If your doctor has told you that you have hypothyroidism, you may be concerned about what it is and how to manage it.
Hypothyroidism
Your thyroid is a small gland that is shaped like a butterfly and is located at the front of your neck. It is located below the Adam's apple, or where it would be if you are a woman. The thyroid is a part of your endocrine system, which is the system that generates hormones and puts them into your system. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that help your body deal with using its energy sources as well as how it works with other hormones. It is controlled by the TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, that is produced by your hypothalamus. Hypothyroidism happens when your body doesn't produce enough TSH, so your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones.
Managing Hypothyroidism
There are a number of ways that you can manage your hypothyroidism. One of them is through medication. Your doctor will prescribe medication that will stimulate the thyroid and make it work normally. Some of the medications are synthetic thyroid hormones while others are desiccated natural thyroid. You and your doctor can discuss which type will be best for you. It may take a little bit of time to get the dosage right, and your doctor may have your blood tested regularly to make sure that the medications are working. But, taking medication isn't the only way that you can help manage your hypothyroidism.
There are some lifestyle tips that you can use to help keep your thyroid under control and to help you feel better. Lack of energy and tiredness is part of hypothyroidism since your body isn't handling its energy sources well. One way to help boost your energy level is to eat a lot of healthy foods, specifically things like lean proteins and nuts. You may also want to think about eating several smaller meals during the day instead of just three meals. That will help keep your energy up. It can also help with one of the other big problems associated with hypothyroidism, weight gain. Eating several small meals throughout the day will help to keep hunger at bay as well, which can help you lose any extra weight.
If your doctor tells you that you have hypothyroidism, you may feel like your world is all of a sudden tilted the wrong way. However, it can be easy to manage, if you know what you are doing.
Share23 August 2016
