Weakness is a symptom of a number of different conditions. The causes are many and can be divided into conditions that have true or perceived muscle weakness. True muscle weakness is a primary symptom of a variety of skeletal muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophy and inflammatory myopathy. It occurs in neuromuscular junction disorders, such as myasthenia gravis.

Muscle cells work by detecting a flow of electrical impulses from the brain, which signals them to contract through the release ...

asthenia

What-is-the-thyroid-gland

What is the thyroid gland

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It may be small in size, but the butterfly-shaped gland, which is located in the neck area, has indispensable health functions. Your thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormone (TH), which regulates, among other things, the body's temperature, metabolism, and heart rate.&nbsp;

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Things can start to go wrong when the thyroid gland is with hyper or hypofunction due to various factors. If it is with decreased function - hypofunction, when it produces too little TH; Alternatively, if it has an increased function - hyperfunction, then it produces too much of this hormone. In addition, other hormones, such as LH, FSH, as well as antibody levels, also serve as a comprehensive factors of the actual condition.

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But what makes your thyroid gland out of balance? The factors may be genetic, autoimmune processes may take place in the body. Impaired thyroid function can also occur during pregnancy, stress, nutritional deficiencies or accumulation of toxins in the environment. And while the hypofunction tends to attract more attention among scientists, there's also the opposite situation where we're talking about an overactive thyroid. It should also be taken into account, since the effects of an overactive thyroid gland are related to weight, overall hormonal background, reproductive abilities, ability to concentrate, memory and others.

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Hyperfunction and hypofunction - two sides of an impaired thyroid function

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism

10 signs of hyperthyroidism 

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As mentioned, hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. When this happens, the body produces an excess of thyroid hormones, such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T4 is produced specifically when the pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Here are the signs that your thyroid is working at an elevated speed and producing abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones: &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673616002786" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[Ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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Nervousness and anxiety&nbsp; - When the thyroid gland works excessively, hormones tell the body to work even harder. This leads to several symptoms that can make you feel nervous and anxious. But before that, these hormones lead to mood swings and racing thoughts.&nbsp;

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Fast heart rate (plus palpitations) - As one of the physical symptoms of high hormone levels, your heart rate may increase. An increase in heart rate can also lead to palpitations. So, if you feel that the heart is undergoing any unusual changes, be sure to seek medical attention.&nbsp;

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Increased sweating - Because thyroid hormones tell your body to become more active, naturally it will try to cool itself by sweating, even in less active situations when you're not physically active.&nbsp;

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Weight loss - Although this effect is usually sought with other methods, hyperfunction is possible, but with adverse consequences. The abundance of thyroid hormones will speed up your metabolism and appetite. Although you may notice unexplained weight loss, it can lead to dramatic and unwanted changes related to the type of skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles.

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Change in peristalsis - Changes in hormone levels can even affect your digestive system. More frequent bowel movements may indicate other conditions, such as Crohn's disease or problems with gluten absorption or lactose intolerance.&nbsp;

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Goiter - Goiter occurs when the thyroid gland begins to enlarge due to the overproduction of hormones. Normally, the thyroid gland needs adequate levels of iodine, which we should get from the diet. However, if you do not have enough iodine, your body will try to compensate for what is missing, and the thyroid gland will enlarge. If you develop a goiter, you should take iodine supplements after consulting a specialist to suggest other personalized medical solutions.

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You should also keep in mind that Hashimoto's thyroiditis often causes goiter. It is an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people around the world, mainly women. Specifically, this disease causes inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland. As a result of Hashimoto's, the body tries to compensate by triggering thyroid growth and a host of different symptoms affecting joints, skin, hair, and other aspects. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2018.00737/full" target="_blank" data-ref="The Pathology of Hyperthyroidism" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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Hair loss and brittle nails - Hair and nails grow continuously. This is because a critical thyroid function is sending hormonal signals to trigger hair and nail growth. With hyperthyroidism, additional hormones tell your body to increase the growth of hair follicles and nails in a shorter time.

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Although it seems that rapid nail growth would be a positive side effect of thyroid dysfunction, this is not the case. This forced growth is happening too quickly. As a result, your body needs to use its natural resources, which can lead to thinner and brittle hair and nails.

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Sensitive skin or discoloration - Thyroid hormones also affect the health of your skin in different ways. For example, with hyperthyroidism, you may have itchy dry spots on the skin. Your face may feel softer and swollen. You may even notice swelling around your fingertips. Other symptoms include darkening of the skin, rashes and reddish spots.

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Disturbed sleep or insomnia - It is quite possible that you suffer from disturbed sleep in case of excessive levels of thyroid hormones. They make your body more active than usual. For example, hormonal changes can make the nervous system hyperactive. In addition, you may experience nervousness and anxiety due to thyroid problems that also affect sleep.

