Could a Thyroid Disorder Such as Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism Be Impacting Your Love Life?

Measuring only a tiny two inches wide, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland nonetheless plays a major role in determining your overall health. Seemingly minute variations in its function can set off a series of problems that can impact everything from your energy level to your ability to maintain a healthy weight.

If you’re like many patients who have undergone treatment for a thyroid disorder, you were probably surprised to find out just how many elements of your well-being this little gland can impact. But what you might not know is that thyroid-related problems have even been known to rear their head in the bedroom.

On first glance, it may seem unlikely that thyroid issues could inhibit your sexual desire or performance. But once you consider the way that thyroid disorders can broadly impact factors like energy, mood, and metabolism, the interconnection may begin to make more sense.

In fact, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect the libido, although each of these disorders tend to impact sexuality in a different way.

We’ll take a look at the potentially negative effects that the two most common thyroid disorders can have on sexual drive and performance -- and what thyroid patients can do to promote and preserve healthy intimacy.

Hypothyroidism and Sexual Health

Patients suffering with abnormally slow thyroid function know that this disorder can sometimes make even the simplest tasks of everyday life feel like an impossible struggle. Depression, fatigue, low energy, weight gain, lethargy, and exhaustion are facts of life for many hypothyroid patients.

Today, awareness about thyroid health issues is at an all-time high, so it’s easier than ever before for patients with hyperthyroidism to seek out valuable information about many of the symptoms that they face. However, the sensitive issue of sexual health is often not as readily and widely discussed.

The reality is that sexual problems are a common side effect of hypothyroidism. Specifically, many patients with hypothyroidism report having difficulty achieving and maintaining arousal. Researchers believe that these symptoms are attributable to the overall slowdown of the metabolism that hypothyroidism causes.

These problems can make it difficult for hypothyroid patients to achieve intimate satisfaction. But perhaps even more significantly, when one partner experiences a sharp decline in sex drive, these issues can cause deep-seated strain in a relationship, adding additional stress and anxiety to an already difficult situation.

Hyperthyroidism and Sexual Health

Though not as common as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism still affects an estimated 4.5 million Americans, many of whom may also experience sexual problems as a result of their disorder. However, the sexual symptoms linked to hyperthyroidism don’t typically follow as clear a pattern as do those that are associated with hypothyroidism; instead, there are several distinct symptom patterns that may emerge.

The first type of sexual dysfunction linked with hyperthyroidism is close to what you would expect: because this disorder speeds up the metabolism, some patients report sharp variations (including, in some cases, sudden increases) in sex drive. In male patients with hyperthyroidism, this can also sometimes result in issues with performance and premature ejaculation.

The second type of sexual dysfunction linked with hyperthyroidism is somewhat counter-intuitive: many patients actually report a decline in overall sex drive, similar to that which is often reported by those with hypothyroidism. How can this be possible, if hyperthyroidism results in an excessively fast metabolism?

At the current juncture, researchers aren’t exactly sure why this happens, but there are two primary theories that have been advanced. First, it is common for patients with hyperthyroidism to actually display many of the textbook symptoms of hypothyroidism as soon as they begin taking corrective medication. In many cases, this period of drug-induced hypothyroidism is temporary, but the rapid changes in the metabolism can cause a turbulent period of adjustment.

Secondly, an alternate explanation that has been advanced for the decline in sex drive sometimes experienced by hyperthyroid patients is garden-variety fatigue. Keeping pace with an overly speedy metabolism can be exhausting, and hyperthyroid patients often struggle with exhaustion as a result. This, in turn, can result in a diminished libido in some people with hyperthyroidism.

Action Plan: Steps to Help Improve Sexual Difficulties

The relationship between these common thyroid disorders and sexual health is very complex, and it is often impossible to predict the way that hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism will impact each patient’s ability to engage in intimacy. Furthermore, when problems do occur, they can often be hard to rectify completely. You can improve the chances that you will be able to maintain a healthy, positive sexual relationship with your partner by incorporating these hints and tips:

• Adhere as closely as possible to your prescription regimen. Even slight discrepancies in your schedule can lead to thyroid fluctuations that may throw your entire system off balance.

