Thyroid Hormone - everything you need to know
“I am losing more weight”
“I have started to gain weight”
“I am feeling very tired”
“I am dealing with hair fall”
Are you experiencing these symptoms? Do you know what causes these changes in our bodies?
Usually, these things can be easily explained by our lifestyle or nutritional choices. But our hormones can also play a role in our weight and energy levels. Sex hormones often make a huge difference (especially in peri-menopause and menopause), but sometimes, the issue is our thyroid.
What is the thyroid?
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the front of the neck, under the voice box. The thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland support nearly every cell in your body.
How does the thyroid gland work?
The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream so the hormones can reach the body's cells. The thyroid gland uses iodine from the foods you eat to make two main hormones namely Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).
What is thyroid hormone?
The thyroid hormone is the hormone that controls your body’s metabolism, the process in which your body transforms the food you eat into energy. The two main hormones your thyroid releases — thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) — collectively make up thyroid hormone. They act to increase the basal metabolic rate, affect protein synthesis, and regulate long bone growth and neural maturation. The thyroid hormones are essential for the proper development and differentiation of all cells of the human body. They affect female reproductive organs, breathing, heart rate, body weight, muscle strength, body
Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid dysfunction is when too much or not enough thyroid hormones are made. Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions are more common in women than men. It can be caused by:
Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, memory problems, hair loss, hoarse voice, muscle weakness, and constipation. Women with hypothyroidism may notice an irregular or heavy periods.
Hyperthyroidism
When your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. Symptoms can include anxiety, nervousness, missed or light menstrual periods, hair loss, weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite and food intake, diarrhea, and sensitivity.
Goitre
It is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland often obstructing the esophagus or other organs in the neck and chest by causing difficulty to eat and breathe. A goitre commonly develops as a result of iodine deficiency or inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid treatment
The most common treatment available for thyroid problems like hyperthyroidism is to replace thyroxine with another synthetic man-made hormone called levothyroxine (or L-thyroxine). It is an injectable and an oral medication that can restore balance in the thyroid glands. Cancer in the thyroid gland could be treated quite successfully with radiation. Thyroid cancer would be difficult to diagnose sometimes as it shows no signs or symptoms. A periodic checkup is essential for preventing such diseases from taking root.
Drugs and surgery are usually effective ways to adjust hormone levels. Other treatments, including diet supplements, herbal remedies, and special exercises, may relieve some of the discomforts and help the thyroid gland work better.
Diet and Nutrition
Iodine, protein, calcium, and magnesium help in maintaining thyroid levels in the body. You should make sure to consume plenty of B vitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Need help?
If you’re experiencing weight or energy changes and you would like some advice, please contact your GP or medical practitioner first. If you later determine you have no pressing medical issues but you’re still experiencing frustrating weight gain and low energy, please get in touch, and let’s figure this out!
Thank you for reading this blog by Beth Wright. To book a consultation with Beth, get in touch at beth@bfit-thewrightway.com
Thank you for reading this blog by Beth Wright. To book a consultation with Beth, get in touch at beth@bfit-thewrightway.com
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