Is Your Thyroid Working Properly: Symptoms, Diseases, and Treatments

Health

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located below the larynx that produces hormones which affect growth, development, and metabolism.

The thyroid gland and disorders in its function can lead to various symptoms, as the thyroid regulates important bodily processes, according to Stetoskop.info.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders:

Weight gain or loss:
Weight gain may be a sign of low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism).
Weight loss can result from excessive thyroid hormone secretion (hyperthyroidism).

Slowed heart rate: May occur with hypothyroidism, while hyperthyroidism causes an accelerated heart rate.

Neck swelling: Associated with thyroid enlargement (goiter), which may lead to thyroid cancer.

Psychological symptoms:
Reduced hormone secretion may lead to fatigue, depression, and slowed mental function.
Increased hormone secretion may cause excessive sweating and heat intolerance.

Similarity to menopause symptoms: Due to symptom overlap with menopause, confusion is common, so a blood test is recommended.

Diseases Caused by the Thyroid:

Hashimoto's disease: An autoimmune disorder that reduces thyroid function (hypothyroidism). It may temporarily cause hyperthyroid symptoms before hypothyroidism develops.

Graves' disease: An autoimmune disorder that leads to excessive thyroid hormone production, along with swelling behind the eyes and hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Complications from Thyroid Disorders:

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause elevated cholesterol levels, which may lead to serious cardiovascular issues such as stroke or heart attack. In severe cases, it can result in loss of consciousness and dangerously low body temperature.

Treatment:

Hypothyroidism: Treated with hormone therapy that boosts energy, reduces cholesterol, and helps with gradual weight loss.

Hyperthyroidism: Treated with antithyroid medications that reduce hormone production or radioactive iodine that destroys the thyroid gland.

Proper Nutrition for Thyroid Health:

A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is recommended, along with fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine. Foods that deplete iodine, such as cabbage, broccoli, soy, peanuts, and strawberries, should be avoided. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, aronia, peppers, and cherries, are also beneficial for thyroid health.