The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones that regulate your metabolism. When the thyroid gland does not function properly, it can cause a variety of health problems. Thyroid disorders are more common in women than men and often run in families. Let’s explore what happens when you have thyroid problems.
What is the thyroid gland and what does it do?
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormones, primarily triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and mood. Here are some key facts about the thyroid gland:
- It is located in the front of your neck below your Adam’s apple.
- It has two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe, joined by a narrow strip of tissue called the isthmus.
- It is shaped like a butterfly, with the lobes as the wings and the isthmus as the body.
- It weighs about 20 grams in adults.
- It produces the hormones T3 and T4, which contain iodine.
The main function of the thyroid hormones is to regulate your metabolism – the chemical processes that transform food into energy. T3 is the more active hormone that affects most tissues, while T4 serves as a reservoir for T3 production. Here are some key metabolic functions influenced by thyroid hormones:
- Regulating body temperature
- Regulating heart rate and blood pressure
- Regulating weight and appetite
- Converting food into energy
- Regulating cholesterol levels
- Supporting growth and development, especially in children
- Supporting bone maintenance
- Regulating menstrual cycles in women
When thyroid hormone levels are too low (hypothyroidism) or too high (hyperthyroidism), these metabolic processes can slow down or speed up and cause problems throughout the body.
What are the most common thyroid disorders?
There are several different disorders that can arise if the thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). Here are some of the most common thyroid conditions:
Hypothyroidism
This is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Common causes include:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid.
- Thyroid surgery: Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation treatment for cancers of the head and neck.
- Medications: Drugs that impair thyroid function, like lithium.
- Congenital hypothyroidism: When a baby is born with an underactive thyroid.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, depression, and muscle aches.
Hyperthyroidism
This is when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Common causes include:
- Graves’ disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to produce excess thyroid hormones.
- Toxic nodules or goiter: Benign growths that produce excess thyroid hormone.
- Inflammation (thyroiditis): Swelling of the thyroid causes excessive hormone release.
- Excess iodine intake: Consuming too much iodine through food, supplements or medication.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, anxiety, and diarrhea.
Thyroid nodules
These are lumps or growths that develop inside the thyroid gland. Most are benign but around 5% are cancerous. Symptoms depend on the size – large nodules may cause neck swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Thyroid cancer
This refers to cancerous tumors found in the cells of the thyroid gland. Risk increases with radiation exposure. Symptoms include a lump or nodule in the neck, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, trouble swallowing and breathing.
Goiter
This refers to an enlarged thyroid gland. It may be caused by iodine deficiency, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or thyroid nodules/tumors. Symptoms include a visibly enlarged thyroid and neck swelling.
What happens when you have hypothyroidism?
With hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone for the body’s needs. This causes metabolism to slow down. Here’s a closer look at how hypothyroidism impacts the body:
Fatigue and Weakness
Thyroid hormones regulate your body’s energy production. Low levels lead to overall fatigue, tiredness, and feeling run down.
Weight Gain
Low thyroid slows down your metabolism, so calories are not burned as quickly. This leads to gradual weight gain over time if not properly treated.
Joint Pain and Muscle Weakness
Hypothyroidism can cause inflammation and stiffness in joints and reduced muscle strength.
Depression
The link between hypothyroidism and depression is well established. Thyroid hormones regulate neurotransmitters that influence mood.
Sensitivity to Cold
With a slower metabolism, body temperature drops. People with hypothyroidism are more prone to feeling cold.
Constipation
Gastrointestinal motility slows down, leading to hard, infrequent stools and constipation.
Dry Skin and Hair
Low thyroid hormone disrupts skin cell turnover and oil gland function, causing dry, flaky skin and brittle hair.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
In women, hypothyroidism can disrupt ovulation and cause irregular, heavy, or prolonged periods.
Cognitive Problems
Thyroid hormones are important for brain development and function. Hypothyroidism may impair memory, concentration, and reaction time.
High Cholesterol
Thyroid hormones regulate cholesterol metabolism. Lack of hormones causes high LDL and total cholesterol levels.
What happens when you have hyperthyroidism?
