The thyroid gland excretes an enzyme known to be thyroxin, which is very much useful in performing different functions including metabolic activities. Malfunctioning of this gland can cause diseases namely HYPOTHYRODISIM and HYPERTHYROIDISM. Moreover, Hypothyroidism is the stage in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to meet the needs of the body or we can say that the gland is the opposite of Hypothyroidism. Since in this stage, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid enzyme so studies say that the link between both of them is very complex and one can lead to another, in certain cases.
As stated earlier the thyroxin enzyme regulates metabolic activities, if the thyroxin level is low, many of the body functions slow down.
Moreover, the thyroid gland produces two hormones namely TS3, TS4, and the production of thyroid hormones is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland. Since Hormones are chemical messengers that send and receive information to and from the different tissues, and organs therefore they help our body in controlling metabolic processes, growth, and mood. TSH ensures that enough hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland to meet the needs of our body.
Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are diverse as thyroid hormones affect multiple organs. The following functions of our body can be affected because of hypothyroidism.
The rate of brain development can be decreased.
Breathing problem.
Weight gain.
Cholesterol levels may be disturbed.
Can upset the menstrual cycle in women.
Skin dryness.
It May upset the heart and nervous system functions.
Fatigue.
Cold intolerance.
Joint and muscle pain or cramps in the body.
Constipation.
Insomnia
May suffer from recurrent urinary and respiratory tract infections.
Depression.
Slow heart rate.
Hearing loss.
All these symptoms may go unnoticed for years together as this disease develops slowly. As the symptoms may vary from person to person and place to place, so the only way to diagnose is through a blood test.
Treatment
Till now, no medicine has been invented which can cure it. The medicines available in the market are only to control it. Doctors focus on supplementing the thyroid hormone and mainly recommend synthetic thyroxin, a medicine that is identical to the T4 hormone. Doctors may recommend this medicine in the morning, before taking breakfast. The dosage of this medicine depends upon the levels of the hormones detected in the blood test. For this regular monitoring will be required.
Intake Of Iodine
Iodine intake is another important factor for maintaining thyroid functioning. Iodine deficiency may cause goiter or abnormal growth of the thyroid gland. So, it’s very important to take an adequate quantity of iodine in the food, except the people suffering from autoimmune thyroid disease. The condition of such patients can worsen after taking iodine. It becomes mandatory for such people to discuss it with their doctor. Dietary changes are very much on cards for such people. A high-fiber diet is recommended for such patients. During pregnancy, the iodine requirement increases. So, using iodized salt and taking Prenatal can maintain the required level of iodine in the body.
How To Prevent Hypothyroidism
There is no particular way or diet to prevent ourselves from this disease. People who are at higher risk such as pregnant women should consult their doctor. The other people who are at higher risk include people suffering from autoimmune disease, people with radiation treatment to the head or neck, family history of thyroid disease, and the people who use medicines known to affect thyroid function and may get themselves checked or they should go for a blood test after consultation from their doctor. People living in a region with low iodine levels in the diet may suffer from this disease, such as in some parts of South East Asia and Africa.
Hyperthyroidism is just the opposite of hypothyroidism. In this disease, the person loses weight without any specific reason.
All, that so ever I have discussed is only for informational purposes. Before starting any medicine, consult your Doctor.
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