Clomid and Thyroid Problems

Tess Thompson

Clomifene citrate is a fertility drug that induces ovulation and encourages conception. It is marketed under the brand names of Clomid, Serophene and Milophene. It is a popular medicine used by those unable to conceive due to problems with ovulation. The commonly asked question is whether there any side effects from Clomid.
Without prejudice, let it be very clear from the very outset that any chemical that is ingested into your body, it is liable to have an effect. The chances of harmful side effects are far greater if it is a synthetic substance. What is disturbing is that harmful side effects are often presented in a way that they outweigh the benefits derived from a particular drug.
Clomid is given about the fifth day from the start of a menstrual cycle, and the lowest dose is recommended as overdose may lead to multiple pregnancies.

The listed adverse effects of Clomid include:
Hot flushes
Abdominal pain
Blurred vision
Ovarian enlargement (often temporary)
Cysts
Dry cervical mucus

Clomid may also cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which is associated with weight gain (mild or moderate depending upon severity), feeling of fullness or bloating, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, dry skin and hair. Some of these conditions are similar to symptoms of thyroid problems, which lead to suspicions of development of a thyroid condition as a side effect of Clomid.

Normally, in a healthy menstrual cycle, follicles produce estrogen that signals the hypothalamus to further signal the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The FSH stimulates growth of a vascular body in the ovary that encloses a developing egg. Thyroid hormones are also produced in a similar fashion. The hypothalamus senses the inadequacy or excess of thyroid hormones and signals the pituitary to release thyrotropin, the thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Clomid acts on the action of estrogen by preventing estrogen receptors to recycle. The hypothalamus erroneously perceives the estrogen levels as low and is compelled to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce FSH.

The hypothalamus is the master organ that controls the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid. It is due to this and the similarity of side effects with symptoms of thyroid problems that raises an element of doubt that Clomid may affect thyroid functioning. Conversely, there are also reports of a low thyroid condition interfering with menstrual cycles, which may indirectly lead to taking more than necessary doses of Clomid.

It is fair to conclude that whenever hormones related to pregnancy are introduced, there is a possibility of an effect on the level of thyroid hormones in your body. If you need to have a fertility medicine, it is best to have thyroid functioning tested regularly.

The Safer Alternative - Holistic Healing for Thyroid Disorders

Tess Thompson

In today’s scene of tremendous advancement in medical science, it would be hard to believe that holistic treatments would have any place in modern society. The fact, however, is that more people than ever before are being driven towards holistic healing. The adverse effects of conventional medicine is one major reason, and the fact that they target only the suppression of symptoms is another.

Holistic healing regards the importance of various organs in the same way as medical science does. However, the holistic approach to treatment of disease is entirely different. It emphasizes the organic or functional relation between organs and the body as a whole. It focuses mainly on the underlying cause and believes that unless the root cause which initially caused the disease is attended to, the disease will most likely recur. It is because of this that holistic and alternative therapies are slow in showing results. In addition, holistic healing does not involve any harmful synthetic substances.

The thyroid is considered to be vital for overall health among those who believe in holistic treatment. What differentiates the holistic approach to treatment is the cause behind the occurrence of thyroid problems. Holistic practitioners believe that various environmental and personal factors are the major reason for the occurrence of thyroid disease and those must be removed first for a total remission of the disease.

According to alternative therapies, the factors that lead to thyroid problems include:
Unhealthy lifestyles
Stress
Pesticides
Food additives and medicines that contain hormones
Decreased intake of selenium, dietary vitamins and essential minerals
Large amounts of radioiodine released in the environment consequent to nuclear energy production.

As such, the primary target of holistic treatment to restore thyroid health is to first suggest a change in lifestyle to restrict exposure to toxins. Then certain therapies are suggested to treat the body as a whole, rather than targeting only the thyroid gland. The most common holistic treatments include ancient therapies like Ayurveda (India) and traditional Chinese medicine. Homeopathy is a relatively newer therapy that also has a holistic approach to treatment and involves the use of natural substances to prepare its extremely diluted remedies. The major focus of these therapies is on yoga, medication, exercise, dietary supplements, and herbs.

This, in no way, is a total denigration of conventional medicine. A holistic practitioner has a broader outlook, and in certain cases where there is an urgent need to control symptoms that are getting out of hand, the holistic practitioner may also suggest some of the safer treatment modalities of conventional medicine. A combined approach where holistic healing is used as supplemental treatment may provide better results in such cases.

Herbs For A Healthy Thyroid

Tess Thompson

The thyroid is a small gland with a big responsibility. The hormones that are secreted by the thyroid play an indispensable role in biological processes that sustain life. If the thyroid does not function properly, it can disrupt the functioning of most of the body organs.
The wide range of symptoms of thyroid problems can greatly affect the quality of life of an individual.

Herbs have recently become extremely popular in the developed world. However, they have been in use in the East since long ago. Herbs are the mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine and the ancient Indian therapy Ayurveda, and are still popular in the countries of their origin (China and India) and in the neighboring countries. Herbs have been providing effective cures for a number of diseases, including thyroid disease.

