Is Hypothyroidism Contributing To Your Weight Problems?
What is Hypothyroidism?
Do you know what hypothyroidism has to do with weight gain? Knowing why you are overweight is an important aspect of gaining control of your weight issues. Hypothyroidism is an often misunderstood condition, particularly for how it relates to weight issues. If you can’t seem to lose weight no matter how hard you try, you may suffer from this condition.
What Exactly Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition that affects how your body functions. An individual who has hypothyroidism has too little thyroid hormone circulating in his or her bloodstream. As a result, the person might experience weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and a feeling of being cold all the time.
The sad fact is that hypothyroidism is more common than many people believe. Hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed, and it’s estimated that as many as nine million Americans might have hypothyroidism and not know it.
It’s Not Always the Culprit
Many individuals who are overweight seek to blame thyroid problems for their weight gain, yet when they are tested they don’t end up having a hypothyroidism. Yet some individuals who find out they have hypothyroidism end up only being ten pounds overweight.
Ultimately, if your only health concern is that you are overweight yet you don’t have any of the other symptoms of hypothyroidism, then you might not have a thyroid condition. However, if you have more than one symptom, it may indeed be the problem.
Getting Tested
If you suspect you have hypothyroidism, a simple blood test can determine if, in fact, you do have thyroid problems. Check with your physician and request that TSH, T3, and T4 levels be drawn.
Some physicians only test TSH levels, but some individuals can have normal TSH levels but have abnormal T3 and T4 levels. If you are diagnosed after testing, it’s actually good news. Individuals who have hypothyroidism can attain normal weight when they take the necessary medication to regulate their thyroid function.