Thyroid

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the front of the neck.It’s part of an intricate glands network known as the endocrine system. It produces hormones that play an important role in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism and the body reaction to other hormones.

There are two main hormones produced by the thyroid are triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine (T4).

Types of Thyroid Disorders

Many disorders of the thyroid require care by a doctor or other health care professional.

Hyperthyroidism can lead to Graves’ disease, which has many signs such as sweating, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), weight loss, protruding eyes and nervousness.

Hypothyroidism lead to tiredness, weight gain, depression, abnormal development of bone and stunted growth.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder (inflammation of the thyroid gland).

Thyroid nodules and adenomas, small, noncancerous growths, start in the cell layer that lines the inner surface of the thyroid gland.

There are two main types of thyroid disease include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Both diseases can be caused by other diseases that impact the way the thyroid gland works.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism):

• Experiencing anxiety, irritability and nervousness.
• Having trouble sleeping.
• Losing weight.
• Having an enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter.
• Having muscle weakness and tremors.
• Irregular menstrual periods or having your menstrual cycle stop.
• Feeling sensitive to heat.
• Having vision problems or eye irritation.

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism):

• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Gaining weight
• Experiencing forgetfulness
• Having frequent and heavy menstrual periods
• Having dry and coarse hair
• Having a hoarse voice
• Experiencing an intolerance to cold temperatures

Thyroid Preventions

• Try to limit “ultra-processed” foods.
• Get enough iron in your diet.
• Consider a selenium supplement.