The problem of thyroid problems involves many disorders associated with the thyroid gland. So, if you are wondering what is a thyroid gland, we have to tell you that it is a gland located at the front of the neck and shaped like a butterfly.
Simply put, our thyroid gland produces hormones necessary for the normal functioning of your body. The thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxine and a small piece of it called triiodothyronine is produced which makes us feel active all day. Thyroxine is an energy booster for the human body.
Now you might be wondering how does the thyroid gland work? Well let us tell you that this gland is usually regulated by your brain. There is a lot more connection between your brain and the thyroid gland. During times when thyroid levels in your body are low, your brain is said to produce a hormone known as thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Sometimes this gland tends to produce excessive hormones and this can be classified as hyperthyroidism because your thyroid is overactive and producing too many hormones.
What are thyroid disorders?
To begin with, you should know that thyroid disorders are conditions that affect your thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating many metabolic processes throughout the body.
the tough, malleable tissue that makes up the front part of the larynx (voice box). It helps produce the sound of a person’s voice and supports and protects the vocal cords. The Adam’s apple, a bulge that often develops on the front of the neck, is also formed by thyroid cartilage.
Since the pituitary and hypothalamus control the thyroid gland, disorders in these tissues can also affect thyroid functions and cause thyroid problems.
What is the cause of thyroid disease?
Do you want to know what causes thyroid problems? Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are the two main categories of thyroid disease. Both of these conditions stem from how other diseases affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. Let’s look at what causes thyroid disease:
Causes of hyperthyroidism:
Nodules: –
In the thyroid, when nodules are overactive, this could be the main cause of hyperthyroidism. A gland composed of many nodules is called a toxic multinodular goiter, while a single nodule is called an autonomously functioning toxic thyroid module.
Graves disease: –
The whole thyroid gland may be overactive and producing a lot of hormones. It is also known as diffuse toxic goiter or enlarged thyroid gland.
Excess iodine: –
When a person has an excessive level of iodine or salt (this is the mineral that is used to make thyroid hormones) in their body, the thyroid produces more hormones than is needed. Excess iodine can be found in cough syrups and some medications.
Causes of hypothyroidism
Thyroiditis: –
Inflammation or swelling of the thyroid gland is known as Thyroiditis. It can also reduce the number of hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
Postpartum thyroiditis: –
After the birth of the child, this condition is found in about 5-9% of women.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: –
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a painless, autoimmune disease. In such a case, the cells attack and damage the thyroid and it is a hereditary condition.
A non-functioning thyroid gland: –
This condition affects around 1 in 4,000 newborns when the thyroid is not working properly. If this situation is left untreated, the child may have to suffer from both metal and physical problems in the future. Therefore, all newborns undergo a screening blood test in the hospital to check the status of their thyroid functioning.
What common symptoms can occur with thyroid disease?
There are several symptoms you might experience if you have thyroid disease. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a thyroid condition in people are often very similar to the signs of other medical conditions and life stages. Thus, it becomes extremely difficult to know whether your symptoms are related to a thyroid problem or something else.
For the most part, we can divide the symptoms of thyroid disease into two groups – those related to an excess of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) and those related to a lack of thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism
- Problems like tension, irritability and nervousness.
- Having trouble sleeping.
- Shredding weight.
- Having an enlarged thyroid gland or even a goiter.
- Have weakness in the muscles and tremors.
- Irregular menstruation or menopause.
- Feel extremely sensitive to heat.
- Have vision problems or eye irritation.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Feeling tired.
- Excessive weight gain.
- Live the situation of forgetting.
- Having frequent or heavy periods.
- Having dry or coarse hair.
- Have a hoarse voice.
- Experiencing an intolerance to cold temperatures or conditions.
How do herbs affect thyroid disease and its treatment?
Like many other things, many people are looking for natural alternatives to thyroid hormone replacement or anti-thyroid treatment. Although there are currently no herbs available that contain thyroid hormones, several studies have evaluated herbs as alternatives or supplements to thyroid medications.
If you don’t have a nutritional deficiency, herbs and supplements will fix your thyroid problem and even some can cause serious health issues. However, various herbal supplements can help you optimize your thyroid function by interacting with the hormones already present in your body.
Chamomile, sage, and mountain tea are some of the herbs that have been linked to a decrease in both benign and malignant thyroid disease. The effect seems to be strongest for chamomile tea. Interestingly, green tea has been linked to a lower incidence of thyroid disease in some people, but a higher incidence of thyroid problems in others.
