The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ located on the front side of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. The gland has 2 lobes, the right and left, connected by the isthmus. The primary function of the thyroid is to regulate several important hormones in the body, some of which control the body's metabolic rate.
How is thyroid level measured?
Thyroid function can be measured by the levels of several thyroid hormones in the blood, including TSH, T3, and T4.
The thyroid gland releases the hormone, T4 (Thyroxine), which circulates in the bloodstream and attaches to the receptors present in various organs of the body. Some of the body’s T4 is transformed to T3 (Triiodothyronine) in the liver which plays a crucial role in burning fat. Another hormone responsible for the thyroid functioning is TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) which is released from the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to release its hormone. The TSH hormone gives us a measure of whether our thyroid is under or overactive.
Too much or too little of these hormones could mean that the person is suffering from a disorder of the thyroid. Disorders associated with the thyroid gland, include Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, and Goiter.
The most common types of thyroid issues
Let's take a look at two of them:
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism develops when the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone.
Causes:
- Graves' illness: Excessive thyroid hormone production.
- Toxic adenomas: A disruption in the chemical balance is broken when nodules form in the thyroid gland and start to produce thyroid hormones.
- Subacute thyroiditis: Thyroid inflammation that results in the "leakage" of extra hormones, typically lasts a few weeks but may last for months.
- Dysfunction of the pituitary gland or cancerous thyroid gland growth: This is a rare cause but it might lead to hyperthyroid.
Symptoms and signs to watch out for:
- Nervousness, mood changes, weakness, and fatigue
- Hand tremors, a rapid and irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath even when resting
- Excessive sweating and warm, flushed skin that may be itchy
- An increased number of soft stools
- Fine, soft hair, and hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If left untreated Hyperthyroidism can lead to atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis, and a life-threatening condition called thyroid storm.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism develops when there is insufficient hormone production of thyroid hormones.
Causes:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: When the immune system produces antibodies that destroy the thyroid tissue and reduce the thyroid's ability to produce the thyroid hormone.
- Certain drugs like Lithium have been linked with hypothyroidism.
- Other causes are surgical removal of the thyroid or radioactive therapy.
Symptoms and signs to watch out for:
- Coarseness and thinning of hair
- Dry skin
- Slow body movement
- Inability to tolerate cold temperatures
- Feeling tired, sluggish, or weak
- Memory problems, depression, or difficulty concentrating.
- Brittle nails, or a yellowish tint to the skin
- Constipation
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
Must Check: Having Persistent Low Mood? You May Need To Get Your Thyroid Checked.
Management of unbalanced thyroid levels
Dealing with unbalanced thyroid level extends beyond popping prescription pills
- If you have a thyroid imbalance, or have a family history of thyroid dysfunction, it is best to keep your stress levels in control.
- A healthy diet rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and proteins can control thyroid issues to a large extent and enable a person to live a healthy life.
- Manage your blood sugar levels, which will also keep free fatty acids out of your blood stream and help boost your thyroid function and metabolism.
- Never adopt the “fasting feasting” method (In this method, people starve themselves by fasting one day, then eating a large meal the next, and repeating this cycle repeatedly).
- Balance your sodium levels in the body.
- Work towards restoring your liver as it plays a crucial role in conversion of T4 to T3, i.e. It helps in balancing the thyroid hormones.
- Last but not the least - avoid over exercising.
When is regular screening crucial?
Regular tests to check hormone levels must be done in the following cases:
- If signs of hormonal imbalance appear
- If someone within the family has or is suffering from hypo-/hyperthyroidism
- If you are going through menopause
- If you have/have had severe stress
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While both conditions are equally hard to manage, Hypothyroidism affects more people, a whopping 2.4% of the population. That's more than 2 out of 100 people! And women are 10 times more likely than men to develop this condition.
Conclusion
A dysfunctional thyroid hinders with the body’s ability to break down proteins as well as process carbohydrates and vitamins. This can pave a way for diseases to manifest one after another. Hence, what is really required is to plan well, live an active lifestyle and strive to do the best you can to manage your condition.
