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:

Fatigue Dry Skin Constipation Intolerance to Cold/Heat Muscle Weakness Indigestion Memory Loss Menstrual Disorders

Infertility Sleep Disorders Swelling of Hands, Feet, Eyelids Loss of Hair Heart Palpitation Premenstrual Syndrome Emotional Instability Weight Gain

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.