Herbs can be taken safely, but it is always better if they are used along with an understanding of the mechanism by which they aid in treating thyroid problems. Basically there are three types of thyroid conditions – an overactive thyroid, an under-active thyroid and an enlarged thyroid. The conditions are self-explanatory, and the level of activity of the thyroid reflects the adequacy or inadequacy of hormone release.

Herbs for a healthy thyroid provide the required support to the organ. They do not work like conventional medicine that tries to replace thyroid hormones, reduce the size of the gland or curb production. Herbs, vegetables and fruit have various properties that aid in the healing processes, and it is these natural capabilities that are harnessed and targeted by herbologists and naturopaths. Many natural plant-based products are strong antioxidants that can effectively combat free radicals in the body. They can also provide effective thyroid support by stimulating the gland.

One class of herbs for thyroid health used as thyroid supplement belongs to the commiphora genus of East Indian. African trees yielding balsamic products known as guggul and Ashwagandha, (_Withania somnifera_) also aid thyroid health.

Despite the fact that herbs have been used since ancient times and the curative properties of these herbs has been demonstrated adequately, they are still contested by conventionalists. The sheer lack of funding and support from research facilities is responsible for the non-acceptance of herbs in general. But conventional medicine has actually indirectly helped in popularizing herbal medicine. The side effects of allopathic drugs have been by the far the best ad campaign that herbal medicine could ever get.

A note of caution must be added here. The safety aspect of herbs should not be overplayed. Remember that many herbs have to be prepared in a particular manner to eliminate toxicity. Some, if not prepared properly can be lethal, and others need the systemic approach for preparation to be effective.

Thyroid Cancer Treatments

Tess Thompson

There are many conditions like iodine deficiency that can cause the thyroid gland to swell. But among all the complications that can arise out of a malfunctioning thyroid gland, thyroid cancer is the most serious.

The specific causes of thyroid cancer have not yet been determined. Additionally, since thyroid malfunction symptoms are extremely general in nature, diagnosis is generally delayed. And therefore, most of the thyroid treatments are initiated at a stage when the thyroid cancer has reached a mature stage. Therefore, the thyroid medication takes much longer to show positive results.

The first indication of thyroid cancer is a swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck. These appear along the blood vessels, and a test for abnormal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) should be administered immediately. The confirmation of the thyroid cancer can be done by checking calcium levels, ultrasonography or a radionuclide scan. In certain cases, a biopsy may also need to be performed for a microscopic examination.

In cases where the cancer has spread considerably, external radiation is suggested to control further spread of the cancerous tissue. Radioactive Iodine Therapy does not require hospitalization. This therapy does not does not work in if the cancer is related to the medulla. It also does not show significant positive results if the cancer involves a rapid increase in cancerous cells.

In cases where the thyroid cancer has reached an advanced stage, radioactive iodine therapy does not work well. In such situations, external radioactive therapy is used. This involves destroying cancerous cells with high-energy X-Rays. The process can mean daily visits to the hospital for several weeks.
Given the side effects that radioactive therapy involves, many patients opt for surgery for thyroid cancer. Surgery includes a complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid treatment can also be done using drugs that kill cancerous cells. Commonly known as chemotherapy, this treatment can result in destroying cancerous cells along with healthy ones. It debilitates the immune system and can increase the chances of contracting further infections.
Chemotherapy, radioactive therapy, and surgery are all treatments that have various side effects and complications. These treatments mean constant visits to the hospital. Further, surgical treatment requires patients to artificially supplement the natural thyroid hormone.

Alternative thyroid treatments and natural thyroid medications are options that have been gaining popularity. These treatments and medications help in supplementing thyroid hormones in a more natural and healthier manner as compared to chemical alternatives.

Top 10 Hypothyroid Symptoms In Men

(Zimbio) If you know the most common signs of hypothyroidism in men, then it would not be hard for you to know if you are suffering with it. However, men tend to disregard any symptoms or do not pay attention to any medical problems. In fact, they are even more comfortable with natural remedies and treatment than going to the doctor.

An under-active thyroid in men, which is usually caused by conditions such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, thyroid surgery, and iodine-deficiency, happens when the thyroid gland is not able to secrete the right amounts of Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine.

Although hypothyroidism in men is less likely to develop, it is important to know how to prevent or treat this condition otherwise it will get worse.

Below are the HYPOTHYROIDISM IN MEN SYMPTOMS to watch out:
1. Always weak and tired.
2. Soreness on the muscles and joints.
3. Gaining weight even if you don’t eat much.
4. The skin becomes dry and falling hair.
5. Constipation,
6. Impaired hearing and vision.
7. Hoarseness in voice.
8. Decreased memory and concentration.
9. Intolerance to cold.
10. Swelling of the arms and legs.

The problem with hypothyroidism is that it is hard to recognize and even some physicians are still not familiar with it. In fact, it is usually misdiagnosed with other disorders.