's core temperature
will be; the more energy we will have; and the faster our basal metabolic rate
will be. This is why those with an under-active thyroid will often experience
the 3 most common symptoms - weight gain, feeling the cold and tiredness.
The secretion of thyroid hormones is constantly
regulated by the hypothalamus and pituatury in the brain and occurs in the
following sequence:
- Low levels of thyroid hormones
in the blood stimulates the hypothalamus to secrete TRH
- TRH stimulates the pituitary to release TSH
(this is often the hormone that is first checked when determining thyroid
function)
- TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to release T3
and T4
- Blood levels of T3 and T4 rise until the
metabolic rate returns to normal
- An elevated level of T3 and T4 sends a message
back to the brain to stop the secretion of THR and TSH.
The adrenal glands also use a similar feedback
system to the hypothalamus and pituatury to release hormones involved in
stress control. See adrenal
exhaustion. This is why the adrenal and
thyroid glands are closely related - they are both a part of the endocrine
system. It also explains why stressful situations have a strong detrimental
effect on thyroid function. In fact, many people find that their thyroid
disease begins after a traumatic event.
Now you know a bit more about the thyroid gland
and how it works, as well as the role it may be playing in the tiredness that
you are experiencing.
So what can you do
about it?
-
Did you know that there are tests that can show
you how well your thyroid gland is functioning?
-
Did you know that there are 2 diagnostic tests
that can be done by your self at home to help determine your thyroid function?
-
Did you know that herbal medicine, nutrients and
certain lifestyle practices can help to restore the thyroid gland to health?
-
Did you know that many of our common every day
practices further unbalance our thyroid gland leading to tiredness and weight
gain?
-
Did you know that there are certain foods that can
help restore our thyroid gland as well certain foods that are detrimental?
You can find out all about these tests and
remedies as well as a full list of the symptoms linked to under-active thyroid
in our e-book Why
Do I Feel Tired?
Written by naturopath/nutritionist Alison Cassar
and professional health writer Michelle Fahy, this e-book examines over 16
conditions (including hypothyroidism) that may be contributing to your
tiredness. The book explores each topic in detail and helps you to discover
the underlying causes of your tiredness so you can reclaim your energy and
live the life you were meant to live.
Most people are unaware of how good they are
capable of feeling. There's no need for you to be one of these people. Find
out what may be behind your tiredness and get off the merry-go-round of
chronic tiredness.
Click here
to learn more about this comprehensive e-book and to order your copy.