Health & Science

You Feel Tired and Stupid. Do You Have Oprah's Thyroid Trouble?

The gland that makes your body run. Or not.

My cat had it. My sister-in-law had it. Now I have it: a thyroid disorder. And so did Oprah. Bless her little butterfly-shaped neck gland; she has once again changed the way middle-aged American women go about their business. Now, in addition to wearing waist-cinching belts and wielding a pneumatic staple gun, Oprah’s viewers are running in droves to get their thyroids tested.

It’s a good thing, too, because thyroid disorders are the second most common endocrine problem after diabetes. What’s weird, though, is how stealthy these ailments are. You walk around feeling a little tired and stupid, just assuming that’s life, especially after Labor Day, and then you find out there are actual tiny hormonal signals to blame.

Some 13 million Americans have a thyroid-related health problem, and 80 percent of them are women. Most are over age 35. Another 13 million Americans are probably walking around with undiagnosed thyroid conditions, according to estimates from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. By age 60, one in five women will have thyroid trouble.

While Oprah was surfing through the high end of the weight scale a couple of years ago, she went for a walk with her exercise guru, Bob Greene. She recounts the day: He said to her, "I think something's wrong. You're listless. Your movements are slower, even when you're just doing normal stuff. Twice I've told you something and you don't remember it. There's no sparkle in your eyes. I think you're in some sort of depression."

At my last annual check-up, my doctor asked the standard assortment of stuff, including if I felt tired.

“No more than usual,” I said. I’ve been tired for eight years, since the day my first child was born and I had to learn a whole new definition of the word juggle. I got my annual scrip for Ambien, the Valium of the new millennium, and stopped in the lab for some blood tests on the way out.

Two days later, the nurse called me. “You have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis,” she burbled. Cool syllables aside, this turns out to be the most common of the glandular disorders, in which the body makes antibodies that are slowly menacing to the thyroid. It often happens after pregnancy, possibly because the immune system surges after being tamped down for nine months. As a consequence, my gland was not quite producing enough of the thyroid hormones that do mission-critical things like regulate metabolism, reproduction, growth, and mood.

For an obscure chunk of tissue below the Adam’s apple, the thyroid is surprisingly important. “The thyroid is a master gland,” explained the nurse. “When it goes wrong, it impacts the entire body.” Intricately tied in to the rest of the body’s endocrine system, the thyroid takes orders from the midbrain’s hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain’s underbelly. The gland’s job is to mix dietary iodine with an amino acid called tyrosine and pulse out T3 and T4. These hormones are released to every cell in the body to regulate cellular metabolism. It is, in short, the body’s fuel refinery. But the thyroid is easily buffeted by our steroidal hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and it appears to be sensitive to environmental assaults such as smoking, radiation, industrial chemicals, and diet.

I scanned the description of symptoms: Tired? Check. Weight gain? A wee bit around the belly, I admit. Brain fog? Check—I love it that there’s a clinical term for this symptom. I started getting excited. I often can’t think of the word for something. And I’m a writer. My husband will say something like, “Have you seen the grilling tongs?" And I’ll say, “They’re in the washing machine, I mean the fridge, I mean the, the whatsit-thing, the dishwasher!” Last month after one such exchange, he said, “For someone so smart, you sure are dumb.” What if I could take a cheap pill that makes all of this go away?

Tags: hormones

Florence Williams is a contributing editor to Outside Magazine and also writes for the New York Times Magazine, the New Republic, and other publications. Last year she was a Ted Scripps Fellow at the Center of Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado.

Comments

abercrombe

By: xuntong01 | Wed, 12/28/2011 - 21:44

Dressed in abercrombe below, to spread leg, leaning against a all kinds of rose petals herbaceous peony with jade clip yarn new pillow, and fang officer two HuaQuan first. When the hot mouth fang shouted, dressed only in a abercrombi girded with a under, also to spread trouser leg. Head forehead with a circle (eyebrow plait, goal to centers, "a root ELuan degree of finish total plait, allsaints dragging in brain. The right ear plug in the eye with the size of a rice only a small jade lid, the single left ear with a abercrombie & fitch 8 , the show's face as the full moon of the white, eye such as autumn pay off.

