Health Care

By: Alien

Thyroid disease is considered a comorbid condition for headaches and migraines. This means that although it occurs independently of the headaches it still can intensify them and can also make treatment much more complex. A comorbid condition may have an enormous effect on the provision and success of medical treatment.

Thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are among the conditions now known to often coexist with headaches and migraines.

Female Hormones

A great deal of research focus in headaches involves the connection between headaches and female hormones when, in fact, endocrine hormones are also extremely important in headache aetiology. Genuine migraine headaches are not directly caused by thyroid disease. The abnormal high and low levels of thyroid hormones that are characteristic of thyroid disease can, however, intensify migraines. Any disease of the thyroid gland can impact virtually every organ in the body so it is not surprising that headaches are often intensified when a person also suffers from thyroid disease.

Thyroid disease is also much more likely to occur in women than men and when you take into account the effect of female hormones on headaches, women can be hit particularly hard with intense headache pain. The effects of thyroid disease on menstruation itself further compound the problem and can alter headache and migraine patterns.

Hypothyroidism results from an under-functioning thyroid gland. Some of the symptoms of thyroid disease include:

* Fatigue
* Weight gain
* Weakness
* Altered menstrual cycle
* Constipation
* Hair loss
* Muscle pains

Hyperthyroidism results from an overactive thyroid gland. Migraines may be prompted through an increase in oestrogen levels noted in people who suffer from hyperthyroidism. Eye problems experienced with a hyperactive thyroid can also lead to headaches and migraines, with pain centred around the eye area. Other symptoms that may be present in hyperthyroidism are:

* Fatigue
* Weight loss
* Sweating
* Altered menstrual cycle
* Greater frequency in bowel movements
* Anxiety
* Fast heart beat

Handling Headaches and Thyroid Disease

If you suspect that your headaches may be related to thyroid disease, you should see your doctor. He or she will likely have blood tests performed to determine endocrine hormone levels and to rule out any other disease states that may be causing or affecting your headaches.

For hypothyroidism, treatment usually involves a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone. For hyperthyroidism, there are a couple of anti-thyroid drugs available that your doctor will likely prescribe for you. Treatment depends on the level of the disease as well as other factors such as your age. If your periods have been irregular due to thyroid disease, correcting your hormones will likely help get your menstrual cycle regulated and this may also help to improve your headaches. Beta-blockers may be prescribed in addition to a primary thyroid drug, and these are also effective in treating headaches.

Immediate Relief

For immediate relief, you can usually safely take over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen but do check with your doctor first. Although alternative therapies that are focused on relaxation may be helpful, if it is determined that you have thyroid disease, you will most likely have to take medication. Any treatments for stress can still provide benefits but can't replace synthetic hormone thyroid medication. Fortunately there have been enough advances in thyroid treatment that you can generally expect to get your symptoms under control, including your headaches.

Thyroid disease involves over or under-stimulation of the thyroid gland and can intensify headache patterns. If your headaches are a symptom of thyroid disease, controlling your thyroid through medication should help.

Alien writes for Migraine symptoms. He also writes for home remedies for headaches and depression treatment

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

by: James Lowrance

Patients who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism and are being treated for it with hormone replace therapy, can sometimes have other imbalances that hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. Things such as adrenal hormones being low, ferritin/iron, Vitamin B-12 etc…, can cause thyroid hormone treatment, to be less effective in patients with imbalances of these and is why thorough blood and saliva testing of all levels may need to be done, to find any problems that prevent the treatment from working as well.

That is a phenomena, that happens commonly to thyroid patients who start hormone therapy but some people in the medical field act as if they don't know this happens and some people attribute it just to your body adjusting to the meds.

Mild to moderate symptoms from adjusting, should be expected but severe reactions, especially ones that last for weeks and longer, in my opinion, can mean you have other hormone imbalances or chemical imbalances (like low ferritin, cortisol etc...) needing addressed and if they are not, the thyroid hormone will just serve to intensify the imbalance. For example; even the thyroid med makers have notations on their medication-inserts, websites etc..., that states "untreated adrenal cortical (cortisol) insufficiency, can worsen after beginning thyroid hormone therapy". This just means that it too needs addressed in order not to create an even more severe imbalance. I don't believe when patients have a bad reaction to their thyroid med, that they necessarily have CFS or Fibro but it can mean they have a degree of hypoadrenalism/adrenal fatigue (sub-clinical) or some other hormone or chemical imbalance that also needs corrected. For some patients, it can even be something like a B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).

My Endo only concluded CFS in me for example, through a combination of tests, symptoms/manifestations and a process of elimination. I not only had consistently low cortical but also an unreliable TSH, in correlation with my thyroid hormone levels, constantly swollen lymph nodes, an EBV (virus) count that was 10 times the upper normal cut off, etc.........

