Most people are aware that their thyroid is important for controlling metabolism and body weight. What is not realized is that depression, heart disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, menopausal symptoms, muscle and joint pains, irritable bowel syndrome and autoimmune disease could indicate there is something wrong with the thyroid. Knowing some thyroid disease facts is important.
Signs of a Sluggish Thyroid
There are some common classic signs that can indicate if the thyroid is sluggish. These signs include lethargy, poor hair quality, poor nail quality, hair loss, dry skin, cold hands and feet, weight gain and constipation.
A sluggish thyroid may also affect the body with the following conditions:
- low libido
- infertility
- gum disease
- fluid retention
- skin conditions such as acne or eczema
- poor stamina
- irregular menstruation
Hypothyroidism
Dr. Mercola has found that thyroid problems are quite common. He says that the same lifestyle factors that contribute to obesity, cancer and diabetes are also responsible for causing harm to the thyroid gland. Sugar, processed foods, environmental toxins, lack of exercise and stress all contribute to problems with the thyroid.
According to information from a fact sheet complied by Abbott Laboratories, 27 million Americans have underactive or overactive thyroid glands and half of those are estimated to be undiagnosed. This information sheet also states that women are five to eight times more likely than men to suffer from hypothyroidism. Also, 15 to 20 percent of people with diabetes and their siblings or parents are likely to develop thyroid disease.
The Thyroid Foundation of Canada states that abnormalities of the thyroid gland are common affecting one in twenty Canadians, and women much more than men.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy
Facts according to an information sheet provided by Abbott Laboratories:
- Nearly two in 100 U.S. women are diagnosed with hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
- Six out of 10 miscarriages are associated with thyroid hormone deficiency during pregnancy.
- Five to 18% of women are diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, it upsets the balance of chemical reactions in the body. This is hypothyroidism.
Thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3) are the two main hormones produced in the thyroid. They maintain the rate at which the body uses carbohydrates and fats, influences the heart rate, regulates the production of protein, and helps control the body temperature. The thyroid gland also produces calcitonon that regulates the amount of calcium in the blood.
The rate at which T-3 and T-4 are released is controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. These are located at the base of the brain and they act as a thermostat for the entire body. The hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland to make a hormone called TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). The pituitary then releases TSH and the thyroid gland regulates the production of hormones based on the amount of TSH it receives. It’s an intricate system that generally works well, but sometimes it does falter.
If you suspect you may have a sluggish thyroid, do not self-diagnose. See a medical professional in order to be properly diagnosed.
Sources:
Body and Health Canada
Thyroid Foundation of Canada
Mayo Clinic
Mercola.com (Dr. Joseph Mercola)
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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