11 Things Every Woman Should Know About Thyroid

Is the thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, best known for metabolism and weight changes? and is usually the first culprit (mistakenly) when we earn a few unwanted pounds.

However, it also regulates the functioning of the heart, brain, liver and kidneys and influences the growth of children and adolescents, menstrual cycle, fertility, concentration, mood and emotional health.

The two most common problems related to this gland are hypothyroidism (when it works poorly) and hyperthyroidism (when it works excessively), and can both cause goiter? a swelling popularly known as 'chat'. Learn more about this important gland:


1. Thyroid is a small command center

The association between thyroid and fatigue and extra pounds does not happen for nothing: the hormones produced by this gland affect virtually every other organ and process in our body.

The thyroid is activated by TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), which is produced and released by the pituitary gland, also called the pituitary gland. From this stimulus, the thyroid synthesizes and secretes the hormone T4, which is metabolized to its most active form (T3) and travels through the body performing its functions.

Read also: Understand how the thyroid works


2. Older Women Are More Subject to Thyroid Problems

Women are eight times more likely to develop thyroid problems than men, and this risk increases after age 60. The most common dysfunction is hypothyroidism, the reduction in thyroid function, which affects 10% of women to a greater or lesser extent.

3. Early symptoms may go unnoticed

The first signs that the thyroid may be impaired are not very specific: lack of mood, weakness, and a certain slowness of mind can easily be mistaken for the simple need to rest.

However, if the problem is not detected and treated, hypothyroidism may increase the chances of type 2 diabetes or impair fertility. Therefore, one must be aware of a tiredness that never seems to end.


4. Menopause also causes these symptoms.

Another difficulty in diagnosing hypothyroidism is that symptoms can also be a consequence of hormonal changes in menopause? such as irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Therefore, in women over 40, these two conditions can be confused.

Women with a family history of thyroid problems or autoimmune diseases (type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, lupus, and arthritis, for example) should be aware of the possibility of hypothyroidism at this stage of life. This is because there is a greater chance that one's own body will attack the thyroid as if it were a foreign body.

Read also: Thyroid cancer: know the main symptoms of the disease

5. Different doctors propose different treatments.

The first step in diagnosing a thyroid problem is to evaluate the patient's TSH levels: if this hormone is too high, this may be a sign that the body has noticed that the thyroid is working less, so it sends more. stimuli for her.

The reference values ​​for TSH usually range from 0.5 to 5.0 µIU / mL, varying according to the clinical analysis laboratory. Therefore, if your test result is within this range, an endocrinologist or general practitioner may consider that you do not need treatment.

On the other hand, doctors who follow the holistic or integrative line may propose some form of treatment if you are within this range and have symptoms. It all depends on the professional's view and their individual characteristics.

6. Treatment is forever, but it works well

If you need to treat hypothyroidism, be aware that you will probably need some medicine, such as levothyroxine sodium, throughout your life. The good news is that the treatment usually works very well, and in about a month the patient can already notice quite a difference in their health and disposition.

7. We Should Not Blame The Thyroid For All Health Problems

Thyroid dysfunction can actually cause low mood, favor weight gain and reduce libido. However, these symptoms are most often caused by other reasons, such as a vitamin deficiency, an inadequate diet or emotional problems respectively.

Also read: 12 Factors That Affect Female Fertility And You Didn't Imagine

Professional follow-up is indispensable for identifying the real cause of these signs and treating them as efficiently as possible.

8. Your diet may favor thyroid function.

Some research suggests that eating several small meals during the day has a positive effect on the functioning of this gland. This is because variations in insulin levels caused by this type of diet can help the body convert T4 to T3, which is the active form of thyroid hormone.

9. Selenium rich foods are beneficial to the gland

Selenium is an essential mineral for the production of thyroid hormones and protects this gland in patients suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis (when the immune system attacks the thyroid). Some selenium-rich foods are Brazil nuts, eggs, and beans.

10. The foot test serves to diagnose hypothyroidism.

Some babies are already born with hypothyroidism, and early diagnosis is important to prevent developmental problems. This problem can be detected by the foot test, which should preferably be done between the third and fifth day of the child's life.

11. Look for an endocrinologist

Never-ending tiredness, feeling of weakness, and seemingly unexplained weight gain are reasons to be alert. Similarly, symptoms such as increased heart rate, nervousness and sudden weight loss are not normal either. If these symptoms persist, you should consult an endocrinologist (or your GP) and order tests to evaluate your thyroid function.

Read also: 7 Easy and Effective Ways to Speed ​​Up Your Metabolism

In addition to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the thyroid can suffer from inflammation, lumps and cancer. The sooner these problems are discovered, the better the prognoses for the patient.

Why Do People Get Thyroid Problems? - Sadhguru (March 2024)


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