Your thyroid is one of the most important glands in your body yet an estimated 23 million Americans may be suffering from poor thyroid health and do not even realize it! The role of your thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormones, including the two key hormones levothyroxine (T4) and L-triiodothyronine (T3). These two critical hormones influence or regulate virtually every activity in your body. Because your thyroid works hard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it is imperative that it functions properly. When it doesn't, this can lead to a number of problems including weight gain, sleeping disorders, and mood swings. Your Thyroid Can Block Your Ability to Lose Weight Today, many men and women are totally frustrated with their slow metabolic rate and find themselves fighting unexplained weight gain. If your thyroid is underactive, your metabolic rate can drop. Your energy levels can also plunge, and you can find yourself gaining weight for seemingly no explained reason. Thyroid hormones control metabolism and organ function, directly affecting your weight loss or gain, your energy levels, skin condition, memory, heart rate, cholesterol levels and menstrual regularity as well as many other functions. When a thyroid is either underactive, nonfunctioning, or has been all or partially surgically removed, you may have a condition called hypothyroidism. If you are experiencing one or more low thyroid symptoms, you should request a test from your physician. The good news is that when discovered and treated properly, a thyroid problem can be managed, allowing you to resume a normal, healthy and active lifestyle.
