07 Jun Thyroid Hormone: How Does It Affect Your Health?
The thyroid gland is responsible for the body’s metabolism, fertility, brain development, and heart rate, among others.
The three hormones that the thyroid produces are known as calcitonin, T3, and T4, which, when compromised, can cause health complications.
Imbalanced Thyroid Hormone
Having an imbalanced thyroid hormone can affect your mood and cognition.
There are two main thyroid disorders associated with thyroid health, namely hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland has too much thyroid hormone. It can cause sudden weight changes, with other symptoms manifesting as:
- Hand tremors
- Irregular heartbeat
- Increased hunger
- Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Changes in bowel movement patterns
- Tiredness and sleep problems
- Changes in hair
Hyperthyroidism is usually treated by replacing the hormones that the body is lacking. Treatments are taken orally in tablet, gel, capsule, or liquid forms.
Meanwhile, hypothyroidism is when you do not have enough thyroid hormone in your body, and your metabolism, in effect, starts to slow down.
Women over the age of 60 are more at risk of getting hypothyroidism. It is also more likely that women will develop hypothyroidism after menopause than earlier in life.
Hypothyroidism can be genetic. However, other diseases can cause hypothyroidism, including:
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Iodine deficiency
- Inflammation of the thyroid or thyroiditis
You’ll observe the following symptoms if you have hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Frequent and heavy menstrual cycles
- Physical changes in the face, such as puffiness
- Brain fog
- Lower and hoarser voice
- Unable to tolerate cold temperatures
- Soreness in the body
- Weight gain and weight loss
Extremely low thyroid hormone can cause a more complicated condition called myxedema, which can have symptoms such as:
- Low body temperature
- Anemia
- Heart failure
- Confusion
- Coma
The severe type of hypothyroidism can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Women over the age of 60 are more at risk of getting hypothyroidism. It is also more likely that women will develop hypothyroidism after menopause than earlier in life.
Healthy Thyroid
To reduce your risk of any thyroid problems, start making lifestyle changes that will positively impact your overall health being.
Maintain your thyroid healthy by:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Avoid processed and sugary foods
- Manage your stress
- Consider taking a potassium iodide and selenium supplement
- Take probiotics
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Have routine checkups
SOURCE:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12120-hypothyroidism
https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroid-imbalance-mood-swings-anger-what-to-expect-5525842
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/thyroid-hormone-how-it-affects-your-heart
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/thyroid-gland-function#function
https://www.verywellhealth.com/ways-to-reduce-thyroid-disease-risk-3233225