I feel for most thyroid patients, they are experiencing a more easily correctible problem, like adrenal fatigue or low ferritin, low B-12 etc..., rather than it always being co-occurring CFS but I also believe if the problem is severe and ongoing, they need to consider all possibilities.

Sometimes we need to get blood chemicals tested, B-12 levels, adrenal hormones, sex hormones etc..., tested, to zero in on what a problem might be, if thyroid treatment is not relieving severe symptoms. Mild to moderate symptoms commonly happen to thyroid patients but ones as severe as those of CFS/Fibro, definitely need investigated, otherwise it affects the patient's quality of life.

When you go through a Dr. Office or Hospital Lab, to get tested for “adrenal fatigue", they seldom ever check for anything other than true "adrenal insufficiency" because most simply do not believe in the existence of "adrenal fatigue", which is a sub-clinical form and much more common. If they want to rule out adrenal insufficiency, they usually do so with what's called an "ACTH Stimulation Test" and if this test reveals that your adrenal glands still respond to stimulation by the ACTH hormone, they believe this rules out any low adrenal problem. The fact is however, that very few people with adrenal fatigue, will fail the ACTH Stimulation Test but they still have adrenals that are not functioning normal and need to take supplements to correct it.

Tests that can reveal adrenal fatigue, are both blood cortisol and saliva cortisol tests, that are taken at several times during a 24 hour period. Another adrenal hormone; "DHEA", can also be tested because it and especially cortisol, are the major adrenal hormones.

If you hear saliva tests are not as accurate as blood, this has been proven repeatedly by research, not be true. Saliva tests, are as accurate as blood, for testing the "free levels" of the hormones and have been used in US Gov., hormone studies and are also recognized by major Insurance companies including Blue Shield, as accurate tests for hormones.

There are companies that offer these tests on the web but many Pharmacies also offer these.

When thyroid hormone replacement therapy does not seem to be working as it should, these other possibilities should also be considered and tested for.

source:searchwarp.com

By: Charles Kassotis

The thyroid gland does not require extra attention or maintenance most of the time. But when it acts up, you will notice a change in your health marked by relevant symptoms. Although these may be vague enough to avoid your physician’s diagnosis for a time, with the right blood test and a careful medical examination, you can soon find out if you have hypothyroidism.

One of the first reasons to suspect that your thyroid may be acting up is if you feel extra sluggish or worn out. Some people report they get so tired and listless, that it becomes increasingly difficult to get out of bed most days. They can barely drag across the floor to get to the bathroom, and a flight of stairs seems to ask the impossible. Of course, if you get to this point, you need to see a doctor pronto, as your thyroid may be in serious trouble. But be sure to ask your doctor to evaluate any type of unexplained fatigue.

Another symptom is dry skin and hair. You may find that your hair seems thin or brittle, and it could lose its sheen. Your skin may become rough and flaky, no matter how much you try to moisturize it. Like hair, skin can lose its natural vibrancy, tone, and color, especially around the joints like your elbows. Your mouth may feel drier than usual, as well.

Internal organs may not work properly and show signs of problems. For example, you could develop frequent or recurrent constipation. Your periods (if you are a female) could start coming irregularly and may not have the same type of monthly flow that you are used to. Your heart or breathing may not seem to work as efficiently as before. This observation fits with the fatigue mentioned above.

Since many of these symptoms are fairly generic, you will need to see your doctor to get an examination and accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may order blood tests to check the level of your thyroid’s function. You might even be asked to take a radioactive pill or receive an injection that will let a technician check your thyroid’s activity level the next day or so. Be sure to follow directions and keep pets or children away for a day or two afterward until the radioactive matter passes from your body.

If the doctor makes a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, you will probably be given a prescription medication to supplement the work your thyroid is supposed to do. Most of the time this condition is permanent, and it could be serious or even fatal if you don’t take the medication. That is why it is important to check with your doctor about any problems you may be having so you can get a speedy and correct diagnosis and treatment. If you have the opposite kind of symptoms, such as a racing heart rate, oily skin, and diarrhea, you could have hyperthyroidism or another condition. Always let your doctor know if you experience a significant change in bodily behavior.

Learn how to easily recognize the common symptoms of hypothyroidism.
For more information on the warning signs of hypothyroidism, Visit The Thyroid Organization

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

By: Graham Rowan

Thyroid conditions are amongst the most common hormonal problems in the UK and predominantly afflict the female population. One in ten women is diagnosed with a thyroid disease at some stage of her life and some experts believe that as many as half of all sufferers remain undiagnosed.

One of the most frequently occurring problems is hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid). If this condition is severe it is usually detected by conventional blood tests and treated with medication. However, mild hypothyroidism is often undiagnosed and borderline results can sometimes be dismissed. It is in these milder forms of hypothyroidism that nutrition can have the greatest impact.

What is the thyroid?

