Hypothyroidism is usually considered a disease that only affects older women. This is probably true since this condition is mostly seen in women past the age of 50; the fact is, however, that hypothyroidism can affect anyone at any age. It is usually addressed with synthetic thyroid hormone therapy. Acupuncture can be a powerful effective complimentary treatment for this disorder.
Thyroid Function
The thyroid is a body organ located at the front of your neck and has a shape like that of a butterfly. This gland produces hormones that helps regulate the rate at which your body utilizes carbohydrates and fats. Another of its function is to help regulate the temperature level of the body. The thyroid is also responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood and regulating the production of protein hormones as well influencing the beatings of your heart.
Considerations
If your thyroid doesn’t manufacture adequate amounts of hormones, you may suffer from a condition known as hypothyroidism. This condition can lead to symptoms like sluggishness or fatigue that on the onset may be unnoticeable. However, over the course of time, the sufferer might begin to experience symptoms such as depression, painful or stiff joints, muscle weakness and aches, unexplained weight gain, high cholesterol levels, constipation, a hoarse voice, puffiness in the face, and a heightened aversion to cold.
Diagnosis
Based on a patient’s description of his/her symptoms, the acupuncturist might be able to determine a diagnosis for hypothyroidism; however, a blood test is required to verify the diagnosis. The blood test may be able to measure specific levels of hormone and if they fall outside the normal range for hormones, then a hypothyroid diagnosis can be confirmed. There are certain levels of severity for hypothyroidism.
Treatment
Synthetic thyroid hormone therapy is the most commonly used Western conventional treatment for hypothyroidism. It may require an everyday dose of synthetic thyroid hormone for a patient. The drugs used for hypothyroidism may be given in different doses and it is up to the doctor to determine the right dosage levels that is appropriate for your condition. It is important to note that for hypothyroid patient seeking alternative forms of treatment, they should always receive conventional modes of treatment. Acupuncture may provide an important complementary role for this treatment of this condition.
Potential
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture in Miami can help relieve some of the symptoms related to hypothyroidism. Acupuncture can also be useful for treating the side effect associated with thyroid therapies and medications. This ancient form of healing can also be a powerful treatment to rectify hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders, but only if it’s used along with conventional medical treatments.
Warning
It is not that hard to go for conventional treatments for your hypothyroidism. If you don’t seek out treatment, the consequences might be very serious. Untreated hypothyroidism that has progressed to an advanced state may lead to a severe condition known as myxedema. This disease is potentially fatal. Its symptoms are severe and they include a lowered body temperature, decreased breathing, and hypotension (low blood pressure), decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, coma, unresponsiveness, and death.