With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up metabolism. Here is how hyperthyroidism impacts the body:
Weight Loss
Excess thyroid hormone boosts metabolism, so the body burns calories faster. This leads to unintended weight loss.
Rapid Heart Rate
Thyroid hormone increases heart rate and cardiac output. Heart palpitations and arrhythmias may occur.
Tremors
Hyperthyroidism can cause a fine tremor in the hands and fingers, as well as shaking of the limbs.
Diarrhea
Intestinal motility increases, leading to more frequent and loose bowel movements.
Sweating
Excess thyroid hormone causes increased sweating beyond what is normal for the ambient temperature.
Difficulty Sleeping
The increased metabolism and heart rate make it difficult to fall and stay asleep.
Muscle Weakness
Certain muscle groups like those around the hips and shoulders can weaken and lose bulk over time.
Restlessness and Anxiety
Thyroid hormones regulate neurotransmitters, leading to feelings of restlessness and nervousness.
Changes in Menstrual Cycles
Periods may be shorter, lighter, more frequent or stopped altogether in women with hyperthyroidism.
How does thyroid disease affect pregnancy?
Thyroid problems can impact pregnancy in the mother as well as cause complications in the developing baby. Here are some key effects:
| Thyroid Problem | Impact on Pregnancy |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism |
|
| Hyperthyroidism |
|
| Hypothyroidism in baby |
|
For these reasons, maintaining normal thyroid function before and during pregnancy is very important. Thyroid hormone needs increase during pregnancy, so testing and monitoring are recommended.
What lifestyle changes help manage thyroid problems?
Making certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms for both hypo and hyperthyroidism. Here are some tips:
Eat a thyroid-friendly diet
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean proteins and probiotic-rich foods. Avoid processed foods high in sugar and hydrogenated oils. Cruciferous vegetables may help – include broccoli, cabbage, kale and cauliflower. Selenium and zinc also support thyroid function.
Keep stress levels low
Chronic stress negatively impacts thyroid function. Try yoga, meditation, massage, or other relaxation techniques.
Stay hydrated
Drink at least 2 liters of filtered water daily. Staying hydrated supports metabolism and thyroid function.
Exercise regularly
Aim for 30 minutes of activity per day, 5 days a week. Exercise helps manage weight, boosts mood, and supports thyroid hormone activity.
Get enough sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Poor sleep negatively affects metabolism and thyroid function.
Avoid goitrogens
Goitrogens are substances that may impact thyroid function by blocking iodine uptake. Avoid excess consumption of raw cruciferous veggies, soy, millet and peanuts.
Manage stress
Chronic stress increases cortisol and impairs thyroid function. Relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, and stress management help.
Take medications as directed
Follow your doctor’s medication and dosage recommendations diligently if placed on thyroid hormone replacement drugs.
What medical treatments are used for thyroid disorders?
Doctors have a range of medications and treatments to help manage thyroid problems:
Thyroid hormone replacement
Levothyroxine tablets restore thyroid hormone levels in hypothyroidism. The dose is adjusted based on regular monitoring of TSH and thyroid hormone levels.
Anti-thyroid drugs
Medications like methimazole and propylthiouracil prevent thyroid hormone synthesis to control hyperthyroidism. Beta blockers help manage symptoms.
Radioactive iodine
Oral radioactive iodine gradually destroys parts of the thyroid to treat hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. The thyroid may eventually stop working altogether.
Surgery
Removal of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) or parts of the gland can treat thyroid cancer, nodules, goiter, and hyperthyroidism. It results in lifelong hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement.
Conclusion
The thyroid gland plays a central role in regulating metabolism, growth, reproduction and many other body functions. Disorders that cause low or high thyroid hormone levels can have significant effects throughout the body. Symptoms depend on whether a person has hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Key symptoms include unexpected weight changes, fatigue, irregular heart rate, constipation or diarrhea, and sensitivity to temperature. Thyroid problems negatively affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes if not properly managed. A combination of lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, stress management, and medical treatment can help manage thyroid disorders. Blood tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels are crucial for guiding appropriate treatment over time.