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Changes in the menstrual cycle - Since hyperthyroidism determines accelerated metabolism, the menstrual cycle may become shorter or begin at different times.&nbsp;

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10 signs of hypothyroidism 

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Fatigue&nbsp; - First, when you develop hypothyroidism, your body produces fewer thyroid hormones, making it difficult to recover from everyday stress. As a result, you will start to feel tired more often. You may become slower and slower, you may have difficulty concentrating as mental fatigue or brain fog occurs. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=56c36d9c-f416-4176-b335-115f0af3d09f" target="_blank" data-ref="Hypothyroidism in Context: Where We&rsquo;ve Been and Where We&rsquo;re Going - Advances in Therapy" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;3]&nbsp;

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Sensitivity to cold Hormones secreted by your thyroid gland also regulate body temperature. With fewer hormones, your body has difficulty warming up because your metabolism is slower.

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Constipation - While hyperthyroidism speeds up the digestive process, hypothyroidism slows it down. As a result of these delayed processes, constipation often occurs.&nbsp;

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Dry and itchy skin - Just as overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to skin problems, a lack of these hormones also affects skin health. Skin tends to become dry, itchy and scaly, it may even wrinkle or become pale. These symptoms can also be caused by other skin diseases.

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Weight gain - Thyroid problems lead to a significant slowdown in metabolism. As a result, your body begins to burn less energy and therefore stores more fat. You may find it difficult to exercise because of the fatigue that comes with hypothyroidism.

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Muscle weakness - Without the stimulation of thyroid hormones, your muscles begin to lose their strength. They can even atrophy or become permanently relaxed.

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Muscle aches and cramps - Likewise, your muscles can become painful and low in function. In addition, with a slower metabolism, your body uses catabolism to generate energy. Catabolism is a process that breaks down muscles and other tissues, resulting in weakness, soreness, and possibly pain.

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Joint pain and edema - Catabolism also affects the joints, contributing to fatigue, pain, and even inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, we are talking about an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints and causes inflammation and pain. <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673617307031" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;4]&nbsp;

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Abundant or irregular menstrual cycle - Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism causes the menstrual cycle to become slower and heavier. Cycles can also become less frequent.

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Depression and brain fog - Among other things, with hyperfunction of SHJ, the nervous system slows down because the body can not use energy as efficiently. In combination with the feeling of fatigue, you can feel sluggish, experience mood swings and depression.

Think you may have a thyroid disorder and have any (or several) of the listed symptoms? Ask your doctor to check thyroid hormone levels, especially if you have a family history of Graves' disease, Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis, or another endocrine disorder. These symptoms may be related to other conditions, but if it is found that the cause is impaired thyroid function, measures can be taken in terms of diet, physical activity, filling nutritional deficiencies and taking medications to normalize the condition.

Symptoms of Hyperfunction and Hypofunction - Impaired Thyroid Function

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Symptoms

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Low hematocrit can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

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<ul><li>Fatigue</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Weakness</li><li>Pale skin</li><li>Cold hands and feet</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Dizziness</li></ul>

Causes

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There are many potential causes of low hematocrit, including:

Iron-deficiency-anemia

Iron deficiency anemia

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A condition where your body lacks iron, which is needed to make red blood cells.

Vitamin-deficiency-anemia

Vitamin deficiency anemia

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A condition where your body lacks certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 or folate, which are necessary for the production of red blood cells.

Chronic-disease

Chronic disease

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Diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, and HIV can cause a decrease in red blood cells.

Medications

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Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotics, can cause a decrease in red blood cells.

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If you are experiencing symptoms of low hematocrit, you should consult with a hematologist, a medical doctor who specializes in blood disorders.

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Possible Side Effects of Medical Drugs

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Some medications can cause a decrease in red blood cells. These medications include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chemotherapy drugs</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antibiotics such as chloramphenicol</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antiseizure drugs such as valproic acid</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen</li></ul>

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Herbal-and-Natural-Treatments

Herbal and Natural Treatments

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There are many herbal and natural treatments that can help increase hematocrit levels. These include:

Alfalfa-(Medicago-sativa)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

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Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich herb that contains high levels of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and helps increase hematocrit levels.

Nettle-(Urtica-dioica)

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

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Nettle is a natural anti-inflammatory herb that can help increase the production of red blood cells.

Yellow-dock-(Rumex-crispus)

Yellow dock (Rumex crispus)

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Yellow dock is an herb that is high in iron and can help increase the production of red blood cells.

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It's important to note that you should always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any herbal or natural treatments.

Suggestions-to-Change-Bad-Living-Habits

Suggestions to Change Bad Living Habits

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There are some bad living habits that can cause low hematocrit levels. By changing these habits, you can improve your hematocrit levels and overall health. These habits include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Poor diet: Eating a diet low in iron and vitamins can contribute to low hematocrit levels. Incorporate more iron-rich foods such as spinach, beans, and red meat, and consider taking a multivitamin.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sedentary lifestyle: Regular exercise can help increase red blood cell production and improve overall health.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Smoking: Smoking can reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood, leading to low hematocrit levels. Quitting smoking can improve your hematocrit levels and overall health.</li></ul>

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Questions-and-answers

Questions and answers

Below-are-ten-frequently-asked-questions-that-are-not-covered-in-the-article:

Below are ten frequently asked questions that are not covered in the article:

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Question: How is hematocrit measured?