• Maintain a healthy diet and fitness routine. This will help you combat fatigue, improve your self-confidence, and keep your metabolism in check.

• Discuss sexual symptoms frankly and matter-of-factly with your doctor if they arise. It may feel awkward, but physicians are trained to listen to patients’ concerns without passing judgment -- it’s their job. Nipping the problem in the bud as soon as it arises is always the best thing you can do.

• Consider supplementing your thyroid medication with additional hormone treatments. These can help balance the fluctuations that can wreak havoc on your sex drive and performance. Your doctor can help you decide if this is the best option for you.

• If the problem is persistent, consider couples counseling. It may be difficult for your partner to understand that a drastic change in sex drive or performance isn’t a personal rejection. A licensed helping professional may offer the support you both need to work through this sensitive issue in a positive, healthy way.

New Horizons in Thyroid Health: Recent Research Findings That Could Expand Your Thyroid Treatment Options

For centuries, the role of the thyroid was not fully understood. In fact, it was not until the last several decades that researchers began to grasp the full significance of the thyroid and the scope of its impact on overall health and well-being.

Although this recognition was a long time coming, the renewed focus on thyroid health in recent decades has opened up the floodgates of research and experimental studies. Today, potentially important findings pertaining to thyroid health are being announced on an ongoing basis.

Indeed, the fast pace of advancement in the field can make it difficult for patients to keep pace. But in order to be an effective advocate for yourself or the thyroid patient in your life, it’s important to try to stay on top of the latest findings in order to ensure that you are receiving the best treatment possible for your particular disorder.

Today, we’ll take a look at some of the most significant research findings that have been recently announced by scientists investigating various aspects of thyroid health.

Prematurity and Small Body Size in Childhood May Predict Hypothyroidism Risk

Researchers in Finland analyzed the birth records and childhood growth charts of adult women who developed hypothyroidism as adults. It was found that those who had been born prematurely or who were of below-average size during childhood were at greater risk of suddenly developing hypothyroidism as adults. The researchers point out that this information could be used to screen those at greatest risk for the disease.

Hypothyroidism Can Have Grave Implications for Women’s Reproductive Health

A team of Czechoslovakian researchers analyzed the reproductive and gynecological effects of slow thyroid function. According to their findings, the impacts of hypothyroidism are significant, perhaps even more widespread than previously suspected. They determined that as many as one-quarter of all cases of infertility may be related to thyroid problems. In addition, the researchers estimated that 15% of menstrual abnormalities could have their roots in thyroid disorders. 

Occupational Exposure to Radiation Increases Workers’ Thyroid Risks

Several recent studies have sought to identify the possible environmental causes of thyroid disorders. One study found that workers in nuclear power plants were at particularly high risk for developing thyroid disorders. The most pronounced risk was in elevation of serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels. The scientists recommended more research on the environmental and occupational factors that could impact thyroid health.

Exposure to Tobacco Smoke May Pose a Risk for Thyroid Health

It has long been known that tobacco use can impact thyroid function, but a team of Greek researchers recently discovered that exposure to second-hand smoke may also have a deleterious effect on thyroid health. After a group of healthy women with normal thyroid function were exposed to several hours of second-hand smoke, it was found that all of their measurable thyroid functions had increased significantly. The researchers recommend that this environmental factor should be considered in cases of hyperthyroidism and related disorders.

Hypothyroidism During and After Pregnancy

One of the most significant findings in recent years is the degree to which hypothyroidism occurs in women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Although this risk has long been known, studies conducted in the last several years have indicated that pregnancy-related thyroid disorders may be far more common than previously thought. A team of English researchers found that current testing methods drastically underestimated the hypothyroid risks of pregnancy; as many as 33% of pregnant and postpartum women with thyroid problems were not identified using standard diagnosis techniques.

