Thyroid hormone, produced by the gland of the same name, helps to regulate our heart rate, metabolism, body temperature, cholesterol level, weight, vision and menstrual regularity. Too much or too little of this vital hormone in our system can cause significant problems, and ones that are often misdiagnosed.

As we age, a deficiency of thyroid hormone can induce a syndrome known as hypothyroidism. Some of the common symptoms of this disorder include:

• Slowed metabolism
• Excessive fatigue
• Uncontrollable weight gain
• Memory loss
• Moodiness
• Sensitivity to cold
• Menstrual problems
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Weakened nails

In addition, when the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone, the pituitary gland will start secreting a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone which forces the thyroid to work harder, often leading to an enlarged thyroid, or goiter.

Natural thyroid hormone supplementation therapy can prevent this unnecessary stress on the thyroid as well as many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.