Most people know only that the thyroid gland has something to do with their metabolism. They might know that if you have a low functioning thyroid, you have trouble keeping your weight down, and if your thyroid function is too
Most people know only that the thyroid gland has something to do with their metabolism. They might know that if you have a low functioning thyroid, you have trouble keeping your weight down, and if your thyroid function is too high, then you have trouble sleeping and keeping weight on.
The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in your body and it has many functions, as well as many symptoms of dysfunction.
The thyroid gland gets its name from the Greek word for “shield,” which describes its shape. It is located in the neck just about where your voice box is. It does indeed control the rate of metabolism — how quickly you use energy — and it also controls how sensitive you are to other hormones.
These processes are under the influence of the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). T3 and T4 are synthesized from both iodine and tyrosine. The thyroid gland produces calcitonin as well, which keeps the level of calcium balanced between the bones and the blood stream.
The most common problems with the thyroid glands are hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism (an underactive gland). Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of T3 and T4 and is usually caused by Grave’s disease, which is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced by your body that stimulate your thyroid to secrete excessive T3 and T4.
Grave’s disease can cause the formation of a goiter, excessive thirst, protruding eyes, palpitations, excess sweating, weight loss, muscle weakness and heat sensitivity. It is very difficult to control the level of hormones produced by the thyroid when Grave’s disease is present, therefore drug therapy must be continuously monitored and may take a long time to stabilize.
Many people opt for radioactive treatments or surgery, which destroy or remove part of the thyroid tissue. If the entire thyroid is removed or destroyed by radioactive therapy then hypothyroidism is the end result and requires drug therapy.
Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of T3 and T4. This might be the result of congenital thyroid abnormalities, autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s Disease, iodine insufficiency (usually in underdeveloped countries), or the removal or destruction of the gland due to cancer or hyperthyroidism. Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain, baldness, tiredness, slow heart rate and sensitivity to cold. The usual treatment is to take L-Thyroxine.
Some people experience swings in the level of hormones in the beginning of Hashimoto’s disease, which can cause severe mood swings. This disease is more common in women and usually occurs after the age of thirty. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in some women after they give birth to a child. Sometimes this resolves and other times it does not and treatment must be lifelong.
It is estimated that approximately 59 million Americans may have a thyroid problem. Many of these cases are undiagnosed and lead to increased risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, hair loss and sexual dysfunction.
Some symptoms that may lead you to have your thyroid checked out are joint pain, neck discomfort or enlargement, hair and skin changes, either long term diarrhea or long term constipation, menstrual irregularities or infertility, a family history of thyroid issues, cholesterol issues, depression and anxiety, unexplained weight increased or decreases and fatigue.
• Jane Riley, M.S., B.A., C.P.T., C.N.A., can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
