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The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located on your neck on the front lower side. It is a very important endocrine gland as it releases the thyroid hormone which affects our digestion and metabolism.
If there’s a thyroid disorder, it can be either because of the overactive or underactive functioning of the gland. This results in the abnormal release of the thyroid hormones leading to a hormonal imbalance in the body.
Achieving a balance with the help of proper diet control and medicines is the key to achieve a balance. This along with a proper Yoga and stress management workout can restore the gland.
Dr Sitika Ramdar, nutritionist and weight loss expert says, “Hypothyroidism is a condition in which thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormone. This leads to fatigue, weight gain, thinning of hair, slow heart rate and depression. Hypothyroidism can cause the body’s metabolism to slow down. With low BMR, one tends to put on weight easily.”
Hormones secreted by the thyroid help maintain the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs, and help the body to use energy properly.
Two Conditions of Thyroid
Overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) or Underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism), your metabolism either revs up too high or slows way down, respectively. These two conditions —affect the thyroid in different ways and therefore have distinct symptoms.
In Hypothyroidism, the symptoms are dry Hair and Skin, Fatigue, depression, weight gain, brittle nails and muscle cramps. Overall, it slows down the metabolism. Mood swings and depression are also the symptoms.
In Hyperthyroidism, the symptoms are feeling hot, sweating, racing thoughts, difficulty focusing on one thought, weight loss, problems falling to sleep and racing thoughts.
If you experience any of the above symptoms of thyroid disorders — either underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid — see your healthcare professional. They can order tests to determine whether your thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range, and if they are not, can provide treatments to ease your symptoms.
T3, T4 and TSH
A blood test will measure three types of hormones. The first is called the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone which is released by the pituitary gland in the brain. A high level means your pituitary gland is in overdrive, likely trying to compensate for an underactive thyroid gland. An early detection is very important.
The pituitary gland can kick into overdrive because of other factors, though, independent of the thyroid gland. A low result means you’re getting an abnormal amount of it in the blood and may indicate hyperthyroidism.
The two other hormones your doctor may check include free-thyroxine (T4) and total triiodothyronine (T3). Your doctor may also check Free-T4 levels, which is the measurement of T4 before it’s stored in various tissues throughout the body. Low levels of any of these hormones indicate hypothyroidism, while high levels point to hyperthyroidism.
The line of treatment differs for both Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. In the former, it is required to get the hormone levels up and in the later to get the hormone levels down.
But overall there are certain lifestyle changes which can help us in balancing the thyroid hormones.
Certain facts about the Thyroid Disorders
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Women are more likely to develop thyroid disorders than men.
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Hypothyroidism is more common in elderly while hyperthyroidism affects younger people more.
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Thyroid disorders can affect metabolism, energy levels, weight, heart function, fertility, mood, and cognitive function.
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More than half of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.
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Expecting mothers with undiagnosed thyroid issues face an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and developmental problems in their children.
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If not treated early, thyroid disease can even cause heart disease, osteoporosis, and infertility.