This YouSanJie walking arm in arm with loose hair, abercrombie & fitch cheap half attack by surprise half open, revealing the light green wiping a bosom, a mark Snow White meat. Underneath , a pair of lotus or become warped or and, no moment sven. Two is like a swing in general, the light under, the more the LiuMei cage cui fog, wingceltis mouth DanSha point. This is a pair of autumn eye,

The qing-wen wear only abercrombie & fitch clothing, red XiaoYi red sleep shoes, be covered with hair, riding in the male on slavery. Musk month is , dressed in a suit , where the catch neither rib limb. Male slaves back on the kang, but, dressed in abercrombie & fitch coupon , red pants green socks, two feet disorderly deng and the smile of breath

See wonderful jade head wearing a abercrombie & fitch outlet cover a water TianQing satin edge long vest, tied chou-heung color silk sash, waist of a pale MoHua of white silk skirt, follow a shi son, waving the drag drag comes along.

all saints

By: xuntong01 | Mon, 12/26/2011 - 03:45

Purple porch ourtenant looked to me, as if all the others like transparent general, today she wore a abercrombie fitch discount , cherubim of finely plum blossom into a peach blossom color brocade brought, wearing a abercrombie fitch online store below his waist and a root , the hair loose rolled up, between hair tilted in a root TuCui peacock hanging a sapphire blue earth, abercrombie online shop her as she steps, gently swaying, as if picture painted a fairy, ying ying smiling.

Still fine gauze masked, I dressed in a abercrombie us, skirt both sides have band loosely in the chest a knot, the remaining at dreadful lop, beat and dance. My hair is wan line into three turn the small dish whiskers, slightly to the right, it really buy abercrombie, head, two more under the act the rose, the head, two ray like you send out lop, discount abercrombie bao ruchan ala as thin as.

all saints

By: xuntong01 | Fri, 12/23/2011 - 04:21

The man dressed up and all the different girl, has brilliant, pass god bestowed the fairy: head wearing & fitch clothing , Wan the chaoyang , on a wearing 7 abercrombie , skirt hem , double value halibut rose peja, was dressed in , outer garment of , abacrombie 60% off A pair of DanFeng triangle eyes, two curved eyebrows hanging sought the willow, stature slim, physical coquettish, powder surface has not shows with spring, Dan lip not up laughing first smell

Two curved like the cu smoke frowning eyebrow, and a pair of like xi xi consist of eye. State of two ь born worry, charming of a disease attacks. all saints A tears spot, breathed heavily slightly. Silence as good as when water flowers, like weak willows in action is. Over an opening more heart dry, disease such as west-three points.

See the room and out of a few fairy, abacrombie and fitch onlineshop Hollywood is either PianXian, blowing clothes, if the top flowers in spring, mei such as designed.

prada

By: 1xuntong | Thu, 12/22/2011 - 02:35

Head is a dressed in prada mens bags , the waist is hand wan the wind Huan fog whiskers, hair don't the prada bags on sale. Eyes look unripe brightness, hold the colourful color hearts and beauty.

Just go to the flowers there is a side in prada bags on sale , white clouds scattered with flower skirt, BinFa such as the mist, inclined fork prada vela messenger bag , delicate and charming face like the palace outfit and eyebrow woman.

UGG UK

By: UGGUKSale | Wed, 12/07/2011 - 21:14

UGG Kensington has set off a worldwide epidemic fashion snow boots. As an important mainstay of fashionable UGG lineup, numerous UGG fans are willing to stay for UGG Kenly. Every UGG fans who can spend time on UGG Knightsbridge can find assorted styles of over the calf shafts UGG Fox Fur boots in a variety of sizes and colors. The trend in 2010 has let the numerous UGG fans taste the unique style of fashion UGG Delaine. In fact, they are like this at any time.


UGG Classic Short : UGG boots conveys a kind of simple but classic beauty to its fans. Sleek and streamlined appearance makes this boot suitable for women at all ages from around the world. In addition to adult women, kids also can pamper their feet through slightly slip their feet into this UGG Classic Cardy, Australia classic short has a wide range of colors for consumers to choose from, from bright orange to brown, to the ever classic black. UGG Classic Tall boots' various collocation effect is another reason why numerous fashionistas are so obsessed to it. Wearing UGG Classic Mini boots, you just need matching them with a pair of tight jean or a pleated skirt and any skinny pant. These simple clothing can assist you to be the focal spot of the street.


UGG Bailey Button : This is indeed a unique version in so many fashionable UGG collections. The reason why UGG Bailey Button Triplet boots make so many people obsessed in that its unique fashionable appearance can show people's open and sexy side of personality. As its name suggests, the bailey-like appearance conveys a retro sense, thus, it is indispensable to fashion girls. It also represents a multi-functional UGG Plumdale boots style because it can collocate with everything in a practical and aesthetical way.


The UGG Retro Cargo is a freshly updated version of the beloved Cargo. It has a super-edgy, urban hardness to the design, but still offers the softness and comfort on the inside that is the signature feel of an UGG. You can get that combat style without compromising warmth and comfort. It will make you want to bring out your inner, gritty artist, and stomp in UGG Tularosa style, conjuring up your favorite Girl-Drummer in a Raucous Garage Band alternate universe you!


