If you have answered yes to three or more of the previous ten questions, then there is a possibility that you may have an underfunctioning thyroid gland, which causes a condition known as hypothyroidism.
-
Do you feel tired most of the time?
-
Do you gain weight easily or have difficulty in losing weight that you have gained?
-
Do you feel cold more often than not, even when the weather may be warm?
-
Do you notice that you have dry or scaly skin, brittle nails or that your hair is thinning so that your scalp is visible through your hair?
-
Do you have a low sex drive?
-
Do you feel depressed quite often or easily overwhelmed much of the time?
-
Do you feel bloated or constipated?
-
Do you have heavy menstrual periods or a history of miscarriage?
-
Do you have a close family member who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?
-
Do you have high cholesterol or high triglyceride levels?
If you have answered yes to four or more of the previous ten questions, then there is a possibility that you may have an under functioning thyroid gland, which causes a condition known as hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the throat in women, and behind the Adam's apple in men. It can often be seen in the front of the throat, especially in thin people, or when it is enlarged, as it can be when it is not functioning properly. An oversized, visible thyroid gland is called a goiter .
The importance of the thyroid gland comes from its function as the master controller of the body's metabolic rate . It also controls many brain functions, which in turn affect mental ability and mood. Thyroid hormones affect the growth and repair of all the body's cells. Thyroid hormones govern sexual response and fertility.
It is estimated the incidence of low thyroid is as high as 40%.
Although there are blood tests for low thyroid function, the diagnosis is often overlooked. One way to test your thyroid function is to perform the Barnes Basal Temperature Test yourself in the comfort of your own home:
- Place a mercury thermometer at your bedside each night at bedtime
- In the morning, before getting out of bed, place the thermometer in your armpit for 10 minutes. Do not move around or get up.
- While you are waiting for the thermometer to register, take your pulse for 60 seconds and record
- At the end of the 10 minutes, record your temperature and keep a record of it daily for several weeks
- Do not use electric blankets, heating pads or water beds as this will affect the reading
- If your temperature is consistently below 97.8 and your pulse is consistently less than 65, you may have low thyroid and should follow up with your doctor for further testing.
