Thyroid Symptoms and Cure – A Lifestyle Guide

A small gland called the thyroid is positioned near the base of your neck, directly below your voice box. The medical term for thyroid is Glandula Thyreoidea.

The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped, and its two side lobes are connected in front by a thin strip of tissue. These lobes rest against the trachea and surround it.

This gland is a component of the endocrine system, controlling the coordination of many body processes. It usually weighs between 20 and 60 grams. The tissue of the thyroid gland consists of several tiny separate lobules that look like droplets and are enclosed in thin layers of connective tissue.

Thyroid hormones reside in the many small follicles in these lobules, also called vesicles or cysts. An essential function of the thyroid is to release and manage thyroid hormones which control metabolism, which is the process by which food in your body is converted into energy.

The pituitary gland regulates the proper function of the thyroid gland. In other words, the pituitary regulates levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone when it detects a deficiency of thyroid hormone in your bloodstream (TSH). To bring the body back to normal, TSH tells the thyroid what to do.

How long does it take to heal the thyroid?

It usually takes three to four weeks for levels to return to normal after medical treatment begins. One way to treat this lifestyle disorder is to partially surgically remove the thyroid gland so that it produces less hormones.

However, if your thyroid has been removed or is somehow compromised, you will still need to undergo thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Most of the time, the symptoms of hypothyroidism get worse two weeks after starting thyroid replacement therapy. People with more severe symptoms, especially muscle discomfort and weakness, may require treatment for several months before full recovery.

What happens if the thyroid is left untreated?

Hypothyroidism

1. Goiter

Your thyroid can swell to the point of having a bulge in your neck when it overworks to generate enough hormones. This is called a goiter.

2. Heart problems

Even the mildest types of hypothyroidism can impact your heart health. Because it raises “bad” cholesterol levels, hypothyroidism increases your risk of heart disease.

Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a condition that can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes if you have too much bad cholesterol.

3. Infertility

Low levels of thyroid hormones can interfere with ovulation and reduce the chances of getting pregnant. There is no guarantee that the woman will be fertile even with proper treatment for hypothyroidism, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

4. Birth defects

Your child may be more likely to develop birth defects if you are pregnant and have an untreated thyroid condition than children born to healthy mothers.

Additionally, since thyroid hormones are essential for brain development, babies born to mothers with untreated thyroid conditions may experience serious physical and mental developmental problems.

5. Mental health issues

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause mental health issues, such as mild depression. If left untreated, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will only get worse. Therefore, it can have a direct impact on your mental health and your depression can get worse. Additionally, untreated hypothyroidism is linked to a progressive decline in mental capacity.

Hyperthyroidism

1. Heart problems

Some of the more serious cardiac side effects of hyperthyroidism include atrial fibrillation. In addition, this abnormal heart rhythm increases the risk of stroke.

2. Fragile Bones

Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to weak and brittle bones. This condition is called osteoporosis. The amount of calcium and other minerals in the bones partly affects their strength. An excess of thyroid hormones interferes with the absorption of calcium in the bones.

3. Vision problems

Thyroid eye disease is a condition that some people with hyperthyroidism experience. It occurs more frequently in smokers. Bulging eyes, eye fatigue or pain, swollen or retracted eyelids, reddish or inflamed eyes, sensitivity to light, and double vision are all signs of thyroid eye disease. Additionally, vision loss can result from untreated eye problems.

Managing Your Thyroid the HealthifyMe Way

A person with thyroid disorders should basically know what to eat and what not to eat to better manage their condition. One can also connect with a professional for expert advice.

You can start your fitness journey with HealthifyMe 2.0 by tracking your diet with a comprehensive breakdown of everything you eat in protein, carbs, fat, fiber, and other micro and macronutrients.

Dedicated coaches then provide you with advice in real time to better understand your condition. They even provide a personalized diet and exercise program to help you improve holistically. Not only does it reverse or manage metabolic disorders, but these corrective dietary measures also help in faster weight loss and boost metabolism.

Additionally, the metabolic panel paired with HealthifyPRO examines over 85 health markers, including a lipid profile, thyroid health, diabetes screening, and other detailed reports.

Your personal trainer can offer specific advice on any underlying medical condition. Plus, you can access simple and healthy homemade recipes to soothe your taste buds.

Conclusion

The thyroid gland is a vital organ that contributes to our daily metabolic functioning. Failure of this gland to produce the correct amount of thyroid hormone can lead to medical complications.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces more than the required amount of thyroid hormone while hypothyroidism is the exact opposite where the thyroid gland is unable to produce the required amount of thyroid hormone. Both of these conditions can have drastic side effects if left untreated.

Although thyroid problems are simple to identify and cure, it can be difficult to recognize that an out of balance thyroid may be causing your symptoms.

So let your doctor know if you often feel lethargic, miss your period, or gain or lose weight without warning. Follow your doctor’s advice about diet and lifestyle changes and take your medications regularly to better manage your thyroid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How do thyroid problems start?

A. An autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Autoimmune diseases develop when your immune system creates antibodies that target your tissues. Your thyroid gland is sometimes involved in this process. Unnecessary fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, increased or slowed heart rate, and heat sensitivity are some of the symptoms of thyroid disease.

Q. At what age do thyroid problems start?

A. Anyone, including infants, can develop hypothyroidism; however, it most commonly affects middle-aged and older people and begins with minimal indications and symptoms.

Q. What are the three symptoms of hypothyroidism?

A. Symptoms of thyroid disease are barely noticeable. But it is possible to have fatigue, weight gain or loss depending on the type of disorder, and constipation.

Q. Is a thyroid problem serious?

A. A thyroid problem is often a chronic medical condition that requires ongoing management. Your healthcare professional will monitor your treatments and make any necessary changes over time. Nevertheless, you can generally lead a normal life, regardless of your condition. However, obesity, joint discomfort, fertility issues, and heart disease are a few health issues that untreated hypothyroidism can lead to over time.

Q. What foods should be avoided in the thyroid?

A. Soy and soy products high in phytoestrogens should be avoided by people with thyroid disease because phytoestrogens can inhibit the thyroid hormone-producing enzyme. Also, calcium and iron supplements, like some vegetables, can harm the thyroid.

Q. What happens when a woman has thyroid problems?

A. Puberty can occur abnormally sooner or later due to thyroid conditions. Additionally, extremely light or heavy periods or no periods at all can result from abnormally high or low thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, an untreated thyroid can cause fertility problems and birth defects.

Q. What organs are affected by hypothyroidism?

A. Thyroid hormones impact almost every organ in your body and regulate several vital processes. For example, they affect your breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and mood. Also, many of your body’s functions slow down if you don’t have enough thyroid hormones.

Q. How does the thyroid affect a woman?

A. Your energy level and mood can be significantly affected by thyroid problems. Women with hypothyroidism frequently experience fatigue, sluggishness, and mild depression. Additionally, anxiety, trouble sleeping, restlessness, and irritability can occur due to hyperthyroidism. Periods can also occur abnormally sooner or later due to thyroid conditions.

Q. What are the warning signs of thyroid problems?

A. Symptoms like fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, constipation, weight gain, swollen face, etc., are some warning signs of thyroid.

Q. Which fruit is best for the thyroid?

A. Apples, pears, plums, and citrus fruits are rich in pectins, which help detoxify the body of mercury, one of the most vital metals linked to thyroid problems. Additionally, foods high in antioxidants like blueberries, tomatoes, peppers, and others can improve overall health and help the thyroid gland.

Reference links

Thyroid disorders in India: an epidemiological perspective: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51687778_Thyroid_disorders_in_India_An_epidemiological_perspective