Sluggish Thyroid
Sluggish thyroid syndrome is a condition characterized by hypofunction of the thyroid gland. A more accurate term is hypothyroidism. Inadequate secretion of thyroid hormone during neonatal development can result in both mental and physical retardation. Deficiency of thyroid hormone affects all body functions.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis. The most commonly indicated cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis, otherwise known as Hashimoto’s disease.
- History of hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is commonly found in patients previously treated with radioiodine or antithyroid medications or surgery. This is more frequent in older women.
- Radiotherapy. Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer in older men can cause hypothyroidism.
- Chronic lymphatic thyroiditis
- Atrophy of thyroid gland with aging.
- Lithium, iodine compounds, and antithyroid medications.
- Infiltrative diseases of the thyroid. This includes amyloidosis and scleroderma.
- Iodine deficiency and excess.
Sluggish Thyroid Symptoms
Early sluggish thyroid symptoms are mostly nonspecific.
- Extreme fatigue. This makes it difficult for the patient to participate in a full day’s load.
- Skin conditions. Hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin can be observed. The skin thickens because of an accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the fatty layer.Loss of hair accompanies the accumulation. The patient’s face becomes expressionless and mask-like.
- Numbness and tingling of the fingers.
- Occasionally, the voice becomes husky. Complaints of voice huskiness are commonly reported.
- Menstrual disturbances. Menorrhagia or amenorrhea usually occurs, along with loss of libido or sexual appetite.
- Subnormal conditions. Decreased temperature and pulse rates are typically noted. The patient may complain of cold even in a considerably warm environment. Mental processes dull, and the patient becomes extremely apathetic. Other changes include slow speech, enlarged tongue, feet, and hands, constipation, and deafness.
- Weight gain. The patient gains weight even without a corresponding increase in food intake.
- Irritability. Initially, the patient becomes irritable. This eventually fades and the emotional responses become subdued.
Sluggish Thyroid Treatment
Although therapy is directed at achieving a euthyroid state, some natural remedies may be used to curb some symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Vitamin B, calcium, and Magnesium. Natural sources of these vitamins and minerals include milk and dairy products.
- Avoidance of junk food. Fried foods, starches, junk food, and soft drinks are difficult to digest. This can further impair metabolism in those diagnosed with sluggish thyroid glands.
- Avoidance of cabbage, kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and other cruciferous greens. These vegetables can depress thyroid function, unless they are cooked or steamed.
- Bladderwack. This brown seaweed can increase depressed thyroid hormone levels.
- Exercise. Regular exercise at around 30 minutes each day can improve metabolism and help increase energy levels.
- Iodine.
- Other herbs such as bayberry, skullcap, black cohosh, bladder wrack, parsley, uva ursi, and olive.