Lets Talk About Thyroid Conditions & The Possiblities

Because my occupation is “Personal Trainer” and the fact that 95% of my clients are women, I have prepared a post in regards to thyroid conditions.  Seldom but occasionally a client who seems to be doing all she should be yet her body fat remains the same.  Its frustrating for me and extremely saddening for her. Believe me when I say “I want nothing more than for you to obtain your goal!” I really do.

Before you jump to the conclusion that you are among the 1 in 8 women with a thyroid condition it is imperative that you can pass this test:

• 1. Are you training with weights 3-4 times each week and burning roughly 400-500 calories each session?
• 2. Are you participating in a cardio program 3-4 times each week for 45 minutes or more?
• 3. Are you eating 5-6 meals 7 days a week?
• 4. Do you track your caloric consumption along with other nutrients such as protein, fiber, fat, carbohydrates, and proteins?
• 5. Do you stay under 1500 calories 90% of the time?
• 6. Do you Exceed 100 grams of protein nearly every day?
• 7. Do you consume 80-120 oz of water daily?

If you answered no to one or more of these questions the truth is you have some work to do.

I understand all of this may sound overwhelming, but you must be able to answer yes to all of these questions before we can assume that another force is preventing your success such as a hypothyroid condition.

Let’s assume you answered yes to all of the questions and discuss 3 common thyroid malfunctions.  Before we dive into it I will explain the function of the thyroid to the best of my limited ability (given I am not a doctor).

Function: The thyroid gland manufactures and stores thyroid hormone (TH), often referred to as the body’s metabolic hormone. Among other actions, TH stimulates enzymes that combine oxygen and glucose, a process that increases your basal metabolic rate (BMR) which is the rate at which your metabolism operates. In addition the TH controls the production of body heat. The hormone also helps maintain blood pressure, regulates tissue growth and development and is critical for skeletal and nervous system development. It also plays an important role in the development of the reproductive system.

With all of that being stated it is safe to say the thyroid hormone plays a VERY important role in our existence.

3 Common Thyroid Malfunctions:

• 1. Releasing too little TH resulting in a condition known as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• 2. Releasing too much TH, resulting in a condition known as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• 3. Its tissue can overgrow, resulting in a nodule, a small lump in part of the gland. Most nodules are harmless growths, but some are cancerous. In fact, according to the American Thyroid Association, about one in 10 thyroid nodules are cancerous. And the National Cancer Institute estimates that about one percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year are thyroid cancers.

In this post I will only discuss hypothyroidism because most of you would probably not object to hyperthyroidism given it results in weight loss.

Hypothyroidism is often overlooked because there are far too many conditions related to the common symptoms.  The symptoms are:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Low body temperature
• Weight gain
• Dry itch skin
• Thin, dry hair/hair loss
• Puffy face, hands, and feet
• Slow heart rate
• Constipation
• Poor memory
• Trouble with concentration (Gail! Lol)
• Hoarseness/husky voice
• Irregular or heavy menstruation
• Muscle aches
• Infertility
• High cholesterol
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

Ok now that’s a lot and you may jump to the conclusion that you must have it. Don’t!  Just take note of these and make sure you can honestly answer yes to the above questions.

Also note that if you are on medications they can play a role in the lack of body fat reduction.  Please leave comments and play an active role in the solution.