I know for a long time I have blamed my PMS, weight problems and emotional up’s and down’s on my hormones. Hey, it’s gotta be all part of having Endometriosis….right? Well, what I discovered recently has really opened my eyes to what I should also focus on, when it comes to my hormones.
See, our hormones control a massive amount of stuff in our bodies. They influence our mind, our digestion, our menstruation and how we lose weight – hence why the common side-effects when going on hormonal treatments often involve: weight gain, digestive issues, nausea, headaches, thinning hair, poor concentration, moodiness, depression….etc.
Thing is, these hormones exist all over our bodies and perform these functions everywhere. The pituitary gland produces all the various hormones we need. One of those hormones is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and it controls our thyroid function. Many of the symptoms described for under active thyroid function seem to closely relate to what we experience with Endo. So, I thought I would investigate a little further.
The symptoms of under active thyroid or Hypothyroidism are very interesting:
- Thrush or Candida
- Allergies
- Heart Palpitations
- Sore Breasts
- Stomach bloating/digestive problems
- Nausea
- Itchy skin
- Low sex drive
- Depression
- Weight struggles
- Brittle or split nails
- Swelling or puffiness around the eyes, arms and legs
- Poor concentration and focus
- Menstrual Problems
I don’t know about you, but I seemed to tick yes to just about every one on the list. You can also do a test – in the comfort of your home – check out this article: http://www.letslive.co.nz/articles/full/66
So, off I went to my Naturopath to find out what we can find, which is natural to take that will regain the balance for our Thyroid Gland.
For many of us, the key minerals which we need to ensure this balance, are simply lacking in our diets. They include: iron, selenium, zinc, Magnesium, B Vitamins and Iodine. I know many of those are deficient in our soils! I know in a previous article I mentioned taking Kelp. This might be sufficient for some of us, but without sufficient minerals, this won’t work long-term.
I have since found an awesome product, here in New Zealand. It is called Thyronurse by Malcolm K Harker. It contains: Carrageen (Irish Moss Seaweed), Kelp, Green Walnut, Wormwood, Oat Straw, Manuka Wood, Lugols Organic iodine and heaps of others. Thing is, it contains a combination of different herbs and plants which combine to provide all the necessary minerals we need for optimum Thyroid health. If you want to buy it, you can support a friend of mine, who owns this health shop: http://www.letslive.co.nz/products/brand/S/56
It also reads on the label, that we should reduce our consumption of sugar, gluten, chocolate, dairy, cooking oils, fatty meats and egg-white.
So, I am going to try this for 4weeks and assess it’a affect on my monthly and my PMS symptoms – naturally give you an update when it happens! I know many of you are already on Thyroid Medication. I have read some scary things about some of them, so perhaps re-assess and try a more natural approach to this. Many have been proven ineffective due to the lacking minerals in our diets and can cause more harm than good.
What’s your experience? Do you share in some of these symptoms? What has helped them? What do you do for it?
This Post Has One Comment
Interesting but I wouldnt reduce eggs a poached egg contains 13g of protein necessary for hormonal function as well fertility as building muscle . Suggest 3 poached eggs per week . It also includes lots of other vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, choline, phosphorus, selenium and folate. Also hormones require a bit of cholestrol to aid in functioning hormones .
The other stuff such as dairy,sugar,gluten etc I agree with.