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Answer: Hematocrit is measured through a simple blood test. The test measures the proportion of red blood cells in your blood compared to the total volume of blood.

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Question: What is the normal range for hematocrit levels?

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Answer: The normal range for hematocrit levels can vary depending on age, sex, and other factors. In general, the normal range for adults is between 38.8% to 50% for men and 34.9% to 44.5% for women.

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Question: What is iron-deficiency anemia?

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Answer: Iron-deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

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Question: Can low hematocrit levels cause long-term health problems?

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Answer: Low hematocrit levels can lead to a variety of health problems, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, low hematocrit levels can also cause long-term damage to the heart and other organs.

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Question: Can a vegetarian or vegan diet contribute to low hematocrit levels?

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Answer: Vegetarian and vegan diets can be low in iron and vitamin B12, which are essential for the production of red blood cells. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, it's important to make sure you are getting enough iron and B12 through fortified foods or supplements.

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Question: Can high altitude contribute to low hematocrit levels?

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Answer: Yes, high altitude can contribute to low hematocrit levels. At high altitudes, there is less oxygen in the air, which can cause the body to produce more red blood cells to compensate. However, it can take several weeks for the body to adjust, and some people may experience low hematocrit levels as a result.

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Question: Can stress contribute to low hematocrit levels?

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Answer: Stress can cause the body to release hormones that can affect the production of red blood cells. In some cases, chronic stress can lead to low hematocrit levels.

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Question: Can excessive alcohol consumption contribute to low hematocrit levels?

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Answer: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause the body to lose iron and vitamins that are essential for the production of red blood cells, leading to low hematocrit levels.

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Question: Can low hematocrit levels be cured?

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Answer: Low hematocrit levels can often be treated through dietary changes, supplementation, and other lifestyle modifications. However, the underlying cause of the low hematocrit levels will need to be addressed to fully cure the condition.

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Question: Is it safe to take herbal supplements to increase hematocrit levels?

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Answer: While herbal supplements such as alfalfa, nettle, and yellow dock can help increase hematocrit levels, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements to avoid potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

Low hematocrit can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia, chronic disease, and medications. Herbal and natural treatments, such as alfalfa, nettle, and yellow dock, can help increase hematocrit levels, but it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Changing bad living habits, such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking, can also help improve hematocrit levels and overall health.

Low Hematocrit: What You Need to Know

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Difficulty-swallowing

Difficulty swallowing

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Do you experience pain, discomfort, or the sensation that food is stuck in your throat when you try to swallow? This symptom, also known as dysphagia, could be a sign of a more severe condition such as:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Esophageal cancer: a type of cancer that starts in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, and hoarseness.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food or liquids.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Achalasia: a rare disorder that affects the muscles in the lower esophagus, making it difficult to swallow food and liquids. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, regurgitation of food or liquids, and unintended weight loss.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stroke: a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Symptoms of a stroke can include difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, and difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Multiple sclerosis (MS): a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system, including the nerves that control the muscles in the throat. Symptoms of MS can include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and muscle weakness or stiffness.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Parkinson's disease: a degenerative disorder that affects the nervous system and causes muscle stiffness and tremors. As the disease progresses, it can cause difficulty swallowing, speaking, and breathing.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerves that control the muscles. Symptoms of ALS can include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, muscle weakness or stiffness, and difficulty breathing.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stress or anxiety: When you're stressed or anxious, your body releases hormones that can affect your digestion and make it harder to swallow. Additionally, stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension and throat constriction, making it more difficult to swallow.</li></ul>If you experience any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor may perform tests to diagnose the cause of your swallowing difficulties and recommend treatments such as medications, surgery, or speech therapy.

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Herbal-and-natural-remedies

Herbal and natural remedies

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While natural remedies may offer some relief for swallowing difficulties, they should not replace medical treatment or advice. Here are some natural remedies that may provide temporary relief:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sipping warm water or herbal tea can help soothe the throat and make it easier to swallow.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Consuming ginger or licorice root may help reduce inflammation in the throat.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eating soft, easy-to-swallow foods like oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies can make it easier to eat and swallow.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help reduce stress and tension in the throat muscles.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chewing slowly and thoroughly can help break down food and make it easier to swallow.</li></ul>It's important to note that these natural remedies are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, it's essential to see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.

Stress-and-anxiety-related-difficulty-swallowing

Stress and anxiety-related difficulty swallowing

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If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing and think stress or anxiety may be contributing to the problem, speak with a healthcare provider or mental health professional to discuss treatment options. Techniques like relaxation exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and stress reduction techniques can be helpful in managing stress and anxiety-related swallowing difficulties.

Difficulty swallowing is a serious symptom that requires attention. By seeking medical care and following recommended treatment plans, you can manage this symptom and prevent serious complications. While natural remedies can offer some relief, they should not replace medical advice or treatment. Stay proactive about your health and don't hesitate to speak up if you notice any concerning symptoms. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better. Remember, your health is worth the investment!