The thyroid gland produces two main hormones that help regulate metabolism, energy, and weight. When your thyroid functions normally, these hormones help maintain the body’s energy level, temperature, and heart rate. They also convert food into energy, which allows bodily functions to run properly. However, if your thyroid isn’t working correctly due to an underactive or overactive gland, then this can cause several symptoms such as tiredness or weight gain.
How thyroid hormones run the show
The thyroid gland is located in the lower neck. It produces two hormones—T3 and T4—that control metabolism. The gland secretes these hormones into the bloodstream, which travel to the rest of your body and help regulate many functions, including your heart rate and body temperature.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is made by another organ called the pituitary gland in your brain. Your pituitary gland regulates how much thyroid hormone you need by making TSH when it senses that you have enough T3 and T4 circulating through your bloodstream. In conjunction, these hormones tell all the cells in the body how fast or slow to work, which affects nearly every function in the system. This includes your heart rate, converting food into energy, temperature control, and weight gain and loss.
What happens, then, if these hormones suffer an imbalance?
If your thyroid functions abnormally, it can result in too much or too little of these hormones being secreted.
Too much thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism and can cause weight loss, heart palpitations, abnormal protrusion of the eyes, increased temperature, and anxiety. If you have hypothyroidism on the other hand (too little thyroid hormone), you may experience weight gain, depression, cold sensitivity, dry skin, and fatigue.
However, no need to panic. A hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism diagnosis is not a death sentence. You can lead a healthy and full life as long as you seek treatment for the condition. Once you’re on medication, it can help control your symptoms and make your life more manageable. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, resulting in more debilitating health outcomes such as diabetes and hypertension.
Hormonal imbalances of the thyroid gland have multiple causes
An individual can start suffering from thyroid issues for several reasons. The most frequent are thought to be:
- Iodine deficiency
- Autoimmune disease
- Inflammation
- Thyroid cancer
- Genetic disorders
- Medical treatments such as radiation therapy or pharmacological treatments
Two common autoimmune diseases that attack the thyroid gland are Hashimoto’s Disease and Grave’s Disease. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This can cause hypothyroidism. Graves’ Disease occurs when antibodies attack the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, preventing them from reducing the production of thyroid hormones. This condition results in hyperthyroidism.
What can you do to improve your thyroid health?
In particular, it’s important to get enough sleep every night in order for your body to have sufficient time to make all of its hormones. To get better sleep, you should make sure that your bedroom is cool and dark—the temperature should be between 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit (15-20°C). Additionally, the darker the room, the better! Turn off your lights and screens, and make your room dark with blackout blinds.
Another important factor for thyroid health is your diet. Many people, especially those who have been diagnosed with a thyroid deficiency or tend to have below-normal thyroid function, don’t eat enough of the right foods. By filling up on foods rich in the nutrients your body needs—namely iodine and selenium, which are essential to produce thyroid hormone—you can help lighten the load on your thyroid gland and keep it functioning as best it can. Great food sources of iodine and selenium are:
- Milk products
- Eggs
- Whole grains
- Iodine salt
- Seafood
Pairing up a good diet with exercise is also a great way to improve your overall health and thyroid hormone production.
Conclusion
Thyroid hormones are essential for the body to function properly, so it’s important to get them tested regularly. If you’re suffering from any symptoms like fatigue, body temperature changes and sensitivity, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, talk to your doctor about testing for thyroid disease.