It Might be More Then a Thyroid Problem if You're not Losing Weight

When you think of low thyroid, the image ofOver-the-counter, herbal and prescription drugs
middle-aged, overweight woman probably comesmay also fail to resolve the problem.
to mind. And you wouldn't be far off, becauseIf you are experiencing chronic constipation, you
hypothyroidism is certainly far more common inshould always be exhaustively evaluated for an
women, especially middle- aged and older, and inunder-active thyroid. Compared with adults with
many cases, thyroid problems cause weight gainnormal thyroid function, congestive heart failure
and weight problems for sufferers. But there arewas about twice as common in patients with
some particularly telling - but little known signs andmoderate or severe asymptomatic
symptoms of hypothyroidism.hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is thought to affect over 50Some patients with hypothyroidism do not regain
million Americans and most don't realize they aretheir energy even when they are taking natural
affected by it. Hypothyroidism suffers attributethyroid. Dr. Jefferies' author of "Safe Uses of
thyroid symptoms to other health problems andCortisol" had found that adrenal fatigue often
seek for the wrong health issues.occurs in conjunction with hypothyroidism, and
Hypothyroidism is a disease that can manifestthat, in the absence of adequate cortisol, thyroid
itself in a very similar way to chronic fatiguehormone replacement was less effective.
syndrome. The patient feels fatigued, does notThe reason is that when the adrenal glands are
sleep at night and in many cases fighting feelingsweak, even normal thyroid activity is a burden.
of depression. Persistent or chronic constipationAdding supplemental thyroid hormone may result
can be a sign of an under-active thyroid.in initial improvement in energy levels and other
Because the thyroid regulates metabolism, thesymptoms, but as the adrenal glands become
metabolic slowdown of hypothyroidism also slowsmore exhausted, energy production is shut down.
down the digestive system, and food movesAs cortisol levels distort high or low this can have
more slowly through digestion and elimination,a negative effect on insulin and DHEA. Testing is
frequently resulting in chronic constipation. Often,recommended at least once a year. Find out if
common remedies - such as increasing wateryour cortisol is too high and how to normalize it
intake, fruits like dried prunes or prune juice,safely and effectively.
upping the fiber intake - are tried, with no results.