These days, the demand for UGG UK boots is immense as they are the two practical as nicely as fashionable. UGG Amberlee has an substantial range of UGG Roslynn boots which are suitable for each season and environment. The UGG Montclair from UGG are available for guys, girls and even youngsters. So each member in your household can get a pair of their option.

I thought it was going to be

By: elysiandubai | Tue, 11/29/2011 - 08:32

I thought it was going to be some boring old post but it really compensated for my time. dubai seo services | dubai yachts | uae health insurance | treatment for hair fall | uk assignments | chauffeur wedding cars

uggbaileybuttontriplets

By: zhenhua | Tue, 11/22/2011 - 23:15

It's a interesting news,Welcome to http://www.uggbaileybuttontriplets.org/,you've certainly come to the right place.And as we're sure our many satisfied customers will agree,our pride shines through in the premium quality of our ever popular footwear range.Be sure not to lack a pair of snow boots.There are many styles of UGG Boots here.Such as Ugg Adirondack Boots 5469 | Ugg Ashur Boots 5760 | Ugg Bailey Button Boots 5803 | UGG Bailey Button Krinkle | Ugg Bailey Button Triplet 1873 | Ugg Chrystie Boots 5512 | Ugg Classic Argyle Knit 5879 | Ugg Classic Cardy 5819 | UGG Classic Metallic | Ugg Classic Mini 5854 | Ugg Classic Patent Paisley 5852 | Ugg Classic Short 5825 | Ugg Classic Short 5899 | Ugg Classic Tall 5815 | Ugg Corinth Boots 5756 | Ugg Delaine Boots 1886 | UGG Elsey 5596 | Ugg Felicity Boots 5450 | UGG Fox Fur 8686 | Ugg Fringe Cardy 1878 | UGG Highkoo Boots 5765 | Ugg Infants Erin 5202 | Ugg Jimmy Choo Boots | UGG Kensington Boots 5678 | Ugg Kids Boots | Ugg Knightsbridge Boots 5119 | Ugg Liberty Boots 5509 | Ugg Nightfall Boots 5359 | Ugg Payton Boots 5654 | Ugg Romantic Flower Boots | Ugg Roxy Boots | UGG Sheepskin Cuff 1875 | Ugg Stripe Cable Knit 5822 | Ugg Suburb Crochet Boots | Ugg Sundance Boots | Ugg Ultimate Bind Boots 5219 | Ugg Ultra Short Boots 5225 | Ugg Ultra Tall Boots 5245 | Ugg Upside Boots 5163 | Womens Ugg Boots | Ugg Adirondack Boots 5469 Black | Ugg Adirondack Boots 5469 Chestnut | Ugg Ashur Boots 5760 Grey | Ugg Bailey Button 5803 Aqua Green Boots | Ugg Bailey Button 5803 Blackberry Wine Boots | Ugg Bailey Button Triplet Boots 1873 Brick Red | Ugg Bailey Button Triplet Boots 1873 Green | Ugg Classic Cardy Black Boots 5819 | Ugg Classic Cardy Blue Boots 5819 | Ugg Boots Classic Mini 5854 Black | Ugg Boots Classic Mini 5854 Chocolate | Ugg Classic Short Boots 5825 Leopard | Ugg Classic Short Boots 5825 Red | Ugg Classic Tall Boots 5815 Amber | Ugg Classic Tall Boots 5815 Baked clay | Ugg Delaine Boots 1886 | Ugg Boots Delaine 1886 Blue | UGG Highkoo Boots 5765 Black | UGG Highkoo Boots 5765 White | UGG Kensington Boots 5678 Black | UGG Kensington Boots 5678 Chestnut | UGG Knightsbridge Boots 5119 Black | UGG Knightsbridge Boots 5119 Chestnut | Ugg Boots Nightfall 5359 Black | Ugg Boots Nightfall 5359 Chocolate | Ugg Payton Boots 5654 Chestnut | Fashion Ugg boots are attracted by everyone, they have broadly distribute to worldwide.Here, our website,strongly propose many Ugg boots,expect your visit !

