Hypothyroidism & Weight Gain
Interference with thyroid hormone activity is often one of
the basic causes of hypothyroidism, which, in turn, is
responsible for more than 100 different symptoms, not the least
of which is otherwise unexplained weight gain.
Commonly observed symptoms include:
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Fatigue
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Dry Skin
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Constipation
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Intolerance to Cold/Heat
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Muscle Weakness
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Indigestion
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Memory Loss
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Menstrual Disorders
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Infertility
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Sleep Disorders
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Swelling of Hands, Feet, Eyelids
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Loss of Hair
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Heart Palpitation
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Premenstrual Syndrome
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Emotional Instability
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Weight Gain
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Unopposed oestrogen (oestrogen dominance) can interfere with
thyroid hormone activity and is often an underlying cause of
thyroid dysfunction. Because oestrogen and thyroid hormone have
opposing actions, probably at the thyroid hormone receptor
level, unopposed oestrogen will prevent the thyroid hormone from
"completing its mission", resulting in "hypothyroid symptoms"
despite normal serum levels of thyroid hormone.
Conversely, progesterone re-directs the activity of oestrogen
by increasing the sensitivity of oestrogen receptors and, most
importantly, inhibits many of oestrogen's undesirable side
effects, which includes interference with thyroid hormone
activity.
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