The thyroid gland is a small gland located at the front of the neck just below your Adams apple.  The thyroid glands function is to run the body’s metabolism by secreting thyroid hormones called T3 and T4.  When the gland fails to secrete these hormones, we are diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder called Hypothyroidism. [1]

The thyroid gland is controlled by another gland located in the brain called the Pituitary gland, which produces the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).  When our thyroid gland decreases the production of T3 and T4, the pituitary gland will try to compensate by releasing more TSH thus causing an elevated TSH. [2]

Understandably, those with Hypothyroid Disorder will have typical symptoms of slow metabolism such as:

Weight gain	Loss of coordination
Increased cholesterol	Depression
Hair Loss	Irritability
Fatigue	Decreased Libido
Constipation	Muscle cramps
Memory Loss	Cold intolerance
Dry skin	Irregular menstrual cycles
Muscle weakness

Of course symptoms will vary according to each individual.  Why is exercise of vital importance to those of us with hypothyroid disorder?  First of all slower metabolism causes higher susceptibility to carbohydrate absorption, simple sugars such as pasta, white rice, potatoes, sweets and the like.  This combined with fatigue, lack of energy and for some, the rare case of increased insulin resistance is the perfect combination for weight gain among other problems such as diabetes, heart disease etc.

Moderate exercise on a regular basis, 4 to 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes a day will increase the body’s metabolic rate. Increased metabolic rate will decrease fatigue and increase insulin uptake to help burn more calories, which in turn will decrease appetite.  Exercise will also increase Serotonin uptake in the brain, relieving many symptoms of depression caused by hypothyroidism.  In other words, exercise can counter-act many of the risk factors listed above caused by hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroid Disorder is easily managed by taking daily thyroid medication prescribed by your Physician.  Medication combined with regular exercise allows those of us with hypothyroid disorder to live a very normal, healthy and active lifestyle.