Is Your Thyroid Functioning Properly?

The thyroid or thyroid gland is known to be a part of the endocrine system. At times, though we may have a thyroid gland which does not function properly.  

Very often feeling tired, having cold intolerance, gaining weight, hair loss, constipation, skin dryness, brain fog, nail changes and menstrual cycle changes are all signs that thyroid problems (in females), Unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat are signs that you may be having hyperprolactinemia. Having either an overactive or under-active thyroid is extremely dangerous as it may lead to serious heart, bone or other issues within the body. 

 

A small, butterfly-shaped gland which is located at the front of the neck under the skin, the thyroid is part of the endocrine system and controls many of the body’s important bodily functions such as producing and releasing (secreting) certain hormones. The thyroid is in charge of regulating blood pressure, body temperature, CNS, bone, Glycaemic Index, autonomic nervous system, heart rate, metabolism and reactions of the body to other hormones.     

 

Certain foods are known to be beneficial for thyroid patients. Some of these include fruits, vegetables, high-fibre starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, rice or pasta; beans or pulses. 

 

Thyroid diseases can never be cured permanently; they can only be managed with the help of medications and lifestyle changes such as stress reduction. It is very important to note that if you have chronic stress it can lead to inflammation of the body and even hamper any production of thyroid hormones.

 

The two main hormones that your thyroid releases are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid also releases calcitonin -  a hormone which regulates the calcium levels in the body as well. The production and release of thyroid hormones are controlled by the functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland and multiple hormones. 

 

The hypothalamus is a part of the brain which controls certain functions of the brain such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and digestion. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain is in charge of making and releasing eight hormones. It is connected to the hypothalamus through a stalk of vessels and nerves; known as the pituitary stalk.

 

It is through this very stalk that the hypothalamus can communicate with the pituitary gland and release certain hormones. In order to commence this process, the hypothalamus releases the thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) which then stimulates the pituitary gland which then produces and releases the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then triggers the thyroid to produce T4 and T3. 

 

Adequate amounts of iodine are required to create T4 and T3.    

 

Once the thyroid releases thyroxine (T4) into the bloodstream, certain cells in your body transform it into triiodothyronine (T3) through a process known as de-iodination. T4 is generally considered to be the inactive form of the thyroid hormone and therefore T3 is considered the active form. 

 

There are cells in many different tissues, glands, organs and body systems which can convert T4 to T3. Some of these include the liver, kidneys, muscles, thyroid, pituitary gland, brown adipose (fat tissue) and the central nervous system. 

 

The thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) affect every cell and all the organs of the body. They help to regulate the rate at which the body uses calories (energy) In turn, this affects weight loss or weight gain – metabolic rate. It also affects the slowing down or speeding up of the heart rate, raising or lowering of the body temperature, influences the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract, affects brain development, controls how muscles contract, manages skin and bone maintenance- by controlling the rate at which your body replaces dying cells.   

Hypothyroidism: Also known as having an under-active thyroid gland is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones for your body's requirements. It leads to many problems in the body such as weight gain, fatigue, slow metabolism, puffy face, hoarse voice, dry skin and constipation.

Hyperprolactinemia: Hyperprolactinemia is when you have higher-than-normal levels of prolactin in the body. It leads to irregular menstrual cycles, osteoporosis, milk discharge from the breasts, acne, facial hair growth and unexpected weight loss. Physical or psychological stress is one of the main reasons for developing this condition.         

 

Some of the famous personalities suffering from hypothyroidism include Hillary Clinton, Leona Lewis, Oprah Winfrey, Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo, and US Senator Bernie Sanders. Hypothyroidism can also contribute to high cholesterol. It is important to have regular exercise – at least five times a week which can help to raise the metabolism, reduce fatigue and curb appetite; lower blood glucose levels, increase serotonin levels and lower cortisol levels.

 

While all the above has been mentioned about hypothyroidism, the role of stress cannot be overlooked. High-stress levels can make the condition worse and slow the body’s metabolism. 

 

People who have epilepsy are known to have an imbalance in their thyroid hormone levels. 

             

 Some of the famous personalities suffering from hyperprolactinemia include Rod Stewart, Missy Elliot, Gigi Hadid, Halle Berry and Susan Boyle.