Your thyroid gland is found in your neck and is shaped like a miniature bow-tie. It produces a number of hormones which are vital for your body to produce energy and deliver oxygen to your cells. It plays a part in virtually every bodily process. The thyroid is the master of your metabolism, and plays a huge role in the rate you produce energy from food and therefore your ability to lose weight. It is also very much involved in the reproductive system and thyroid imbalance is linked to a whole range of female hormonal problems.

Could you have an under active thyroid?

Although there are many things that can go wrong with the thyroid, one of the most common is an under active thyroid. This occurs when you fail to produce enough thyroid hormones for your body to work effectively. Your metabolism and a wide range of other bodily functions are slowed down, often leading to weight gain.

One of the greatest challenges in diagnosing mild cases of under active thyroid is that most symptoms of the condition are the types of general complaints people may suffer from overwork, stress and poor diet. Nonetheless if you answer positively to many of the questions below, you may well have an under active thyroid:

Thyroid checklist

Do you feel constantly fatigued?

Do you suffer from low mood or depression?

Are you sensitive to the cold and suffer especially with cold hands or feet?

Are you finding it impossible to lose weight despite changing your diet and exercise patterns?

Is your hair/ are your nails dry and brittle?

Have you lost hair, particularly from the outer side of your eyebrows?

Do you get aches in your muscles and joints?

Do you have a very low sex drive?

Have you suffered with any menstrual problems, including heavy periods or loss of periods?

Have you suffered from more than one miscarriage?

Do you have a tendency to be constipated?

Do you suffer from poor memory or find it hard to concentrate?

Do you have high cholesterol?

Testing for Hypothyroidism

To check whether our thyroid is functioning as it should, levels of 3 hormones are critical. The first are called T4 and T3, which are hormones produced the thyroid itself and the other is called TSH, a hormone which instructs your thyroid to produce T4 and T3. Abnormal levels of these hormones are a good indicator of hypothyroidism.

However this method is thought to be largely ineffective at diagnosing cases of mild hypothyroidism. Blood test techniques give information only about your hormones at a particular point in time. Sometimes urine tests can be more helpful as these can measure thyroid hormones over a 24-hour period. Along with other indicators like body temperature, these tests provide a good indication of mild hypothyroidism that might have remained undiagnosed.

What should you eat if you are hypothyroid?

If you do find you have an under active thyroid there are a number of dietary measures you can take to help manage your condition. This basically involves reducing intake of foods that inhibit thyroid function and increasing intake of the vitamins and minerals vital for your thyroid to work efficiently.

Foods to avoid – Goitrogens

Goitrogens are substances found in a number of foods that may inhibit the proper function of your thyroid. Cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale, turnips, broccoli, spinach, mustard, millet, soy products and peanuts are all sources of goitrogens. Many of these are foods that are positively beneficial to health so they shouldn't be avoided completely. For example a one cup serving of any of the listed vegetables 2-3 times per week, and a standard, 4-ounce serving of tofu twice a week is likely to be tolerated by most individuals with thyroid hormone deficiency. There is also some indication that cooking these foods can deactivate the chemicals that affect the thyroid gland, so lightly steaming vegetables is a good idea.

Foods to increase – The essential nutrients for thyroid function

Iodine: The majority of the iodine in your body is found in the thyroid gland and is used in the production of thyroid hormones. A common cause of underactive thyroid is a lack of iodine. Good food sources include kelp, yoghurt, eggs and iodized salt.

Selenium is involved in making thyroid hormones active in the body so low selenium levels may in turn lead to low active thyroid hormone levels. Brazil nuts, seafood and fish are excellent sources of this mineral.

Vitamin A This vitamin has been shown to be beneficial especially in conjunction with Vitamin C and E and selenium. People with hypothyroidism have been shown to have an impaired ability to produce vitamin A from vegetable sources such as carrots and fruits so care should be taken to include other sources such as dairy products, eggs and liver into the diet.

B Vitamins are very important to the body's synthesis of thyroid hormones. They are also vital for energy production. These are usually plentiful in a healthy diet and are found in whole grains, legumes, eggs, dairy, meat, nuts and seeds.

Zinc. Studies suggest that severe zinc deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, but like iodine deficiency, it is rare for people living in the developed world to have a severe enough deficiency to cause a serious problem.

Tyrosine is an amino acid that is needed in the production of thyroid hormones. If you have an underactive thyroid you may benefit by taking a tyrosine supplement. Depression is linked with a low thyroid function and studies suggest tyrosine supplementation may also be beneficial in this condition. Copper plays an important role in the metabolism of tyrosine. Although copper deficiency is uncommon, people taking zinc supplements for more than a few weeks should take copper (unless they have Wilson's disease) as zinc interferes with copper absorption. The safest way of ensuring balance is to take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement rather than one mineral in isolation.

The Supplement Issue:

There are many thyroid support supplements available on the market, some of which may be beneficial for an under active thyroid. However if you do have hypothyroidism it is not advisable to self-prescribe these products without professional guidance as the wrong supplement could make your condition worse.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com