Hyperthyroidism Linked to Hypertension in Some Patients

 An Australian research team conducted a large-scale community study to determine the nature of the relationship between thyroid disorders and elevated blood pressure. Although no link was found between hypothyroidism and hypertension, it was found that people with heightened thyroid function were more likely to have high blood pressure. The researchers suggested that blood pressure may be used as a preliminary screening tool for detecting hyperthyroidism.

 Outpatient Thyroid Surgery Safe for Most Patients

A team of researchers in Augusta, GA found that many of the most common types of thyroid surgery could be conducted on an outpatient basis. In a longitudinal analysis of post-surgery outcomes, they found that the recovery and safety of those released from the hospital immediately after surgery equaled or even exceeded that of patients who were admitted for an overnight stay. According to the researchers, this finding could significantly diminish the cost of thyroid surgery for many patients, with average savings estimated to be $2000 or more in most areas of the United States.

Staying Informed Can Help You Stay Healthy

Although your physician bears the primary responsibility of staying abreast of recent research developments that might impact your treatment, it can’t hurt to keep yourself informed, as well. Make a habit of browsing thyroid research sites to find out about the latest findings. For a targeted search, you can set up a Google alert that will automatically inform you of news pertaining to your specific disorder. Also, watch this space for future updates on the latest in thyroid health research.

For Further Reading

• http://www.tsh.org/research/index.html

• http://www.thyroid.org/patients/current_rsrch.html

• http://www.thyroidresearch.com/page.php?page=links

Promoting Healthy Weight Loss for Hypothyroid and Thyroid Patients

The thyroid is a central part of the body’s metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the rate of many bodily functions slow significantly, meaning that an array of physical processes, such as the pace at which calories are burned, are slowed as well.

As a result, maintaining a stable weight can be an ongoing challenge for those with under-active thyroids. Still, though the constant weight struggle that many hypothyroid patients grapple with daily can be frustrating, thyroid health experts maintain that there is hope.

The single most important step hypothyroid men and women can take to maintain a healthy weight or begin to shed excess pounds is to adhere strictly to the prescription drug regimen established by a licensed physician. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the only known treatment that has been shown to be able to restore thyroid function to the normal range. This is the most reliable way to ensure that your thyroid -- and, by extension, your metabolism -- functions properly.

However, if you already have a prescription regimen for hypothyroidism that you’re following closely, you may still be frustrated by the challenge of maintaining a healthy weight or slimming down. If that’s the case, there are some additional steps you can take to promote healthy weight loss. Consult with your physician to select the best approach for your situation.

Eat an Iodine-Rich Diet

It has long been known that iodine deficiency can cause or worsen thyroid problems. But you may not know that without sufficient iodine in your diet, it can be virtually impossible for patients with hypothyroidism to lose weight. By increasing the healthy sources of iodine in your diet, you can promote normal thyroid function and ensure that your metabolism processes calories efficiently.

But don’t confuse an iodine-rich diet with a diet that is high in table salt. Although most salt is enriched with iodine, the excess sodium your body would have to process to get enough of the mineral from this source would cancel out any health benefits. Instead, look to foods that are naturally rich in iodine, including kelp, milk, yogurt, shrimp, lobster, crab, and most saltwater fish species.    

Control Candida Albicans

An excess of the yeast Candida albicans may impede normal thyroid function, especially in individuals who have already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Although this fungus can naturally be found in the gastrointestinal tract, but if overgrowth occurs, Candida albicans can have many negative health effects.

If you have a significant surplus of this yeast, you may need a prescription antifungal medication to restore balance. However, for minor imbalances, targeted dietary changes can be used to moderate your yeast levels. Experts suggest increasing your intake of yogurt, garlic, and leafy green vegetables. In addition, Pau d’arco tea, probiotics, and acidophilus supplements may also prove to be helpful.

