According to a new study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, those suffering with migraines and headaches have a greater risk of a thyroid disease called hypothyroidism.
Over 8,000 people were followed for 20 years. Participants who had cluster or tension headaches had a 21 percent higher risk of hypothyroidism.
Those with migraine disorders had a 41 percent greater risk.
Hypothyroidism is an under active thyroid. It happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.
This can cause mood swings, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, constipation and irregular menstrual cycles.
Symptoms vary depending on how severe the hormone deficiency.
What you should look out for is fatigue, dry skin, constipation, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, muscle weakness, thinning hair, sadness or depression. When hypothyroidism isn’t treated, symptoms become more severe.
If you’re suffering with migraines and suspect you may have an under active thyroid, here are my prescriptions:
- Talk to Your Doctor about TSH and T4 Blood Tests. These measure your thyroid hormones and detect the problem often before you experience symptoms.
- Standard Treatment for Hyperthyroidism is Oral Medication. Symptoms are often reversed after 1 -2 weeks.
- Natural Products using Pig Thyroid Glands offer Alternative Options. They’re available by prescription only. It’s not recommended to buy from natural food stores because potency and purity are not guaranteed.
- If an Under active Thyroid is Ruled Out, Ask Your Doctor About Migraine Treatment Options. These combined with healthy lifestyle changes can help.
Question: What about Iodine?
The thyroid does needs iodine to produce the hormone.
World wide iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. But iodine deficiency is rare here in the United States.
That’s because iodine is found in iodized table salt, shellfish, saltwater fish, eggs, dairy products. These are often included in the American diet.
