When you think of low thyroid, the image of middle-aged, overweight woman probably comes to mind. And you wouldn't be far off, because hypothyroidism is certainly far more common in women, especially middle- aged and older, and in many cases, thyroid problems cause weight gain and weight problems for sufferers. But there are some particularly telling - but little known signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is thought to affect over 50 million Americans and most don't realize they are affected by it. Hypothyroidism suffers attribute thyroid symptoms to other health problems and seek for the wrong health issues.

Hypothyroidism is a disease that can manifest itself in a very similar way to chronic fatigue syndrome. The patient feels fatigued, does not sleep at night and in many cases fighting feelings of depression. Persistent or chronic constipation can be a sign of an under-active thyroid.

Because the thyroid regulates metabolism, the metabolic slowdown of hypothyroidism also slows down the digestive system, and food moves more slowly through digestion and elimination, frequently resulting in chronic constipation. Often, common remedies - such as increasing water intake, fruits like dried prunes or prune juice, upping the fiber intake - are tried, with no results. Over-the-counter, herbal and prescription drugs may also fail to resolve the problem.

If you are experiencing chronic constipation, you should always be exhaustively evaluated for an under-active thyroid. Compared with adults with normal thyroid function, congestive heart failure was about twice as common in patients with moderate or severe asymptomatic hypothyroidism.

Some patients with hypothyroidism do not regain their energy even when they are taking natural thyroid. Dr. Jefferies' author of "Safe Uses of Cortisol" had found that adrenal fatigue often occurs in conjunction with hypothyroidism, and that, in the absence of adequate cortisol, thyroid hormone replacement was less effective.

The reason is that when the adrenal glands are weak, even normal thyroid activity is a burden. Adding supplemental thyroid hormone may result in initial improvement in energy levels and other symptoms, but as the adrenal glands become more exhausted, energy production is shut down.

As cortisol levels distort high or low this can have a negative effect on insulin and DHEA. Testing is recommended at least once a year. Find out if your cortisol is too high and how to normalize it safely and effectively.

Drs. Jefferies states that low-dose cortisol can make a tremendous difference in the energy and well-being of patients with hypothyroidism. Not only does it improve energy, raise body temperature, and increase resistance to infection, it also helps the body utilize thyroid hormone.