Hypothyroidism affects metabolism and may play a massive role in reduced memory recall and energy levels.

Besides affecting energy levels and metabolism, hypothyroidism also has a substantial effect on other body systems.

Hypothyroidism may have an effect on the circulatory and cardiovascular systems because it’s able to slow the heart rate, causing the heart to then ineffectively pump blood to your body. It has a rippling effect that can cause shortness of breath and a narrowing of the arteries, which then can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

Hypothyroidism also can increase cholesterol, and, as combined with elevated blood pressure, may contribute to an increased heart disease risk.

However, the heart is not the only thing which may lead to shortness of breath as you have hypothyroidism. When your body does not generate sufficient T4 and T3, it may cause the muscles utilized to breathe to become weak and lungs to work less effectively.

Hypothyroidism may also influence fertility. Low thyroid hormone levels might keep the ovaries from releasing eggs while ovulating. In turn, women might have problems getting pregnant. If left untreated, hypothyroidism even may lead to miscarriage.
Within rare instances, hypothyroidism might cause peripheral neuropathy if left untreated for an extended time period. Peripheral neuropathy involves nerve damage to a person’s peripheral nerves and may cause pain, tingling, swelling and burning all throughout the body, and lead to muscle weakness.

Those who have with hypothyroidism oftentimes suffer an intolerance to cold. It’s because the thyroid often acts as a thermostat and operates to regulate body temperature. If you experience hypothyroidism, the body temperature lowers thereby, causing an incapability of withstanding the cold.

Additional common effects of hypothyroidism involve:

Goiter (Enlarged thyroid)
Menstrual irregularities
Sleep apnea
Insomnia
Constipation
Dry skin
Muscle stiffness
Swelling and joint pain
Depression
Fatigue
Thinning hair
Weight gain

You might see some of the symptoms related to hypothyroidism may be difficult to directly link to the condition. Symptoms such as muscle stiffness, constipation, and dry skin might be indicative of innocuous instances of time of year, exercise, and diet. However, if the above list spoke to you, it might be time to ask for a blood test from your healthcare provider.

What to Do to Improve Hypothyroidism

Here is the bad news: there isn’t any definitive hypothyroidism cure. Here’s the good news: hypothyroidism is completely treatable and manageable. The primary thing you can do if you’ve been diagnosed with this condition includes replacing the thyroid hormone the body lost. This may be accomplished through medicines which mirrors the natural thyroid hormones.

Specific foods also can assist in regulating the production of thyroid hormone. As aforementioned, foods robust in iodine may increase the health of the thyroid as it relies upon iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Though, be aware, as boosting iodine levels in the diet actually may worsen some thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s disease.

If you suspect you might suffer from thyroid issues schedule an appointment with the best clinic for functional medicine, Imagine Wellness Centre today!