What's a common disease that over 5 million Americans suffer from and many may not even be aware they have it? Hypothyroidism and related forms of thyroid dysfunction!

The thyroid gland looks like a little bow tie and is located at the base of the throat, below the Adam's apple in males. Thyroid dysfunction affects both males and females. This gland produces hormones which control the body's metabolism, your internal thermostat of sorts.

Thyroid dysfunction is generally either an over or under production of the hormone. Under active thyroid hormone production is called hypothyroidism; whereas too much, or overactive thyroid hormone production is called hyperthyroidism.

Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include chronic fatigue and weakness, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss or coarse, dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold, abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss, depression and irritability, constipation, muscle cramps. Not all symptoms are always present.

Some doctors prefer to diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test. They will test to check TSH levels (the thyroid stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland) and T4 levels (the main thyroid hormone). Other doctors prefer to take a more holistic approach and are able to diagnose based on symptoms. Morning body temperature readings (below 97.1 consistently) as well as discovery of regular waking up approximately four hours after going to bed, can aid in the diagnosis.

There are chemical, synthetic treatments that can be used to restore healthy thyroid functions, such as Synthroid and Levothyroxine.

Some doctors and sufferers prefer to use a form of natural thyroid hormone extracted from swine and cows. Yup, pig thyroid! It's the closest to the human thyroid hormone and contains both T4 and T3 thyroid hormones.

Naturopaths have long recognized that there are very effective herbs that can help to promote healthy thyroid functioning and restore thyroid health.

Armour, a natural thyroid is available by prescription. T-100 is another brand of natural thyroid that can be obtained through holistic processionals. Regular use of natural thyroid can help to restore deficient iodine levels, while also stimulating the thyroid to produce crucial thyroid hormones, thereby treating hypothyroidism.

Bladder wrack or kelp, Licorice, Saw Palmetto and Ginger (root) have also been known to stimulate the thyroid to release thyroid hormones and is therefore beneficial in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

If you're not comfortable taking synthetic medications, give natural thyroid a chance. It's the closest match to human thyroid and can leave you feeling worlds better. Even natural supplements need to be under the care of your physician. Please do not self medicate.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.