Articles

Urticaria, or hives, is a skin disorder defined by a raised red rash. It can result from an allergic reaction or chronically as a result of immune system related inflammation. Many patients with chronic urticaria have autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The exact inflammation chemicals and antibodies that cause the skin condition are unclear. Metabolic syndrome is another condition characterized by inflammation. The main features of metabolic syndrome are obesity, glucose intolerance, and high blood pressure. Research on a Korean population concluded that 30% of people who suffer from chronic urticaria also have metabolic syndrome. This is a...

Being overweight or obese can generate health problems such as metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances which perpetuate further weight gain. If you are overweight you most likely have food addiction, food cravings, and stress related eating which are likely to fuel your weight gain and make it harder for you to lose weight. Behavior such as overeating can be modified through behavior change techniques that are taught during behavioral therapy of intervention. Behavioral intervention for weight loss seeks to change compulsive eating habits. Behavioral intervention includes meeting with groups and a specialist multiple times a...

Melatonin is a compound formed in the pineal gland that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The release follows a circadian pattern, meaning there is a higher rate of release at night than during the day. It allows the body to follow the day and night schedule cycle. Melatonin supplements are used widely in the United States primarily as an aid for falling asleep and not waking up during the night. People with metabolic syndrome tend to have decreased melatonin levels although some studies have suggested that melatonin may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, often...

Did you know that thyroid hormone excess may have a direct effect on the brain chemicals that regulate sexual interest? Hyperthyroidism can cause a hypomanic state and increase sexuality in women. A hyperthyroid man, on the other hand, loses the patience to engage in foreplay to excite his partner. Conversely, there is a lack of sexual interest during hypothyroidism in women due to the lower estrogen levels. And during hypothyroidism in men the low sex drive story is the same. Moreover, both sexes can be affected by fatigue, making them too tired to engage in sex. If hypothyroidism occurs with...