Our Australia UGG Boots

By: looking | Tue, 11/22/2011 - 06:14

Our Australia UGG Boots Outlet sale now,not only womens ugg boots clearance,but also kids boots clearance,cheapest and high quality,you are welcome! UGG Boots On Sale sells all kinds of boots with no tax and free shopping worldwide! Welcome to place the order during UGG Boots For Sale period. UGG boots clearance sells the high quality products with the lower price. Welcome to our shop which ugg sale.100%genuine and good service for you.Many items, good looking.Best choice for you.

uggbaileybuttontriplets

By: zhenhua | Tue, 11/22/2011 - 04:36

It's a interesting news,Welcome to http://www.uggbaileybuttontriplets.org/,you've certainly come to the right place.And as we're sure our many satisfied customers will agree,our pride shines through in the premium quality of our ever popular footwear range.Be sure not to lack a pair of snow boots.There are many styles of UGG Boots here.Such as Ugg Adirondack Boots 5469 | Ugg Ashur Boots 5760 | Ugg Bailey Button Boots 5803 | UGG Bailey Button Krinkle | Ugg Bailey Button Triplet 1873 | Ugg Chrystie Boots 5512 | Ugg Classic Argyle Knit 5879 | Ugg Classic Cardy 5819 | UGG Classic Metallic | Ugg Classic Mini 5854 | Ugg Classic Patent Paisley 5852 | Ugg Classic Short 5825 | Ugg Classic Short 5899 | Ugg Classic Tall 5815 | Ugg Corinth Boots 5756 | Ugg Delaine Boots 1886 | UGG Elsey 5596 | Ugg Felicity Boots 5450 | UGG Fox Fur 8686 | Ugg Fringe Cardy 1878 | UGG Highkoo Boots 5765 | Ugg Infants Erin 5202 | Ugg Jimmy Choo Boots | UGG Kensington Boots 5678 | Ugg Kids Boots | Ugg Knightsbridge Boots 5119 | Ugg Liberty Boots 5509 | Ugg Nightfall Boots 5359 | Ugg Payton Boots 5654 | Ugg Romantic Flower Boots | Ugg Roxy Boots | UGG Sheepskin Cuff 1875 | Ugg Stripe Cable Knit 5822 | Ugg Suburb Crochet Boots | Ugg Sundance Boots | Ugg Ultimate Bind Boots 5219 | Ugg Ultra Short Boots 5225 | Ugg Ultra Tall Boots 5245 | Ugg Upside Boots 5163 | Womens Ugg Boots | Ugg Adirondack Boots 5469 Black | Ugg Adirondack Boots 5469 Chestnut | Ugg Ashur Boots 5760 Grey | Ugg Bailey Button 5803 Aqua Green Boots | Ugg Bailey Button 5803 Blackberry Wine Boots | Ugg Bailey Button Triplet Boots 1873 Brick Red | Ugg Bailey Button Triplet Boots 1873 Green | Ugg Classic Cardy Black Boots 5819 | Ugg Classic Cardy Blue Boots 5819 | Ugg Boots Classic Mini 5854 Black | Ugg Boots Classic Mini 5854 Chocolate | Ugg Classic Short Boots 5825 Leopard | Ugg Classic Short Boots 5825 Red | Ugg Classic Tall Boots 5815 Amber | Ugg Classic Tall Boots 5815 Baked clay | Ugg Delaine Boots 1886 | Ugg Boots Delaine 1886 Blue | UGG Highkoo Boots 5765 Black | UGG Highkoo Boots 5765 White | UGG Kensington Boots 5678 Black | UGG Kensington Boots 5678 Chestnut | UGG Knightsbridge Boots 5119 Black | UGG Knightsbridge Boots 5119 Chestnut | Ugg Boots Nightfall 5359 Black | Ugg Boots Nightfall 5359 Chocolate | Ugg Payton Boots 5654 Chestnut | Fashion Ugg boots are attracted by everyone, they have broadly distribute to worldwide.Here, our website,strongly propose many Ugg boots,expect your visit !

Coach Outlet Online are even

By: kkllkk | Fri, 11/18/2011 - 21:38

Coach Outlet Online are even although accessible in the exchange cerebration about that 1940's. They accept acquired ample acceptability attributable to their advocate styles and a lot of adapted of leather-based and some added accessories. No agnosticism these hottest accoutrements are account affairs from coach outlet in accident you in fact appraise them with added branded accoutrements readily accessible out there.Cheap coach outlet Purses are absolute for all those that charge a chic and beautiful look. Coach Outlet Online you ability accept possibly noticed of affordable drillmaster purses. Coach Outlet Online You can accept the affordable coach outlet Purses according for the need. This plays a important allotment in affairs not just even although in the accountable of appliance but in add-on in depicting the angel of the abandoned person.Some architecture can be begin accepting a admixture of childhood bag and purse admitting some added architecture provides you with added pockets to bottle little one items. they are ample bargain amount Coach Outlet Online even although in the coach outlet on accumulating by which you can bottle your necessities.