Make Sure You Consume Enough Calories

For men and women with under-active thyroid glands, diets that are too low in calories can severely impede weight loss efforts. On the surface, this may not seem to make sense, as low-calorie diets are widely believed to promote weight loss.

However, an often-unintended side effect of highly restrictive weight loss plans can be a gradual decline in the rate of the metabolism. Any further slow-down in the metabolic rate of those already diagnosed with hypothyroidism can impede weight loss.

To design a weight-loss diet, hypothyroid patients need to use a slightly different approach. Eat 5-6 small meals daily, consisting of about 250-300 calories each. Experts recommend that hypothyroid patients’ weight loss diets should be comprised of 40% protein, 25% fat, and 35% low glycemic index carbohydrates.

Cut Back or Quit Bad Habits

We all have vices and weaknesses that we know aren’t compatible with optimal health. But for hypothyroid patients who are trying to lose weight, indulging in a few bad habits could undermine even the most dedicated fitness and dieting efforts.

Many people believe that cigarettes kill the appetite. In truth, tobacco is full of dangerous chemical compounds that can impact not only thyroid health, but also overall well-being. The substance known as thyocyanide, in particular, is suspected to impede normal thyroid function.

Frequent alcohol consumption can also be an obstacle to those with hypothyroidism. It acts as a depressant in the body, further slowing the metabolism. The extra calories associated with excess alcohol consumption can also pose a roadblock to consistent weight loss. Experts agree that hypothyroid individuals should consider reducing or eliminating these and other potentially harmful habits to promote healthier weight loss.

Avoid Thyroid-Suppressing Foods

Although a diet rich in fresh vegetables, grains, and nuts may sound healthy, not all of these foods are beneficial to hypothyroid patients. So-called “goitrogenic” foods actually suppress normal thyroid function, risking the possibility of further metabolic slowdown.

Some of the culprits most frequently cited by experts include kale, cabbage, turnips, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, cassava, pine nuts, peanuts, millet, and soy-based products. Although the exact extent of their thyroid-suppressing action remains unclear, experts suggest avoiding the consumption of large quantities of foods in the goitrogenic category.

A Sensible, Holistic Approach to Healthy Weight Loss

Weight loss can be a frustrating struggle for anyone, but it can be particularly frustrating for those with low thyroid function. However, by developing a new routine and eliminating some unhealthy habits, weight loss can happen for hypothyroid patients.  Your physician can help develop a custom plan that will work for you.

For Further Reading:

• http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=69#deficiencysymptoms

• http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/18912/2313/3

• http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Health-problems/Hypothyroidism%20-%20researchDiet&Lifestyle.htm

Treatment Options for Thyroid Cancer: The Pros and Cons of Surgery

Any kind of cancer diagnosis can be an emotionally devastating experience. However, because so many patients are unfamiliar with the thyroid gland, a thyroid cancer diagnosis can be particularly confusing. Many have only the vaguest notion of the thyroid’s location and function, and as such, gaining an understanding of the prognosis, treatment options, and possible outcomes associated with a thyroid cancer diagnosis can be challenging.

For reasons that researchers have not yet been able to determine conclusively, thyroid cancer is rapidly on the rise in the United States. Over the course of the last decade, the disease has taken the lead over all other forms of cancer in the number of new cases diagnosed annually. Currently, it is estimated that about 1 in 1000 Americans will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in their lifetimes, and about 350,000 men and women are living with the disease at any given moment.

Although the prevalence of thyroid cancer is increasing, the good news is that this disease is highly curable. Compared to most other types of cancer, thyroid cancer has a very low morbidity rate -- fewer than 1000 people die from the disease each year. If detected early, there is a very high likelihood that treatment will be successful.

Which Thyroid Cancer Treatment is Best?

While the survival rate for those diagnosed with thyroid cancer is very high, achieving the best outcome depends upon the selection of the right treatment for each patient. Today, there are several effective methods for thyroid cancer treatment. In order to choose the best approach, your medical team will consider all of the facts of your case, as well as consulting with you to determine the treatment method that will best suit your overall health and lifestyle.

