The Harvard Medical School and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center have been working on several studies involving the thyroid for several years. One of the important results of their studies has been the revelation that ten to twelve women who are over the age of fifty have some degree of hypothyroidism. In addition the numbers of women suffering from hypothyroidism increases significantly by the age of sixty.

The symptoms of menopause in women in the fifties and sixties often masks the reality that they have hypothyroidism. Often estrogen replacement therapy is instituted and further tests to ascertain any other conditions are not pursued. When symptoms persist after the implementation of ERT, physicians often just keep changing doses of the medication and eventually, most women stop talking about their symptoms thinking that they will be thought delusional.

The two hormones that the Thyroid gland secretes regulate some very important functions in the body. These are growth, development, metabolism, organ functions, fertility and body temperature. When the thyroid is misbehaving the entire body suffers the consequences.

There are approximately 16 symptoms of hypo-thyroidism that are also found in the symptoms of menopause. Some of the ones that are most closely matched are the sensitivity to cold, anxiety attacks, fatigue, weight gain, and lethargy. If a woman on ERT is experiencing these symptoms the first reaction of a physician is to change the medication. However, further testing may be in order.

The study mentioned above also discussed how hard it is to diagnose thyroid conditions. The most common test conducted is a blood test called the T3 and T4. The study found that this test is not a reliable testing method and that many false negatives result in the testing.

Harvard Medical School and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center found that the most accurate and reliable test for hypothyroidism was the Thyroid Antibodies Test. The test must be requested and is expensive so it is not one that is normally requested without a patient asking for the test and the physician approving it first. But, the results of an undiagnosed thyroid condition can cause serious and long-term damage when it is not treated.

There are many alternative medical therapies for thyroid conditions. These include several herbal remedies, acupuncture is a suggested treatment, and other. But, taking any medication whether it is a natural remedy or over the counter can be very dangerous if a person doesn’t know what is wrong with them.

When a thyroid condition has been diagnosed most physicians will offer several types of medical treatment that are available to treat the condition. There are, however, many other alternative remedies available as well. The easiest change one can make is to begin eating a diet that reduces refined foods and eliminates foods that block production of thyroid hormones such as polyunsaturated oils. Increasing the intake of pure coconut oil, using it instead of regular oil in salad dressing for instance, stimulates the increase of the T3 and T4 hormones.

A combination of Irish Moss and Kelp balance and detoxify the body, and increase an individual’s metabolic rate. Supplements which offer the benefit of antioxidants and provide the body with needed minerals and vitamins will also help to make an individual feel much better.

The first step if an individual believes they may be one of the ten to twelve women who have undiagnosed hypothyroidism is to make a doctor’s appoint and be tested to confirm the diagnosis. After the diagnosis is made a knowledgeable decision can be made about the type of treatment alternative that will be best.

Would you like to learn more about thyroid gland and diet? Read other articles at thyroid disease guide