The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, below the voice box. The thyroid gland secretes two hormones that are crucial for regulating metabolism: triodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The numbers refer to the number of iodine atoms each hormone molecule contains. T4 is the major player because it affects virtually every cell in the body. Hypothyroidism ussually results in a large number signs and symptoms including low body temperature, intolerance to cold, weght gain or inability to lose weight, depression, lack of concentration, Hair loss, and fatigue. It is a very common condition that is estimated to affect 20% of all women and 10% of all men in the US.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

• Depression
• Difficulty in losing weight
• Dry Skin
• Headaches
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Menstreul problems
• Recurrent infections
• Sensitivity to cold

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism:

Many health experts believe that determining your body asal temperature (the temperature of your body at rest) is the most sensitive test of thyroid function. THe test is easy, just need a thermometer.

Taking Your basal Body Temperature:

1. Take your temperature first thing in the morning, when you wake up. It is important to measure your temperature after you have had adequate rest
2. Before going to sleep, if you arent using a digital thermometer, shake down the regular thermometer to below the 95-degree mark and place it by your bed.
3. Immedietely upon waking up, place the thermometer in your armpit.
4. Read and record the temperature and date.
5. Repeat and test for atleast three more mornings. (Same time of day is best)
6. A reading between 97.6 and 98.2 degreed F is normal. Readings below 97.6 may indicate hypothyroidism.

Dealing with Hypothyroidism:

Severe hypothyroidism requires use of supplemental thyroid hormone. Mild or subclinical hypothyroidism may respond to nutritional and herbal support. Like other glands, the thyroid has special nutritional needs. Here are some key nutrients required for propor thyroid function:

• Iodine. The thyroid gland needs iodine to make its hormones. In fact, iodines only role in your body is for making thyroid hormones. The dosage range for iodine supplementation is 300 to 400mcg per day.
• Tyrosine. The other key ingredient to thyroid hormones is tyrosine, the amino acid. Taking L-tyrosine at 250-500mg per day may enhance thyroid function.
• High potency multiple. A deficiency of nutrients like zinc, copper, manganese, and the viatmins A, B2, B3, B6, and E could cause or contribute to hypothyroidism.

Actually, if i remember correctly, t3 is the most important thyroid hormone for regulating the metabolism. go look in your anatomy book

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