As we age, our metabolism does indeed slow down for the reasons described above. Many people wonder, though, could it also be my thyroid? When the thyroid isn't working properly it can affect our energy levels, muscle strength, body weight, skin health, menstrual cycle, memory, heart rate and cholesterol levels.

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland that lies across the trachea (windpipe) below the Adam's apple, is controlled by the pituitary, a small gland at the base of the brain that sends out Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). A healthy thyroid is a little larger than a quarter, and usually can't be felt through the skin. A swollen thyroid - a condition called goiter - can be caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. (Iodine, found primarily in shellfish and iodized salt, is in short supply in some developing countries.) A swollen lobe might look or feel like a lump in the front of the neck.

The thyroid gland produces substances called T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which have identical effects on cells. Together, T3 and T4 constitute thyroid hormone, which affects body functions including heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.

TSH is a very sensitive indicator of thyroid function, and can be checked by a simple blood test. When the patient is hypothyroid, TSH is elevated; when hyperthyroid, TSH is suppressed. Fortunately, the TSH test can detect problems early in the evolution of thyroid dysfunction."

The two major types of thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Failure to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone is termed hypothyroidism. Excessive thyroid hormone production is called hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is the second most common endocrine disorder, after diabetes, encountered in primary care. Failure to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone occurs in children and adults, and increases in frequency with age. In individuals older than 50, hypothyroidism is more common in females than males. Only 30% of newly diagnosed patients had symptoms, while 17% of the healthy control patients had the same complaints. The severity of symptoms generally correlates with the severity of the disease.  If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you can schedule an appointment at Preserve Health for a simple thyroid screening test.

·         Fatigue

·         Weakness

·         Weight Gain

·         Coarse, dry hair

·         Dry, rough pale skin

·         Hair loss

·         Cold intolerance

·         Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches

·         Constipation

·         Depression

·         Irritability

·         Memory Loss