As women approach middle age, they often experience the slow onset of sluggishness, thinning hair, weight gain, and dry skin. The majority of women have been mis-educated into thinking that this is normal, and they write it off. However, these symptoms are not necessarily normal - they could be the result of thyroid malfunction. Although thyroid problems can include medical conditions that can be permanent, many can be controlled and some can be eliminated. Treatment can also sometimes reverse the symptoms – getting rid of the excess weight, filling out the hair, and restoring moisture and beauty to the skin. In fact, even for those with the most difficult to treat conditions, proper dry skin treatment can bring vast relief.

The thyroid is a small gland at the base of the throat, just below the larynx. It produces the thyroid hormone, known as T4. The T4 circulates through the body to the liver, where it is converted into T3, and Reverse T3 (RT3). T3 is the active hormone, and circulates to every cell in the body helping to regulate metabolism. This process has at least some effect on every organ in the body.

Malfunction of this process can result in hypothyroidism, insufficient production of T4, or hyperthyroidism, excessive production of T4. Both conditions are usually diagnosed with blood tests than measure T4 levels.

Most of these conditions require medication or surgery to treat. Under-production of T4 is generally treated with a synthetic T4 or extracts derived from animal hormones. Over-production is treated with medications that block the production of the hormone, or a radioactive iodine that kills part or all of the thyroid gland. In some cases, all or part of the thyroid is surgically removed.

Another common thyroid malfunction is known as Wilson's Syndrome. With this condition, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are present, but it does not involve under-production of T4. As blood tests for T4 levels are the primary diagnostic tool for thyroid conditions, and a person with Wilson's Syndrome will often test normal for T4, the condition is often overlooked. Wilson's Syndrome occurs when the production of T4 is adequate, but the conversion from T4 to T3, the active hormone, is inhibited. Although the condition is not permanent if treated, and is relatively easy to treat, patients are often left without a diagnosis or with a wrong diagnosis for their symptoms, and consequently suffer from this condition for the rest of their lives.

Among the debilitating symptoms of thyroid conditions is extremely dry, itchy, and often inflamed skin which can cause discomfort and even infections, which can be very difficult to treat. Fortunately, a shielding lotion has now been developed that can very effectively handle these symptoms. It may be difficult to eliminate the thyroid condition, but, with this shielding lotion, you can finally eliminate the dry skin, itchiness and inflammation, and get some relief.
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Author, Gloria MacTaggert, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for 21st Century Formulations. More information about skin care can be found at www.skinmdnatural.com.