Tired, Weak, Depressed? You May Have Hypothyroidism

Does it seem like you are constantly tired, weak and unmotivated?

It's not just your hectic lifestyle wreaking havoc on your body. In fact, these symptoms may be part of a bigger problem: hypothyroidism.

According to the National Institute of Health, hypothyroidism is a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough of certain hormones that the body requires under normal conditions.

This disorder can develop slowly, so many people do not notice its symptoms right away.

Thyroid hormones regulate the body's metabolism (the way the body uses energy) and affect nearly every organ in the body. Having this disorder can lead to a number of health problems including weight gain, heart disease, muscle pain, joint pain and infertility.

Women are much more likely than men to develop the disorder, and women who are pregnant or had a baby within the last six months are particularly at risk. People who are over 60 years of age, those who have a family history of thyroid disease, or have autoimmune diseases are also prone to an under-active thyroid gland.

Board-certified endocrinologist, Dr. Theodore Friedman, MD,shares the essential facts of hypothyroidism, as well as the treatments and preventative measures you can take.