Perhaps the single most important factor in determining the thyroid cancer treatment that will work for you is the type of thyroid cancer that you have. Contrary to popular belief, there are several different kinds of thyroid cancer, including anaplastic carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and follicular carcinoma.

Each of these thyroid cancers has different symptoms and physical manifestations, and as such, they respond best to different types of treatment. Your precise diagnosis will help doctors determine whether radiation, surgery, or a combination of both will work for you. In some rare cases, chemotherapy may also be necessary, but this treatment method is often ineffective for thyroid cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Surgery

In other forms of cancer, surgery is often regarded as a last resort to be undertaken if other types of therapy prove to be ineffective. In the case of thyroid cancer, however, surgery is typically seen as the best form of treatment, and many patients who are newly diagnosed with the disease are scheduled for surgery very soon afterwards.

In most thyroid cancer surgeries, the entire gland is removed. If there is any indication that the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, these may also be extracted during the same surgical procedure.

In comparison to many other types of surgical treatments for cancer, thyroid cancer surgery is a relatively simple operation. In the absence of any serious complications, patients typically recovery from the surgery rapidly and can be released from the hospital within two days of the procedure.  

Post-surgical care is usually easy; patients must tend to the stitches used to close the small neck incision. More problematic is the challenge of managing the neck pain and swelling that are common after-surgery complaints. In some cases, the patient may experience temporary difficulty speaking and/or swallowing, although these issues usually resolve themselves in the recovery process. In rare instances, excess fluid may accumulate under the skin, resulting in the need for drainage.

For more information, visit ThyroidCancer.com.

Long-Term Advantages and Disadvantages of Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Although the surgical treatment of thyroid cancer is typically very effective in treating the disease, there are a number of side effects from the surgery that can require some adjustment. First and foremost is the ongoing need for synthetic replacement of the thyroid hormones.

Because the thyroid gland is usually removed entirely during the surgery, the body can no longer produce these highly important chemical compounds on its own. Patients are sometimes surprised to learn that they will have to remain on a course of thyroid hormone replacement drugs for the rest of their lives.

A related issue is the problem of weight regulation after thyroid surgery. Because the thyroid plays a central role in the control of the metabolism, some patients experience the symptoms of low thyroid function after surgery, including fatigue, sluggishness, depression, and weight gain. However, these symptoms can be kept to a minimum by adhering closely to the prescribed regimen of thyroid hormone replacement drugs.

In spite of the possible side effects, the most important fact to remember is that surgery represents the most effective treatment for thyroid cancer. Although it’s true that some of the side effects from the surgery can be difficult to handle, the prognosis and survival rate for thyroid cancer patients who have undergone the procedure is excellent. The best long-term advantage of thyroid cancer surgery is the gift of life.

Thyroid Surgeons

R. Anders Rosendahl, M.D. has been treating thyroid disease for over thirty years. His website located at ThyroidCancer.com is devoted to providing information related to thyroid disease and thyroid cancer.

"The surgical technique used in thyroid surgery at The Thyroid Surgery Center of Texas, P.A. has evolved for more than half a century, incorporating all of the best qualities of many of the truly great thyroid surgeons in the history of Head and Neck Surgery and adding to them the experience and knowledge we have obtained over the last three decades. Our patients come from all over the world. Call 512-608-9595 to request a consultation."

For Further Reading:

• http://thyroid.about.com/cs/surgerycancer/

• http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/2615.cfm

Holistic Treatment for the Thyroid: Natural Healing or Dangerous Diversion?

Holistic medicine has a rich history that predates the current system of science-based Western medicine by thousands of years. Long before the scientific method was first developed, people were developing herbal cures for common illnesses and ailments through a process of trial and error.

Today, holistic healing is making a major comeback. Even in an era distinguished by unprecedented advances in medical science, growing numbers of people are drawn to the idea of treatments drawn from the wisdom of centuries-old healing traditions. In the last year alone, Americans spent $75 billion on alternative therapies.

