Dealing With Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is located at the front of a person's neck and is responsible for the production and release of thyroid hormones, when the thyroid stops producing a sufficient amount of hormones, the condition is called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism has a wide range of side effects that range from depression to dry skin to weight gain. The types and severity of the side effects of hypothyroidism are different from one person to the next.

There are several things a person can do to help them cope with hypothyroidism. The first thing they should do is schedule an appointment with their personal physician. The doctor will run some tests and make sure that the side effects are actually do to hormonal imbalance and not the result of different health problem.

Since depression is often one of the side effects of hypothyroidism, it can be difficult to maintain an interest in life. Surrounding them with good friends and family members goes a long way towards preventing the depression from taking over. Partaking in activities that the person has always enjoyed will also make it easier to cope with hormonal imbalance.

Eating a sensible, well balanced diet can help get a hormonal imbalance under control. Foods that are excellent when dealing with an inactive thyroid gland include fruits, seafood, poultry, vegetables, and fish. Since the thyroid isn't doing its job, it is important that the deficiency dealt with by consuming supplements such as Vitamin B, zinc, selenium, and iodine. Since weight gain is a common side effect of hypothyroidism foods that should be avoided include anything with trans-fats, eggs, red meats, sugar, and any food with sodium chloride. The trick is to consume foods that won't further repress the body's metabolism.

If the hypothyroidism is severe enough, the person's physician will most likely suggest a hormone therapy program.