Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ situated at the base of your neck, which regulates the thyroid hormone travelling in the blood and to other parts of the body. The thyroid hormone is responsible for the body’s absorption and also metabolism, including how fast or slow you burn calories. An ineffective thyroid organ results mainly in two conditions- an overactive thyroid gland, better known as hyperthyroidism, and an underactive gland, i.e. hypothyroidism. Thyroid diseases are lifelong, with most patients on medication their whole life. It is a condition that needs to be managed and monitored throughout life.
Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid gland lacks the capacity to produce enough hormones, it leads to an underactive thyroid gland, or hypothyroidism. The body effected by hypothyroidism slows down the production of the thyroid gland hormones. This, in turn, decelerates metabolism, which contributes to gaining more and more weight. With hypothyroidism, there lives the chances of developing more health problems such as obesity, heart diseases, joint pain and heart disease. This condition is five to eight times more prevalent in women more than in men.
The condition is not only seen in middle-aged and older women,hypothyroidism can also affect infants.
Symptoms
In case you show any symptoms, immediately consult a medical practitioner. A blood test is usually required to confirm the underlying problem. An endocrinologist is the right doctor to see in a thyroid condition.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland may include:
- Feeling tired. Because thyroid hormone controls your energy balance, it can influence your energy levels making you worn out more often.
- Weight gain. Unexplained weight gain is the most common symptom of hypothyroidism. Low thyroid levels make the metabolism slow and rather than burning calories, the amount of energy body uses while at rest, decreases. Consequently, the body stores more calories as fat.
- Sensitivity to cold. As your metabolic rate decreases, it also diminishes the amount of heat you generate. Low levels of thyroid hormones cause to feel colder than those around you.
- Joint pain, muscle weakness, and stiffness.
- Hair loss. 20-30% of the patients suffer hair loss when hit by hypothyroidism as hair follicles are generally regulated by the thyroid hormone.
Causes
Hashimoto Disease
The most common factor causing hypothyroidism is Hashimoto disease, aka, lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disease which destroys the tissue or gland itself and stops the production of thyroid hormone.
Iodine deficiency
The thyroid gland needs enough iodine to perform its function. Too little consumption of iodine by the body can lead to hypothyroidism and at the same time, too much of it can worsen it. Seafood, seaweed and iodized salt are necessary for the production of thyroid hormones.
Medications
Certain prescriptions or medications can contribute to hypothyroidism as well.
Hyperthyroidism
On the other extreme, Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when your body produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland speeds up the body’s metabolism, puts the body into overdrive which burns more energy even while at rest, thus causing sudden weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. More than 1 million cases of hyperthyroidism are reported every year in India. It occurs more often in women than in men. It can also suggest other health problems like, bowel problem, mental health issues, and heart diseases.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism to look out for include:
- Weight loss. Even with a normal or increased appetite.
- Racing or irregular heartbeat. You may notice your heart beating faster than normal. Commonly racing more than 100 beats a minute.
- Exhaustion. Body feeling weak and tired more quickly.
- Anxiety
- Eye problems. In some cases, hyperthyroidism can lead to eye symptoms like a retraction of the eyelids, making the eye appear to bulge out.
Causes
Graves ‘disease
The most common cause of an overactive thyroid gland is Grave’s disease which is an autoimmune disease wherein the antibodies produced by the body’s immune system triggers the thyroid gland to produce high levels of T4. This essentially means that your body starts attacking itself.
Thyroiditis
Post-pregnancy sometimes leads to an inflamed thyroid. The aggravation can cause the thyroid hormone stored in the gland to eject into the bloodstream.
Adenomas or nodules
Development of bumps on the thyroid can also lead to hyperthyroidism as the bumps can become active and secrete thyroid hormone. These nodules can turn cancerous if not checked by a medical professional.
Thyroid function tests, as well as drug therapies, are available for the treatment of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The dose of radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism, and treatment using synthetic thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism are also options which are usually safe, simple and effective. It is always advised to consult a medical professional to track your condition.