The area of thyroid health has also been influenced by the increasing popularity of holistic treatment. Today, patients with thyroid problems can choose from an array of natural therapies, including homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, dietary supplements, hydrotherapy, and many more.

However, these treatments are at the center of an intense debate. Researchers point out that little scientific evidence exists to verify the claims of most holistic practitioners, and physicians emphasize the critical importance of traditional forms of treatment to ensure successful outcomes for patients with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other common thyroid problems. These stark differences of opinion have caused confusion for thyroid patients interested in exploring the possibility of a more natural approach to treatment of their condition.

The Holistic View of Thyroid Health

Like their counterparts in traditional Western medicine, holistic health care practitioners regard thyroid function as a vitally important aspect of overall well-being. However, holistic practitioners differ significantly from their more mainstream counterparts in the causes to which they attribute the recent increase in thyroid diseases, as well as the treatments that they prescribe for these health problems.

To many holistic practitioners, skyrocketing rates of thyroid cancer and some forms of thyroid disease are indications that environmental factors may cause or complicate these conditions. They contend that recent changes in the delicate balance of the earth’s ecosystem may impact thyroid health.

Some of the chief environmental culprits that holistic health specialists blame for the increasing prevalence of thyroid problems are chemical pesticides, hormone-based food additives, the depletion of selenium and other key minerals in the soil supply, and finally, the  release of large quantities of radioactive iodine, a byproduct of nuclear energy production, into the environment.  

Holistic Treatments for Thyroid Diseases

As its name suggests, holistic medicine seeks to take a “whole-body” approach to health care. Rather than focusing on just the thyroid, for example, the holistic practitioner attempts to understand the symptoms from a broader perspective, relating the thyroid to its role in the body’s system.

Treatments are devised by identifying imbalances, deficiencies, and other abnormalities and developing therapies to counteract them. Some of the most common holistic treatments for thyroid conditions include:

• Herbal Regimens - In the homeopathic tradition, many herbs are believed to imbued with healing properties. Herbs and plant products commonly prescribed for hypothyroidism include bladderwrack seaweed, which is often supplemented by “warming” herbs such as turmeric and ginger.

• Yoga and Meditation - These increasingly popular practices can improve overall health and well-being. Several specific yoga poses are thought to be particularly beneficial for those with thyroid problems, including fish pose, cobra pose, and plough pose. Targeted breathing work is also thought to enhance thyroid function.

• Dietary Supplements - Holistic health practitioners typically recommend an array of vitamin, mineral, and other dietary supplements to enhance thyroid function. Selenium, L-tyrosine, and vitamins B and C are all commonly prescribed for improved thyroid health.

• Nutritional Therapy - Holistic nutritional experts often recommend detoxifying fasts for patients with thyroid problems, in order to rid the body of accumulated toxins that may be impeding thyroid function. It is also recommended that thyroid patients limit or avoid foods such as broccoli, soy products, and meats with hormone additives.

• Hydrotherapy - This approach draws on the theory that systematic exposure to hot and cold jets of clean, pure water can trigger an immune system response and improve thyroid function. Although the services of an experienced hydrotherapist will be most beneficial, some report that alternating bursts of hot and cold water in the shower offers some of the same health advantages.

A Hybrid Approach for Optimal Health

Although there are many holistic thyroid treatments available, most experts recommend that they should be used to supplement, rather than replace, conventional treatments, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Even the most dedicated proponents of holistic medicine admit that alternative treatments typically are not effective alone.

Indeed, most agree that a combined approach that relies on both conventional and holistic methods is most effective. If you are interested in incorporating holistic therapies into your thyroid health program, a licensed physician can help you integrate the conventional and natural treatments seamlessly.   

For Further Reading
 

• http://thyroid.about.com/cs/shames/a/supplements.htm

• http://www.drpodell.org/natural_hypothyroid_therapies.shtml