Thyroid: Its Working, Symptoms, Effects

The Thyroid gland is a very small, butterfly-shaped gland in your body which is placed between your collarbone and the voice box. This gland is responsible for releasing the hormones which are responsible for regulating the metabolism rate in your body. Not only does it control the number of calories you burn, but also checks the speed of your working organs like heart, liver, kidney, brain and other organs. It also regulates the functioning of your body like heart rate, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature, breathing, weight, and much more.

As the thyroid gland is responsible for so many important functions, it is important that it should work properly and release hormones in the required number; not more, not less. The underactive thyroid is known as hypothyroidism and an overactive thyroid gland is called hyperthyroidism.

How does it work?

The thyroid glands produce the hormones with the help of iodine present in our body and release these hormones into the blood which takes it to the cells in our body. This is why iodine plays a very important role in your body. Iodine deficiency is one of the major reason which leads to thyroid problems. So it is important to eat the food which is rich in iodine to maintain the level of iodine in your body. This is what iodine can do for you; it can help to ensure the proper functioning of your thyroid glands in your body. The two types of hormones produced by the thyroid gland are:

• T3- Triiodothyronine
• T4- Thyroxine

The problem arises when the release of either of these hormones increases or decreases. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland also helps to maintain the balance of these two hormones, which eventually keeps the functioning of your body normal.

If the production of T3 and T4 is high in your body, your body will lose weight and you will experience diarrhea and a very fast heartbeat. On the other hand, if T3 and T4 are low in your body, your body will gain weight and you will experience constipation and slow heartbeat.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Hair loss
• Trembling hands
• Lack of sleep

Symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Weight gain
• High cholesterol
• Tiredness
• Depression
• Joint pains
• Slower heart rate
• Brittle hair
• Constipation

Effect of high or low thyroid in your body:

1. It will be very difficult for you to maintain an appropriate body weight because the thyroid gland directly affects the metabolism of your body. So you are likely to experience regular weight loss if you are suffering from hyperthyroidism and weight gain if you are suffering from hypothyroidism.
2. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that ensure a regular menstrual cycle in your body. Suffering from hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can disturb your menstrual cycles and lower the chances of fertility.
3. Low thyroid levels will make your skin, hair, and nails look dry, dull, and brittle because of the slow functioning of your skin cells.
4. Fluctuating thyroid levels in your body can also cause you to be forgetful at times. You may feel like your brain is not working effectively and you may lack concentration. Thyroid is also one of the causes of depression.