Thyroid problems affect more than 25 million Americans, and about half of these people are not sure what they can and should do. Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid), it responsible for 90% of the thyroid problems. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland on the front of the neck that is very important for our health. It releases certain hormones which regulate our body temperature, libido and more, so any kind of disruption in their production can cause quite a lot of damage to our health.

Here are the 10 main symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Muscle and joint pain, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome;
• Fatigue which appears even after you’ve slept properly overnight;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• Weight gain;
• Cool hands and feet, feeling cold even when it’s hot;
• Neck swelling, hoarseness, snoring;
• Emotional episodes, anxiety and depression;
• Dry and cracked skin, brittle nails, baldness;
• Constipation;
• Brain fog, memory loss and loss of focus.

How does the thyroid work?

The thyroid secretes hormones called thyrotropin-discharging hormone (TRH) and pituitary thyrotropin (TSH). TSH stimulates the production of T3 and T4 hormones in the gland – when there’s enough T4 in the body, it signals the gland not to create additional hormones. The thyroid creates about 85% of T4, an idle type of hormone unlike T3, which is more dynamic.

T4 gets converted to T3 in the body, either the Free type or Reverse T3. Free T3 is the most important thyroid hormone as it regulates your digestion, body temperature, personality and other functions.

The most common type of hypothyroidism is called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is a dangerous autoimmune disease.

Why is hypothyroidism so underdiagnosed?

Thyroid imbalance problems are difficult to diagnose which is why many doctors often fail to diagnose them properly. In general, thyroid problems can’t be detected with a test or two – the problem requires extensive research and testing in order to locate the issue. Most doctors use ordinary lab reference ranges and utilize ideal lab qualities and temperature. However, in order to properly detect the problem, a person needs to be tested for TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPOAb and TgAb.

Here are the optimal value ranges for thyroid tests:

TSH 1-2 UIU/ML or lower (Armour or compounded T3 can artificially suppress TSH)

FT4 >1.1 NG/DL

FT3 > 3.2 PG/ML

RT3 less than a 10:1 ratio RT3:FT3

TPO –

TgAb – < 4 IU/ML or negative

Here are 10 ways in which you can improve thyroid function:

• Make sure to include quality multivitamin supplements in your diet which contain iron, zinc, selenium, iron and vitamins B and D;
• Try going gluten-free, especially if you’re suffering from Hashimoto’s.
• Take iodine and tyrosine supplements every day to assist the T4 to T3 conversion;
• Filter your water in order to eliminate fluoride, bromide and chlorine from your system;
• Replace any amalgam fillings you may have on your teeth;
• Manage your anxiety and stress levels and reinforce your adrenals by doing some meditation or yoga. Adaptogenic herbs might help as well;
• Find a naturopathic doctor who can perform the aforementioned tests;
• Make sure to sleep 8-10 hours overnight;
• Avoid eating cruciferous vegetables too often;
• Heal your gut as a proper digestive framework is often the main reason for numerous health problem