Effective yoga asanas to treat thyroid
Several studies demonstrated that yoga has a beneficial impact on thyroid function. Remember that these postures will not solve your thyroid problem. Yoga for the thyroid is considered a complementary treatment. It should not be used instead of any treatment or tablets you are already receiving.
- Supported shoulder support
- plow pose
- fish pose
- Place your legs against the wall
- cat-cow posture
- boat pose
- camel pose
- cobra pose
- Upward Bow Pose (Wheel)
- Corpse Pose
Does Ashwagandha Improve Thyroid Health?
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is Indian ginseng derived from a nightshade plant. It is called a traditional medicine used in Ayurvedic practice which is available in capsule and powder form. At an average dose of 600 mg per day, ashwagandha has been shown to reduce thyroid hormone abnormalities in subclinical hypothyroidism in a few small types of human research. Even though ashwagandha has many potential health benefits, you may be wondering if it’s worth taking for a thyroid problem.
Ashwagandha for hypothyroidism Thyroid–
The main factor is associated with the fact that thyroid growth hormones are not produced at a rapid rate, which affects their metabolism. A man who suffers from hypothyroidism will have a slow metabolic rate, which would lead to weight gain, constant fatigue, constipation, and dry skin.
Taking Ashwagandha can work magic if you suffer from underactive thyroid. Adequate amount of Ashwagandha dosage will boost the thyroid hormones, which were initially lacking in your body, but now would generate double. Ashwagandha is also said to increase metabolism and create a chain reaction taking care of everything from weight gain to dry skin.
Ashwagandha for Hyperthyroidism Thyroid-
Ashwagandha treatment for hyperthyroidism combats cortisol and lowers it to a point where a person can see significant promising results. Ashwagandha tablets are said to be much better than any synthetic drug for treating hyperthyroidism. It contains all natural herbal chemicals that work directly at the root of the thyroid problem.
How to consume Ashwagandha?
How much ashwagandha we should consume depends on why we are taking it and what form of ashwagandha we are taking.
Ashwagandha supplements can be taken on an empty stomach early in the morning or just before going to bed.
You can take your Ashwagandha supplement twice a day after taking your meals. However, you must consult the doctor about the dosage according to your needs. Higher doses are mostly found in Ashwagandha capsules or tablets, and you may need to take 2-3 capsules each day with water after your meals (such as lunch and dinner) or as prescribed by doctor.
Can thyroid problems cause me to lose my hair?
Yes, hair loss is also a symptom of thyroid disease, especially in hypothyroidism. If you start to lose your hair and you are concerned about it, you should talk to your health care provider.
Is thyroid hair loss permanent?
Many thyroid sufferers wonder if thyroid hair loss is permanent. Well, thyroid-related hair loss problems have some characteristic symptoms, including:
- Diffuse hair loss or hair thinning all over the scalp
- Hair loss occurs in inconspicuous areas of your scalp, resulting in smooth, circular bald patches. Loss of body hair from other areas. A unique and hallmark symptom of hypothyroidism is that hair loss occurs on the outer edges of your eyebrows.
- You may also observe changes in the texture of your hair. If you have hypothyroidism, your hair may become dry or coarse. with hyperthyroidism it can become extra soft and thin.
Treatments for Hair Problems Related to the Thyroid
Treatment of thyroid-related hair loss problems usually includes being properly medicated for the condition. In many cases, adjusting your thyroid hormones will reverse the process of hair loss, although it may take a few months for hair to regrow.
Your doctor or health care specialist may also suggest that you try one of the following medications to promote faster hair growth:
- Mino-oxidil: Mino-oxidil is a topical solution applied to the scalp; it is readily available without a prescription.
- Phi-nasteride: This is a prescription medicine taken in tablet form which is mainly used to treat male pattern baldness. It should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Carry
Ashwagandha can help people treat thyroid, however, there is no permanent thyroid treatment. You can take medication for thyroid problems after consulting a doctor.
If you want to buy dermatologist recommended products like mino-xidil, phi-nasteride and many more for your thyroid hair loss, you can visit our Mars by GHC website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is thyroid a lifelong disease?
Thyroid diseases are lifelong, but they can be treated.
2. Which fruits are good for your thyroid?
Fruits like blueberries, tomatoes, peppers and others rich in antioxidants can help the thyroid gland and the body as a whole.
3. Can high blood pressure cause thyroid problems?
Thyroid problems aren’t just caused by stress, but they can make it worse.
References:
- Thyroiditis – Cleveland Clinic
- Savitri Nilakanthan, Kashinath Metri, Nagaratna Raghuram, Nagendra Hongasandra, June 2016
Intense 6 month effect yoga practice on lipid profile, thyroxine medications and serum TSH levels in women with hypothyroidism: a pilot study